Roughly half of the country’s zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), 613,000 clean cars, can be found on California roads today. But the state has a long way to go to reach its goal of five million clean cars by 2030. That’s why I introduced AB 1046, which reforms the way we give rebates to consumers who buy or lease ZEVs, so people make the switch sooner rather than later.
eAlerts
California begins its new fiscal year with an incredible and historic state budget - one that makes me proud to be the Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. Throughout the month of July, I'll highlight some of the investments we've made and how they will make life better for our residents.
With two daughters in public schools, I'm excited to see the state devoting additional resources to public education. From early childhood through college, we want to make sure every kid has the opportunity to succeed.
Dear Friend,
I’ve never been more proud to hail from California. Our state has the largest LGBT population in the country and is home to more than 40 local pride celebrations, from San Francisco to Palm Springs. We have always unofficially observed the month of June as LGBT Pride Month. But this year, for the first time, California officially proclaimed June as LGBT Pride Month, under state statute. Governor Newsom eagerly carrying out his official duty is a reminder of how great California is. People here are encouraged to embrace who they are and who they love.
It's time to talk about our plastic problem. All those plastic beverage bottles we use are piling up in landfills. Why? Because there's very little demand for used plastic materials, and China and other overseas markets are refusing to buy any more of our waste. These containers now have nowhere to go but warehouses and landfills … or worse, our environment. By one estimate, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050 if we don't do anything about our plastic bottle dilemma.
Momentum is building to move California toward e-receipts. A few days ago, the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board endorsed my bill, AB 161, which allows consumers to choose whether they want a paper proof-of-purchase, an electronic version, or nothing at all. In today’s digital age, the Board calls physical receipts wasteful and bad for your health. Please click here to read more.
San Francisco’s famous Lombard Street sees more than two million visitors a year. The crowds and traffic congestion have become too much for the neighborhood, especially during the summer months. The problem has increasingly become a public safety issue and is negatively affecting the quality of life for area residents.
On Monday, April 22, we will celebrate the 49th anniversary of Earth Day, a recognition of our support and commitment to the environment. As Californians, it’s in our DNA to do what’s best for our planet. We adopted the nation’s first vehicle emissions and energy efficiency standards; enacted policies aimed at preserving the wilderness and coastline; and invested in clean technology. Reducing and recycling waste are also second nature to us.
Dear Friend,
Please join me for two upcoming events dedicated to improving your health and safety.
Sunday, April 28 - Bike Fair
Please bring the whole family to my annual bike fair, where kids of all ages will learn how to ride a bike safely, learn about the Safe Routes to School program, and hear about legislation that affects our community.
NO NEED TO BRING A BIKE. Bikes will be available to borrow.
Dear Friends,
Like you, I was shocked, then angry, to hear about Operation Varsity Blues, the national college admissions scandal. But there has always been a legal way for privileged families to get their children into elite universities under a different set of rules outside the normal process. We raise our kids to believe that if they work hard, opportunities will be available to them. But that's not entirely true. There's a side door for people with means, giving them advantages over more deserving students.
Winter is over and the sun is starting to shine, so come and join me for the following events this spring and early summer:
The tax season is underway, and I want to make sure you know about an effective tool that can help lift millions of individuals and families out of poverty. It’s called the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I’ve championed the tax refund program’s expansion because it puts money back into the pockets of people who need it the most.