(SAN FRANCISCO, CA)  Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement in response to graffiti saying “No more Chinese,” which was found most recently in the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco over the weekend.  Reports suggest this graffiti has appeared in various locations over the past few months.

“Chinese Americans are the only ethnic group to be excluded from immigrating into our country via the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.  This hateful graffiti is a reminder of this hysteria and could not be further from our values as a community.  San Francisco has long provided refuge to people facing discrimination.  We cherish diversity and celebrate it with pride.  By catching and prosecuting the perpetrator of this crime, we can send a message that hate has no place in our city.”

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(Sacramento, CA) –   The State Legislature passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) that will help California receive federal funding from the 2014 farm bill in order to expand healthy food access at farmers’ markets for low-income Californians receiving food stamps.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1321 passed the Assembly today with a 56-16 vote, following a 30-8 Senate vote on Wednesday.  It is now pending Governor Jerry Brown’s signature or veto by October 11.

(Sacramento, CA) –   Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to authorize the use of more financial tools, subject to voter approval, to pay for the restoration of the San Francisco Bay.

“The bay is our region’s greatest natural treasure and it will take some doing to overcome a century of landfill and pollution,” said Ting.  “Efforts to restore its beauty have stalled because we haven’t had all of the right financial tools.  With that obstacle now gone, we can craft a viable restoration plan for voters to consider.  This is very exciting.”

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Carpinteria), Chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Vice Chair of the Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus release the following statement in response to a quote by Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush regarding his use of the derogatory term “anchor babies” relative to the Asian community:

Assemblymember Das Williams states:

“Jeb Bush’s comments on Asian immigrants are incredibly derogatory and appalling. Bush’s words harken back to 19th century ideas such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to deny American citizenship to Asians. The Asian American community is the fastest growing immigrant population in the United States, and I am angered that a Presidential candidate would use a national platform to demonize Asian Americans families.

(Sacramento, CA) –   The California State Legislature passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to authorize the use of more financial tools, subject to voter approval, to pay for the restoration of the San Francisco Bay.

Assembly Bill (AB) 746 passed the Assembly today with a 49-28 vote, following a Senate a 26-11 Senate vote on Monday.  It is now pending Governor Jerry Brown’s signature or veto.

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA)  Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) cheered today’s decision from the United States Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage across the country.  As the former Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco, Ting signed the first marriage license legally recognized by the State of California in conjunction with the marriage of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin in 2008.  Ting’s statement follows.

““The need to love makes everyone the same.  It is the ultimate expression of our humanity. Finally, the law frees all of us to publicly express love through marriage.  This leap forward inspires such profound joy in me, especially as a father.  Our shared struggle to reach this moment is something my young daughters will never experience in their own lives.  I can’t wait to march with them at Pride this weekend to celebrate how our lives are better when love wins!”

(SACRAMENTO, CA) Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored 29-year-old John Mark Sonza of Daly City during the California State Assembly's 8th Annual Veteran of the Year Luncheon, which recognized veterans from across California and featured speeches from Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and other dignitaries.

"John has lived an inspiring life of service to his country and his roots in the Philippines," said Ting. "He has a beautiful family and very bright future ahead. I know John will make us even more proud to claim him as a member of our community."

(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D–San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, issued the following statement about the passage of a state budget for California.  Ting’s statement follows.

“This budget makes it a little easier to be a kid in California.  A new tax credit will help keep millions out of poverty.  We will start providing health care to children regardless of immigration status.  Thousands more parents will be able to send their children to preschool and to childcare.  K-12 funding is at a new high, our public universities will expand California student enrollment, and financial aid expansion will enable more students to afford a college education.  But our kids deserve even more.  We cannot give them a better start in life over the long haul without reforming our tax code to ensure that the state’s financial future is even more secure.”

For further information, please see an analysis of the budget agreement online here.

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) The Hard Wear Store was honored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) today as his small business of the year, in observance of California Small Business Day this week.  Ting presented owner Angela Tickler with a California State Assembly Resolution in her store honoring the store’s success.

“The Hard Wear Store opened in a tough economy and thrived,” said Ting.  “This inspiring success story embodies why we need productive small businesses.  The Hard Wear Store is not just a great place to shop, it contributes to the spirit and pride of our community.”

(Sacramento, CA) –  The California State Assembly Committee passed legislation authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to ensure fairness, objectivity and transparency in the accreditation process affecting California’s community colleges. The vote occurred while our accreditor – the San Rafael-based Accreditation Commission on Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) – meets behind closed doors this week. Ting’s legislation moves to the State Senate for further review.

“We need education to be the great equalizer in our society but that role is compromised when education standards are enforced unfairly, arbitrarily, and in secret,” said Ting. “We need these reforms to end abuses of power from our accreditor. Sweeping change is needed that put the needs of our students first.”