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Caregivers, Veterans, Labor and Business Support AB 1356

(Sacramento, CA)-Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced historic legislation that, if passed, will dramatically improve access to cannabis across California. AB 1356 will require local jurisdictions, where more than 50% of voters supported Proposition 64, to issue one cannabis retail license for every four onsite liquor consumption licenses.

“Californians voted for Prop. 64 to replace the illicit market with a legal system that would grant Californians safe access to cannabis products, while also creating good jobs and significant tax revenue,” said Assemblymember Ting, author of AB 1356. “However, these goals can only be fully realized if enough licenses are granted to meet existing demand. This bill will ensure the legal market can succeed.”

“When California voters supported Prop. 64 they made clear the importance of access to cannabis products. For many, including seniors, veterans, young people with childhood maladies and individuals with disabilities, cannabis serves an important medical purpose. Many cities and counties are currently not providing this access to their medically challenged constituents, even when a majority of their constituents voted for Prop. 64. Banning and limiting access to cannabis in these jurisdictions only fuels the illicit market in our state,” said Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles). “I am proud to co-author AB 1356 (Ting), a measure that will ensure local governments respect the will of the voters by increasing access to safe cannabis products from the legal cannabis market.”

Nearly two and a half years after the passage of Prop. 64, and a year and half after the introduction of the California legal retail cannabis market, approximately 76% of California cities and counties have banned cannabis retail businesses.

he California Student Aid Commission approved $2.9 million in grants this week that will help nine local programs provide greater incentives for low-income families to build college savings accounts. Enacted through the FY 2017-18 state budget, the Every Kid Counts (EKC) College Savings Program received a one-time appropriation to support local programs in providing seed money to open accounts, incentivizing more deposits and educating families about program benefits.

“We must do more to give all children the opportunity to follow their dreams,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and champion of the EKC College Savings Program. “This investment helps increase the likelihood students will pursue a certificate or degree, opening the door to many great career paths.”

When a student turns 18 years old, local programs supported by the EKC College Savings Program allow funds to be withdrawn for post-secondary tuition (including vocational and trade schools), room and board, books, supplies, equipment and mandatory fees. The nine grant recipients are:

• San Francisco Kindergarten to College ($926,892)
• El Monte Promise Foundation ($448,044)
• The Oakland Promise Kindergarten to College (K2C) Program ($405,038)
• Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department ($286,583)
• United Way California Capitol Region ($286,172)
• Glendale Unified School District ($197,915)
• City of West Sacramento ($148,576)
• Corazon Healdsburg ($110,779)
• Santa Cruz Community Ventures ($100,000)  

In his January budget proposal, Governor Newsom put forth $50 million to support pilot programs and partnerships that increase access to college savings accounts among incoming kindergartners. Lawmakers are expected to discuss the proposal in the coming weeks.

The tax deadline is fast approaching! This year, one million more Californians may be eligible for a state refund under the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), which was expanded again for the 2018 tax year. Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, championed the effort during negotiations in 2018. Research has shown that EITCs are an effective anti-poverty tool.

CalEITC put nearly $350 million directly in the hands of 1.4 million people last year, tripling the number of households that claimed the credit when compared to the prior year. This year, the Franchise Tax Board reports 39% more people have claimed the CalEITC compared to this time last year, already receiving $180 million back.

“California’s strong economy enables us to give a modest income boost to the families that need it the most,” said Ting. “Close to half of Californians who claimed the state Earned Income Tax Credit last year are single-parent households with children, and a refund can be life-changing for them. Adding self-employed workers for the first time in the 2017 tax year, particularly those in the gig economy, was especially impactful.”

Workers must file an income tax return in order to get the refund, even if they don’t owe any taxes. Every year, California leaves $2 billion of unclaimed state and federal EITC money on the table.  Help us spread the word! Numerous non-profits can connect workers with free tax preparation services. This year, taxes are due by Monday, April 15^th. 

AB 1076 is a groundbreaking, comprehensive clean slate effort that leverages technology to clear records at scale by automating existing laws

Today, District Attorney George Gascón and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced the introduction of AB 1076, a revolutionary effort to efficiently automate arrest and conviction relief at the California Department of Justice.  Using technology, this policy will automate the process for those who are already entitled to record clearance relief under existing laws.  By eliminating barriers to successful reentry, AB 1076 will provide millions of Californians with renewed employment, housing and education opportunities.

“Millions of Californians are living in a paper prison,” said District Attorney George Gascón.  “A huge number of people are entitled to relief that they’ll never realize because they have to jump through hoops to get it. The system has erected bureaucratic barriers that disproportionately impact communities of color, barriers that undermine the likelihood of successful reentry by limiting access to employment and housing.  With a few key strokes California can enhance public safety and equity while reducing recidivism and taxpayer spending.  AB 1076 will not only modernize our system of justice, it’s a model for the justice system.”

“Everybody deserves a second chance.  We must open doors for those facing housing and employment barriers and use available technology to clear arrest and criminal records for individuals already eligible for relief.  There is a great cost to our economy and society when we shut out job-seeking workers looking for a better future,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), author of AB 1076.

Studies show that lack of access to employment and housing are primary factors that drive individuals to reoffend.  As a result, barriers to criminal record relief reduce the likelihood of successful reentry and harm public safety.  They also perpetuate the long history of disproportionate impact of the justice system on socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, and communities of color in particular.