(SACRAMENTO, CA) The California State Assembly returned Senate Constitutional Amendment (SCA) 5 to the Senate at the request of its author Senator Ed Hernández (D-West Covina). This action was accompanied with an announcement that the Assembly Speaker and the Senate President pro tempore will create a commission in the next couple of weeks on issues surrounding recruitment, admissions, and retention of students in California’s higher education system. Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and member of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, issued the following statement about these developments.

"The state must play a more active role to ensure equal access to higher education. After having reformed K-12 education funding last year to focus on low-income and English language learning students, it is time for a thoughtful debate about what can be done to ensure that all hardworking students have access to a state university education. This means taking a hard look at recruitment and retention activities to ensure that our campuses provide opportunities for students from underrepresented communities, as is the common practice in our nation’s elite private colleges. However, getting admitted is only the start of many challenges facing students today. Paying for college and graduating on time must become easier. Continued financial aid reform is needed to help more students afford the cost of earning a degree. We must also bring new investment to higher education so that students can enroll in the classes they need. All of these actions and more will help every qualified student access opportunities in our wonderful state university system."

Action Needed to Ensure Low-Income, English Language Learning Students Benefit

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, and Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) sent a letter to the California State Board of Education signed by nearly 30 lawmakers urging action to ensure that new regulations for education funding match the Legislature's intent in creating the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) last year. The Board's public comment period concluded today as it works to complete the final regulations for the LCFF, which will be implemented starting later this year.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement following today’s vote for Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to serve as the next Speaker of the State Assembly.

“California’s working families have a voice for their values in Toni Atkins.  Her rise to the speakership from modest origins is an inspiring example of achievement that is only possible in our country.  While other states dither on equality, I’m proud to serve in the Assembly when the new normal is for us to be led by a member of the LGBT community.  I thank Speaker John A. Pérez for his service.  California is clearly better off because of his compassionate and tireless leadership.  I look forward to working with the Speaker-elect as she makes her mark.”

Contact: Anthony Matthews, tel. (916) 319-2019, anthony.matthews@asm.ca.gov

(SACRAMENTO, CA)  Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, honored Cecilia Chung during the California State Assembly’s Woman of the Year ceremony for her leadership on civil rights, HIV/AIDS and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) equality.

“Cecilia has an inspiring record of breaking down barriers,” said Ting.  “Her bravery and brains have made our community a more compassionate and welcoming place.  As we strive for even greater equality, we can simply look to her for a roadmap forward.  Cecilia’s passion and commitment to equality know no bounds.”

(Sacramento) – Appearing at Northeast Medical Services in Chinatown, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) today called for enactment of the Speaker’s legislation, AB 2325, which would increase the number of medical interpreters to help ensure Californians with limited English receive the right medical treatment.

“In a state as large and diverse as California, we need to ensure that people who are seeking medical attention are able to effectively communicate their symptoms, so that doctors can correctly identify the illness or injury and take the appropriate steps to treat it,” Speaker Pérez said. “This legislation is a smart investment in health care for Californians, because the vast majority of the funds available come from the federal government, so we can improve health care outcomes and generate economic activity without significantly impacting California’s budget.”

Report Shows Bill could Boost Applications for State Aid by 15 Percent

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – With the deadline for college financial aid applications just days away, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, announced new legislation that is expected to expand access to financial aid for thousands of students by helping them complete their applications.

“Education is the greatest gift we can give to our children,” said Ting. “California is providing more help than ever to help families pay for college but too many students leave aid on the table. Students who apply for aid are twice as likely to enroll in college and more likely to graduate. This simple solution will ensure more students get help getting ahead.”

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the California State Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Promotion, convened a hearing for lawmakers and business leaders to discuss economic ties between China and California.

"The Bay Area is shaping the economic relationship between California and China and these economic ties will grow even stronger with time," said Ting. "California recently opened a trade office in Shanghai and created new incentives to attract investment here at home. We must ensure that these tools are effective and consider what other state policies can create jobs by getting Chinese companies to open in California."

(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.”