Ensuring the well-being of all animals is one of my big priorities. Over the years I have introduced and supported bills that provide funding to care for native wildlife, protect wild horses and burros, limit unnecessary animal testing, and many more.
Bills that made it through the Senate and Assembly by the “House of Origin Deadline on June 2nd must pass a final floor vote by September 14, when we adjourn for the year. Approximately 1100 bills are currently pending in both houses and the Governor will have until October 14 to sign or veto everything that reaches his desk.
Local fire departments are essential for public safety. By responding rapidly to wildfires and other emergencies, they save countless lives. Ensuring they have the means to perform this critical task has been a big priority for me in Sacramento.
Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing illicit industry, after drug trafficking. Worldwide, it’s estimated that there are over 40 million victims of human trafficking. 75% are women and girls, 25% are children.
During the pandemic, the Employment Development Department (EDD) virtually collapsed, and legislative offices like mine stepped into the breach. My office alone handled over 3,000 unemployment cases.
California’s $310.6 billion budget for the new Fiscal Year was approved in mid-June. Trailer bills that make specific funding allocations for state agencies and programs are receiving approval and in many cases are still under review. As often happens, politically expedient wants are often placed above essentials. For example, spending plans still include $4.2 billion for the high-speed rail boondoggle.
As the Assembly representative for the 75th District, which includes the eastern and northern two-thirds of San Diego County, I’m reaching out to let you know about the services available through my District Office (DO). My staff and I are honored and excited to represent you, and to provide any assistance you may need when dealing with state agencies.
As Vice Chair of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee, I participated in a Joint Informational Hearing with the Assembly Insurance Committee on June 14.
The 75th Assembly District, which I am honored to represent in Sacramento, covers the largely rural eastern two-thirds of San Diego County, and is home to much of our agricultural areas and tribal governments. Unfortunately, much of that area lies within a Very High Fire Risk Severity zone and needs reliable, sustainable water infrastructure. Given our region’s vulnerability to recurring droughts, diminishing groundwater resources and wildfires, I am very pleased to support AB 1567 (Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, and others).
On June 7, California’s annual Nonprofits Day ceremony was held on the South Lawn of the State Capitol. The ceremony salutes nonprofits that do so much to improve our communities and enhance our lives. This year, 113 nonprofits from throughout California were honored. For a full list of honorees by region, please click here.