Press Releases

A “backyard revolution” is underway in California, thanks to the policy and budget actions taken by the state Legislature in recent years on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – affordable housing more commonly known as backyard cottages, granny flats or in-law units. They are now poised to play an even great role in easing this state’s housing shortage.

In SB 104, a budget bill now headed to the Governor, there’s an additional $25 million for the highly successful ADU Grant Program, which provides approved homeowners with up to $40,000 in pre-development costs like design and site prep. This funding would complement the $100 million allocated last year and could result in up to 2,500 new ADUs. But the first round of funds were exhausted within months because of demand.

The California Legislature today approved AB 881, the Be the Jury pilot program, by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), allowing five counties to increase jury pay in criminal trials from $15 a day to $100 a day for low-to-moderate income jurors. The pilot program seeks to see whether a higher stipend results in juries that are more racially and economic diverse. 

“Californians from all backgrounds are entitled to serve on juries. When financial hardship determines whether someone can be participate in our democracy, we miss out on a diversity of perspectives. 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. “AB 881 helps ensure the accused gets a jury of their peers.”

A stronger care network, more bike lanes and additional cultural resources top the list of projects getting state funding as a result of the efforts of Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting’s (D-San Francisco). AB 102, signed by the Governor today, includes $20 million that will help improve the lives of his constituents and beyond.

“While we have so many needs locally, I prioritized plans that help our most vulnerable residents, expand active transportation, and strengthen community because their impacts will felt far and wide for years,” said Ting. “These investments will not only make our neighborhoods stronger, but also ensure our communities are cleaner, safer, greener, and more equitable for those who live there.”

Starting July 1, drivers who have received violation notices for nonpayment after crossing any of the Bay Area’s state-owned toll bridges or using Bay Area express lanes will get a chance to settle all or part their bill with penalties waived, under AB 2594 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). An installment plan for bridge, express lane tolls and DMV fees is also available for income-eligible households.

“The penalties added to unpaid tolls created a financial hardship for lower income drivers, especially unbanked individuals who aren’t able to get a FasTrak without a debit or credit card. By considering fairness and equity in our toll system, we give people a chance to settle their debt without the added charges,” said Ting. 

The California State Library has awarded $8.1 million in grants to 62 ethnic media outlets and media collaboratives serving communities impacted by hate incidents and hate crimes. 

A joint venture with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the grants aim to raise awareness of the Stop the Hate Program administered by the California Department of Social Services. The Stop the Hate Program helps survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes – and works to prevent those incidents from happening in the first place. 

“It’s important that multilingual communities know we, as a state, are taking steps to address hate. Our investments in victim services and violence prevention programs say we see them and are prioritizing their needs. Partnerships with trusted ethnic media outlets help us get the word out about the new or expanded resources available,” said Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). 

California leaders hope a new law, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (AB 1594) by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), will help reduce gun violence and strengthen victims’ rights to seek justice and accountability in court. When it takes effect on July 1, this law will require firearm industry members to implement certain responsible business practices to help protect public safety in California. 

The law will also provide a cause of action for victims of gun violence, as well as the state Attorney General and local government officials, to sue companies that manufacture and sell firearms and whose unlawful conduct causes harm. AB 1594 aims to push the gun industry to be more responsible in preventing the illegal sale and theft of firearms, promote a more level playing field for responsible businesses, and strengthen gun violence victims’ rights and legal tools.

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, released the following statement regarding the agreement reached between the two legislative houses for the 2023-24 budget year: 

“The Assembly and the Senate budget plan allows us to not only protect the progress we’ve made in improving the lives of Californians, but also increase our investments in education, homeless programs, affordable housing, climate protection and childcare. At the same time, we are being responsible, expanding the state’s reserves and rainy day funds to safeguard against any economic downturns that may occur down the road.

Theh organization focuses toddlers to high school seniors, offering robust programs in child development, leadership training, college preparation and job readiness. Such dedication has impacted thousands of lives since 1970 with locations touching every corner of our district, from San Francisco’s westside to San Mateo County’s Daly City. We are fortunate to have a tireless and committed organization as part of our community. Read more about their good work here.

More juries in California may soon be more racially and economically diverse, thanks to today’s approval in the Assembly of AB 881 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). Under the bill, jury pay in criminal trials would increase from $15 a day to $100 a day for low-to-moderate income jurors. 

While originally a statewide proposal, the amended legislation now creates a pilot program in five counties: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Alameda, Kern and Monterey. California, like many states, requires employers to provide time off for jury duty, but they don’t have to pay their employees while serving. In turn, many workers often seek to be excused from their civic duty, so they can go to their jobs to earn more money.

Paper receipt, e-receipt or no receipt? The California State Assembly today approved AB 1347/Skip-The-Slip by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), giving consumers a choice over how they would like their proof-of-purchase. The legislation encourages greater adoption of electronic receipts in California starting next year to reduce the environmental impacts and the health risks posed by the paper version. 

“In this digital age, customers should have options. It doesn’t make sense to kill so many trees and produce billions pounds of carbon emissions when we buy a cup of coffee or a pack of gum,” said Ting. “AB 1347 gives customers a choice, allowing for a paper receipt when it’s needed.”