Press Releases

Companies have been labeling products as “compostable” when they’re actually not. But that practice could soon end because of higher composting standards under a bill approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor late yesterday. AB 1201, the Better Composting Standards Act by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), tightens the rules on what can be identified as compostable to prevent contamination, which threatens composting programs.

“Consumers and businesses are being deceived into thinking they’re buying the right products to conserve resources and reduce their environmental impact. Some are labeled as compostable, even when they contain harmful chemicals that contaminate our compost, consequently making that compost unusable,” said Ting. “We must be clearer on what is acceptable for composting and ensure that our compost doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.”

California could soon walk back its jaywalking laws, if Governor Gavin Newsom signs AB 1238/The Freedom To Walk Act by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which would legalize safe crossings for pedestrians. Jaywalking is arbitrarily enforced throughout the state, and when cited these expensive tickets are disproportionately given to people of color.

“California’s jaywalking laws are outdated and not enforced fairly across our communities. These laws do not protect pedestrians and instead burden people with unaffordable fines and subject marginalized communities to harassment by law enforcement. Unfortunately, some of these encounters with law enforcement become life threatening,” said Ting.

AB 1238/The Freedom To Walk Act promotes the fair and equitable use of roadways by:

Consumers could be ingesting fewer chemicals in their food and making smarter decisions about their cookware purchases under legislation sent to the Governor today. AB 1200 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) bans the use of “forever chemicals,” known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in food packaging. The bill also requires the makers of cookware to disclose the use of PFAS and other hazardous chemicals in their products.

“When it comes to our food, we must ensure safety. Under federal regulations, companies are allowed to self-certify that a chemical they’ve added to food packaging is safe. That’s not good enough for me. Manufacturers should be mandated to use safer alternatives,” said Ting. “In addition, disclosure of PFAS used in cookware helps families decide for themselves what’s right for them.”

Sacramento – San Francisco is one step closer to implementing a pilot program that aims to see if higher pay leads to more racial and socio-economic diversity in juries. With bipartisan support, the California Legislature today approved AB 1452 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), removing a barrier to serve by increasing the daily rate from $15 to $100 for low- to moderate-income jurors.

“Frankly, the current fifteen dollars a day is insulting. It barely covers parking or transportation to the courthouse and lunch,” said Ting. “We lose potential jurors because they can’t afford to miss a paycheck. In order for justice to be administered fairly, juries must be reflective of the communities they serve.”

Please join Assemblymember Phil Ting on Thursday, August 31st at 5:00 PM for a Virtual Webinar on his Facebook page or via Zoom for What is Working Now and What Can be Done to Prevent Homelessness.

Panelists:

• Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for the City and County of San Francisco.
• Margot Kushel, Director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations and Director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative.
• Hillary Kunins, Director of Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF

Zoom Info
Passcode: 962472
US: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 946 6295 7633
Passcode: 962472

After decades of neglect, San Francisco Japantown’s Buchanan Mall is finally getting a much needed makeover after Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) secured $5 million from the state budget. This open public space, which also serves as a vital commercial corridor, has not seen any upgrades since 1976, despite its historical significance.

“Japantown, like many API communities, has not received the types of investments needed to thrive and provide valued historical lessons that teach us about the mistakes of the past and foster greater understanding. Amid rising Asian hate, this kind of attention and critical support is long overdue,” said Ting, Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. 

San Francisco – Chinatown is getting a new arts and media center after Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, secured $26.5M in state funding to help the Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC) purchase a site for Edge on the Square. Called the state’s first Asian and Pacific Islander (API)-focused destination of its kind for regional visitors and tourists, CMAC hopes to create a fresh narrative of equity and inclusion, fostering greater understanding through the works of artists, performers, activists, technologists and educators.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the following statement regarding the Governor’s signature on key budget bills:

Learn about State Disability Insurance and Unemployment Insurance with updates on work search requirements for the unemployed. Questions can be submitted in advance, and attendees will have time during the town hall to ask general questions about both programs. RSVP here. Then go to Facebook here to join the Virtual Town Hall at 5:00 pm on July 14th.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the following statement on today’s budget actions:

“Today’s budget presents us with a great opportunity to transform California. We are seizing the moment by lifting more families out of poverty through Golden State Stimulus checks and the expansion of safety net programs, including a lower age for Medi-Cal eligibility regardless of immigration status. We are also investing a record $12 billion in new funding for homeless programs. I’m especially pleased with the strides we are making in higher education, adding more slots for Californians at UC and CSU and making more financial aid available. We are doing more for communities that continue to face challenges as we recover from the pandemic. This spending plan is a true reflection of the things we value most in California: inclusivity and opportunity for all to succeed.”