Press Releases

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the statement below regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2022-23 budget proposal:

“We’re a stronger state when we are all doing better. Clearly, with Omicron cases surging, we should consider taking some early budget actions to respond, including more COVID sick time. In the long term, we must continue making sure California’s strong economic recovery touches every resident. We do that by following through on the bold investments we made in last year’s budget, which are working to lift up Californians still struggling from the pandemic. I’m happy to see a number of the Governor’s priorities is aligned in the Assembly Budget Blueprint, Delivering Prosperity & Strengthening the Future, unveiled last month, including:

In an effort to ensure California’s comprehensive gun laws are followed, Assemblymembers Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chris Ward (D-San Diego) and Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) are spearheading AB 1594 this year.  The bill would empower local/state governments and Californians to sue manufacturers and sellers of firearms for the harm caused by their products. The threat of civil litigation aims to compel the gun industry to take every step possible to prevent illegal sales and theft to reduce gun violence.

“We must make our communities safer. Almost every industry in the United States can be held liable for what their products do, but the gun industry is not held to the same standard. Financial repercussions may finally push them to be more responsible by improving their practices and adhering to California’s strict gun laws,” said Assemblymember Ting.

The following statement can be attributed to Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee:

Californians are scared and afraid to go out. That’s no way to live. We must do more to protect businesses and make our communities safer. California must collaborate and assist federal and local law enforcement agencies to address organized retail crime.

I applaud the Governor’s proposals to address the threat and reality of gun violence. I have successfully championed data and information sharing between various state agencies and the UC Davis Firearm Violence Research Center, whose cutting edge work is not only critical to understanding and curbing gun violence, but also helpful in guiding us on policy. I look forward to teaming up with the Administration and our law enforcement partners on crafting an effective strategy to stop these sophisticated shoplifting rings.

Sacramento – Sodas, bottled water and other drinks will come in more environmentally friendly packaging, starting next month. That’s when AB 793 by Assemblymembers Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) kicks in, the country’s first recycled content standards for plastic CRV drink bottles. It aims to reduce plastic pollution by creating a market for post-consumer plastics. Reusing what’s already been made also supports the state’s transition to a circular economy.

California’s economic recovery from the pandemic is going strong with another budget surplus forecasted in the next year. But not every resident is reaping the benefits of this upswing. In today’s unveiling of his 2022-23 Budget Blueprint, Delivering Prosperity & Strengthening the Future, Assembly Budget Chair, Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), emphasized the priority of ensuring the state’s economic recovery is more inclusive.

“We made bold investments in last year’s budget, and many of those initiatives have yet to be completed. We must see those commitments through and make certain they are working to lift up Californians still struggling from the impacts of COVID-19. We’re a stronger state when we all are doing well,” said Ting.

In addition to expanding prosperity, the Assembly Budget Blueprint devotes one-time funds to infrastructure projects to complement federal funds and prepares the state for the years ahead.

California organizations that have been supporting Asian/Pacific Islander (API) victims of hate or pursuing ways to prevent such incidents can now apply for a Stop The Hate grant to ensure their impactful work continues. The Department of Social Services’ Request For Applications makes $20 million available starting today. The funding is part of the historic $166.5 million API Equity Budget championed by Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and the California API Legislative Caucus this year. It aims to address the alarming spike in hate crimes and incidents against the API community members, who have been wrongly blamed for the pandemic.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the following statement about California’s latest Fiscal Outlook from the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO):

Our historic 2021-22 budget has allowed us to make tremendous strides in improving the lives of so many Californians. Whether it was stimulus checks, rent relief, greater educational opportunities, or expanded safety net programs, including healthcare, we have helped millions navigate through some pandemic-driven hardships. Our strong financial standing also made it possible for us to reimagine the state’s future, helping us create new programs, such as transitional kindergarten, climate resiliency, more housing and universal school meals. It’s our job now to provide oversight, making sure we follow through on those commitments and that these new investments are working.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) will hold his final Virtual Town Hall of the year on Saturday, November 13, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. He'll update constituents on new laws taking effect on January 1; plus attendees are encouraged to give input on ideas regarding what Sacramento's legislative and budget priorities should be for 2022. RSVP or submit a question here.

For over 30 years, the Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC), has championed underserved youth and families living and working in the Richmond district. As part of an expansion plan, CYC purchased a building located at 952 Clement Street to increase programs and services in a neighborhood that is ethnically and economically diverse. The Richmond Community Hub will be a 7,160 square foot two story building with a rooftop deck. The Richmond Community Hub will be home to workforce development programs, a state-of-the art computer clubhouse, a shared community room for workshops and gatherings, administrative offices, and program space.

With the Governor’s signature on AB 1452 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), San Francisco will soon begin paying low to moderate-income jurors $100 per day – up from $15 a day. The pilot program called Be The Jury seeks to determine whether higher pay leads to more racial and socio-economic diversity in juries.

“The legal system is full of inequities, and juries lacking diversity exacerbate that. I thank the Governor for seeing the need for change and allowing our city to explore whether higher pay improves demographics. Studies show when juries are more reflective of the communities they serve, they spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt, which help defendants get a fair trial,” said Ting.