(SACRAMENTO,CA) –  State lawmakers approved an audit of the Office of the President of the University of California at the request of Assembly budget leaders given concerns with the insufficient and even substantially conflicting information available.

The audit was requested by Assemblymembers Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).  It was approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee with bipartisan support and will be conducted by California’s independent State Auditor.  The audit is expected to be completed by May of next year.

(SACRAMENTO,CA) –  Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to protect the rights of voters with disabilities as more communities in California administer elections by mail.

“This new law is vital to ensure that the convenience of vote by mail elections is widely shared,” said Ting.  “Greater flexibility makes voting by mail easy but convenience for some cannot undermine the right of all citizens vote.  California has led the way for technology to permeate our daily lives and it’s time to harness this power to ensure that everyone who wants to cast a vote may do so.”

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored local clothing retailer Seedstore, a boutique clothier located in the Richmond District, as Assembly District 19’s 2016 Small Business of the Year.

“Each year, the Legislature honors small businesses that reflect the flavor of their districts and support the local economy,” said Ting.  “This year, I selected Seedstore, a clothing boutique that reflects the casual, conscientious, and exceptional character of San Francisco.  Additionally, Seedstore’s owners are dedicated to the prosperity and success of their neighborhood – that’s why they feature talented local designers and are involved in their community.”

Established in 2010 by Cynthia and Jennifer Huie, Seedstore stocks independent and major brand clothing and goods for men and women.  After careers in fashion and retail, the Huie sisters set up their own store to reflect the urban outdoor aesthetic of the Westside, which is surrounded by Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, beaches, and the Presidio. Cynthia and Jennifer are dedicated to the prosperity of their community and are active in the Clement Street Merchants Association and sponsor community events such as the Halloween Trick or Treat on Clement.

Li (center) travelled to the State Capitol with his girlfriend Narissa.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored 26-year-old Justin Li of San Francisco during the California State Assembly’s 9th Annual Veteran of the Year Luncheon, which recognized veterans from across California along with state lawmakers who had previously served in the military.

“Justin is a great example for young people.  Everyone can live a life of service but it starts with a choice to seek change in people and their conditions,” said Ting.  “Justin has a bright future ahead and I know he will make us even more proud with what comes next.”

(SACRAMENTO, CA) –  Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to prevent gun tragedies at schools and workplaces, locations where most mass shootings occur.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2607 passed the State Senate 21-14 yesterday, following a 41-37 vote in the State Assembly earlier this month.  It was one of 12 gun safety bills the Legislature sent to the Governor yesterday and one of 5 vetoed today.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) –  California could have the strongest gun safety law of its kind if Governor Jerry Brown signs a bill authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to prevent gun tragedies at schools and workplaces, locations where most mass shooting tragedies occur.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2607 passed the State Senate 21-14 today, following a 41-37 vote in the State Assembly earlier this month.  It now heads to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto.  Today’s action occurred among many other votes on gun safety legislation.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - On the eve of the State Legislature’s final vote on a new multibillion dollar program to confront homelessness, Assemblymembers Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced a legislative resolution requesting the Governor declare a state of emergency on homelessness and urging statewide coordination and leadership from all parts of government to confront homelessness.  The Assembly will vote on the item tomorrow.

“California is too prosperous a state for so many to suffer from homelessness,” said Santiago, Majority Whip of the State Assembly, who represents the notorious Skid Row of Los Angeles.  “The homeless are parents, children, and veterans.  They need our help to get off the street and succeed in life.  We will not end their suffering until we think differently and commit to action, as an emergency requires.”

(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the following statement regarding Governor Jerry Brown’s signature of the 2016-17 California State Budget.

“This budget balances the need to save for the future while investing in the growth of a prosperous middle class.  We are building the state’s largest reserves in decades while making vital investments in public education, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.  Through an expansion of preschool to the creation of thousands more California student slots at our state universities, we will do a better job preparing our kids for greater success in life.  The historic repeal of the Maximum Family Grant Rule ends the stigma of being born into poverty for thousands of families struggling on the margins.  We are also taking a leading role in the largest dam removal project in American history in order to restore the water, wildlife, and communities that rely on the Klamath River.”

For more information, please see this analysis from the Assembly Budget Committee.

Ting presents Winnie Yu (left), Anni Chung (left center), Josephine Ma (right center), and Catarina Lai (right) with a resolution honoring Self Help for the Elderly on the Assembly Floor.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – During the inaugural celebration of California Nonprofits Day at the State Capitol, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored Self Help for the Elderly, of San Francisco, as his nonprofit of the year.

"Getting older brings new challenges. Routine aspects of life can become tough, which makes the work of Self Help for the Elderly so important," said Ting. "They help seniors live with dignity and grace in our community. No calling is more noble than this."

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – A bill authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to establish the nation’s most inclusive restroom access law among states passed a key vote in the State Senate.  Today’s vote occurred days before the nation’s largest gathering of the LGBT community and its allies at the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade.

“This bill sets California apart from the nation, which is now under a wave of intolerance.  We are sending a simple message that everyone’s rights must be respected and protected,” said Ting.  “Restrooms are a necessity of life so equal access to them is a matter of basic civil rights.  Gender segregated access to a solitary restroom defies common sense.  This is a fair, convenient, and safe alternative to the hate being legislated in other states.”