(SACRAMENTO, CA) – California pharmacists keep the choice to sell sterile syringes over the counter to adults without a prescription under legislation introduced by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, in order to prevent leading causes for the transmission of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

“The facts are clear and undisputed,” said Ting.  “Allowing adults to purchase syringes from pharmacists saves lives by preventing the spread of deadly diseases.  Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists support this policy, which is why it is the law of the land in nearly every state.  It’s time to make this a permanent part of California’s public health strategy.”

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – The California State Assembly passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, to ease the construction of protected bikeways, or cycletracks, that designate a portion of road for bike travel and separate it with grade separations, posts or other physical barriers.

AB 1193 passed with a 55-14 vote and moves to the State Senate for further review.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement about Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address.

“The state of the state is a reflection of who we are as people.  It has long been defined solely by how we are faring on a balance sheet.  With our budget crisis fading from view, we must take off these blinders and remember that California is so much more.  We can never forget the lessons of fiscal prudence this crisis has taught us.  But we need another yardstick to measure our progress.  California is the home of dreamers, of innovators who change the world.  Our state of the state, therefore, is about what we are doing to keep California on top as a leader.  We must lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future for all Californians by focusing prudent investment on a brighter future.  Last year, we passed historic education reforms to direct more resources to students from low income families and English learners.  But we can’t declare victory yet.  It will take public vigilance to ensure these reforms live up to their promise of creating new opportunities for students who frequently fall through the cracks.  We must also continue to reign in prison costs, which now eclipse our spending on higher education.”

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) was named to the newly-created Assembly Select Committee on Campus Climate, which will investigate how state colleges respond to and prevent student harassment and hate crimes on campus. 

“I entered politics to fight for civil rights,” said Ting who once served as the Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, an organization founded to advance the rights of the Asian Pacific Islander community.  “Our state universities are wonderful and worth fighting for.  Every person who wants an education must be able to get one without fear.”

(Daly City, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored Daisy Li, owner of Moonstar Buffet, who hosted the Rise for the Philippines benefit that raised over $25,000 for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

"Daisy is a force of nature," said Ting. "Her compassion and generosity have brought this community together to ensure that our support for Filipino relief and redevelopment are sustained over time."

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Assembly Majority Caucus Leader, issued the following statement about Governor Jerry Brown's $106.7 billion 2014-2015 budget proposal that was introduced in the State Legislature today. Ting is a member of the Assembly Budget Committee and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) joined 8 state lawmakers today in calling on Governor Jerry Brown to prohibit fracking in California until health and environmental concerns are addressed.

“We need more common sense injected into fracking policy,” said Ting.  “Until then, we need a moratorium.  Without tough regulations in place, the state cannot ensure that fracking is safe.”