Bill Providing Voting Rights Information to Eligible Offenders Passes Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 149 passed the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, with a 5-2 vote.

C0-sponsored by the California Civil Rights Coalition and the Greenlining Institute, AB 149 would ensure that persons involved in the criminal justice system are given accurate information about their voting rights and are afforded the opportunity to participate in the civic life of their communities.

Specifically, the bill would require the Department of Corrections to provide every parolee with a voter registration form and information about their voting rights upon the completion of their parole supervision. It would also require county probation departments to provide every eligible person under their supervision with a voter registration form and information on their voting rights. County sheriffs would also be required to provide this same information to eligible inmates of a county jail.

“Aside from the fact that voting has been proven to reduce recidivism among current and former offenders, it is a fundamental tenant of democracy,” said Assembly Member Weber. “I’m glad to see my colleagues on the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee stand with me in rectifying a situation where misinformation and misconceptions have had the consequence of disenfranchising an entire segment of eligible voters,” she said.

The California Constitution and state law provides that once a person has completed parole, his or her voting rights are automatically reinstated. However, in most instances, those involved in our criminal justice system are not apprised of their voting rights nor is accurate voter information readily accessible to them.

The lack of accurate voter registration information has a particularly disparate impact on communities of color in California, given the racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

By offering voter registration to the thousands of eligible voters who pass through our criminal justice system, the state will be taking an important step toward increasing its dismal voter registration rate.

AB 149 is supported by organizations such as the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and Rock the Vote. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

ATKINS BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EARLY ABORTIONS CONTINUES TO ADVANCE

(San Diego)  The Assembly Health Committee today passed AB 154, legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to expand the list of healthcare professionals authorized to perform early abortions. This bill allows nurses, physician’s assistants, and nurse-midwives to perform aspiration abortions after receiving proper training.  Currently, over half of California’s counties have no abortion provider.  AB 154 will help alleviate that shortage.

“As the former director of women’s health clinics, I know how critical timely reproductive healthcare is for women,” says Atkins.  “My bill will help ensure that no woman will have to travel a long distance or wait a long time for the care she needs because of a shortage of providers.”

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that trained nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians assistants can safely provide early abortions and that women appreciate receiving care in their own communities.  AB 154 includes stringent training and competency requirements for these practitioners.

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups dedicating to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women and will next be heard in the Assembly Health Committee. The bill is also supported by the California Medical Association.

AB 154 will next be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

ATKINS BILL RESTRICTING DRUG SWITCHING BY PHARMACISTS ADVANCES

(San Diego) The Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee today approved a bill by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to increase protections for patients whose medications are switched by pharmacists receiving financial incentives for doing so.  AB 670 restricts payments for these switches, called therapeutic substitutions, to only those made after the pharmacist performs a comprehensive medication review.

“Pharmacists are valued professional members of the healthcare team who often recommend a substitute medication because it is in the best interest of the patient, but additional caution is needed when the pharmacist has a financial incentive to make the switch,” says Atkins.  “AB 670 will ensure that the switch is in the best interest of the patient.”

Current law allows pharmacists to replace a brand-name drug with a generic formulation of the exact same medication.  Pharmacists may also, with physician approval, make a therapeutic substitution, which means that the drug treats the same condition, but is chemically different from the one originally prescribed.  If not done in conjunction with the proper review, the substitute drug can have adverse effects for the patients.

Doctors are not permitted to accept payment to specifically switch their patients’ medications from one drug to another based solely on a financial incentive.  AB 670 places similar restrictions on pharmacists and will ensure that science and patient well-being are the determining factors when choosing a drug and that consumers are protected.

AB 670 is sponsored by the California Medical Association.  It will next be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Scott Peters’ Address to California Democratic State Party Convention

Good afternoon, California Democrats!

Because of your remarkable hard work and enthusiasm last year – particularly the non-stop efforts of San Diego Democrats – last fall, I was able to unseat a 12-year Republican incumbent.

He had just about the harshest views toward immigration of any member of Congress, even though he represented a district in San Diego, near one of the largest, busiest international borders in the world.

But thanks to what you did last year, when Congress fixes our broken immigration system this year, Brian Bilbray won’t be there to get in the way!

I’m a life long Democrat; I learned at an early age about standing up for fairness and what’s right.

My dad was a minister who fought for housing desegregation in the suburbs of Detroit in the ‘60s when realtors there wouldn’t let African American or Jewish families buy homes in certain neighborhoods.  He fought that fight despite threats against his personal safety.  My parents set an example of service for me and my sisters, and they were always Democrats.

My parents said the Democratic Party believed in fairness, tolerance, and acceptance; we pitch a Big Tent and make room for others.

We stand for civil rights.  For a woman’s right to choose.  For equality in marriage.  For the ability to cast your vote without harassment or interference.  For equal pay for equal work.  And even in this Congress we have had some success, passing a Violence Against Women Act that protects ALL women, not just some. And we are supporting, and I am co-sponsoring, several bills to give LGBT military spouses equal rights, as well as Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s Paycheck Fairness Act.

As Democrats, our values are that we stand up for the Middle Class, and for the rights of working men and women.  Though sometimes, within our big Democratic tent, we may disagree about how to get there.

For example, not every Democrat agrees with everything about our President’s budget proposal.  But I give him credit for proposing a budget that funds Democratic priorities like investments in children, infrastructure and science that we need to keep America strong, while also reducing spending and debt in a serious way.

We share the same values, even if we see a different pathway.

When I was running for Congress, some skeptics told me that when I got to Washington our Leadership wouldn’t appreciate my independent views and that Party leaders wouldn’t let me vote my conscience over my Caucus.  But that’s not the case.  It turns out that our party, and our leader in the House, Nancy Pelosi, take our diversity seriously, and they value that diversity.

They’ve let me forge my own path, ask my own questions and offer my own ideas, trusting that I know what’s best for my District, consistent with our values.  I thank them for that because our diversity as Democrats makes us stronger.

But if Democrats have a Big Tent, unfortunately, today’s Republican Party is pitching a Pup Tent.

I’ve reached out to moderate Republicans to see if we can forge partnerships to solve problems, and I please don’t get me wrong – I will continue to do just that.  But it appears so far that the Tea Party still reigns supreme on the Right, and in today’s Republican Party, hyper partisanship is rewarded, and independence is squashed.

Last year, we were part of a nationwide message from voters that it’s time to end the political fighting and start the problem solving.  And it’s Democrats that are doing that work today.  So we need to keep sending that message.

Thank you for what you did last year. I ask you not lose the enthusiasm and energy. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Let’s keep the seats we won last year, and let’s go find some more.  Let’s show America that we are serious about fairness and opportunity.  Let’s show America we want to make government work instead of cutting off its legs.  Let’s show America we can adopt science-based climate policy that can save the planet.  And let’s show America that we can build a future where all of our children can be prosperous, safe and healthy.  Let’s finish the job of turning Congress from Red to Blue!

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Local Filipino-American Business Leaders Look to Pro-Jobs Democrat Gonzalez for Leadership

CHULA VISTA – (Tuesday, April 23, 2013) – The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County's mission is to promote interest of Filipino American businesses in the region. Many chamber members reside or own businesses in the 80th Assembly District and a large segment of the Filipino-American community reside in the district.

"The board voted to endorse Lorena Gonzalez as it felt she is the most qualified candidate," said Audie J. de Castro, Chairman of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County. "She would best serve members of our organization and community and the 80th District as a whole."

A full list of Lorena's endorsers can be found at http://votelorena.com/endorsements/.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER TONI ATKINS REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGE TO BOY SCOUTS GAY BAN

(San Diego) Today’s announcement by the Boy Scouts that they will no longer deny membership to gay youth is a positive step forward in eliminating discrimination from the organization; however, the continued ban on adult lesbian and gay volunteers perpetuates irrational and biased stereotypes and denies young people the adult role models they need to grow into successful adults.  I call on the Boy Scouts to reject discrimination in all its forms.

Media reports indicate that the Scouts’ policy change is based upon the results of a survey it recently sent to its supporters, asking for opinions on the discriminatory membership ban.  While it is encouraging that those currently involved in Scouting recognize the unfairness of denying the Scouting experience to some boys, I encourage them to recognize that many adults, gay and straight, refuse to involve their families in the Boy Scouts while it treats some families as second class.  The Boy Scouts should seek adult volunteers who exemplify integrity and commitment to youth, regardless of their sexual orientation.  A youth organization should not teach any boy that his parents are unwelcome or inferior.

Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins is a member of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus.  As a San Diego City Councilmember, she led the fight to end the Boy Scouts’ free use of Balboa Park for their headquarters because of their discriminatory policies.

Bill to Rebuild Communities and Decrease Recidivism in California Passes State Assembly Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA- Today, the Assembly Public Safety Committee passed Assembly Member Shirley Weber’s (D-San Diego) Assembly Bill No. 1238 unanimously with a 7 to 0 vote on April 16, 2013.

This bill continues a proven reentry program for youthful offenders ages 18-24. The California Youthful Offender Reentry Program (Cal-YOR) is an evidence-based program that has effectively brought the recidivism rate down to 1.5 percent for enrolled youth offenders.

Specifically, AB 1238 puts the Cal-YOR program into statute, recognizing it as an effective program for improving communities and reducing recidivism.  Nine community-based organization, including Homeboy Industries, received grants under Cal-YOR in 2010.  The one-time funding supported 411 at-risk-youth and resulted in a 1.5 percent recidivism rate for these offenders, as reported by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA) this month, which is a record low.

“Cal-YOR funded programs, like California YouthBuild and Homeboy Industries, have changed the lives of hundreds of young offenders throughout California,” said Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber. “These programs have turned offenders into leaders and have given these kids a chance to rebuild their lives.

Reentry programs, such as  the California YouthBuild and Homeboy Industries programs, have built a reputation as an invaluable and effective resource for young offenders returning to communities.  While enrolled in the program, these offenders are required to participate in job training, obtain their high school diplomas through classroom instruction, assist in construction projects to build and refurbishing affordable housing and improve energy efficiency in homes.

“AB 1238 provides the necessary services, including educational and employment opportunities for a meaningful second chance,” said Assembly Member Weber.  “It is unrealistic to simply release a young offender from incarceration and expect that he or she will have the personal tools needed to turn his or her life around.”

AB 1238 has passed its first hurdle and will now move to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Bill Providing Voting Rights Information and Registration to Eligible Current and Former Offenders Passes Assembly Public Safety Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assembly Member Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 149 passed the Assembly Committee on Public Safety with a 5-2 vote on April 16, 2012.
AB 149 would ensure that persons involved in the criminal justice system are given accurate information about their voting rights and are afforded the opportunity to participate in the civic life of their communities.

“Anyone who believes that voting is one of the bedrock principles of our democracy should support AB 149,” said Assembly Member Weber. “Right now, whether it’s intentional or not, we are depriving an entire segment of eligible voters, largely people of color, from their voting rights simply by not providing them with the correct voting information.”

The bill would require the Department of Corrections to provide every parolee with a voter registration form and information about their voting rights upon the completion of their parole supervision. It would also require county probation departments to provide every eligible person under their supervision with a voter registration form and information on their voting rights. County sheriffs would also be required to provide this same information to eligible inmates of a county jail.
California ranks near the bottom (45th) among states in voter registration levels. Among the millions of unregistered voters in California are people who mistakenly believe they are ineligible to vote due to a criminal charge or conviction.

Participation in voting and other civic matters can help former offenders successfully re-enter society and has been linked to help reduced recidivism. The California State Constitution and state law provides that once a person has completed parole, his or her voting rights are automatically reinstated.

But those involved in our criminal justice system are not apprised of their voting rights nor is accurate voter information readily accessible to them.

Instead, rumors and misinformation abound, and even from courts, public defenders and elections officials often give out incorrect information about eligibility. For example, a study by the Sentencing Project, a Washington research and advocacy group, found that 37 percent of public officials surveyed in 10 states either misstated a central provision of the voter eligibility law or were unsure about what the law said.

Given the racial disparities in our criminal justice system, the lack of accurate voter registration information has a particularly disparate impact on communities of color in California.

“We know that countless reports such as Uggen & Manza’s study of voting rights and recidivism, as well as Brennan Center for Justice and Democracy’s Voting Rights Restoration study, have echoed the sentiment that there is a strong correlation between voting and reduced recidivism so it only makes sense to ensure accurate information is provided,” said Assembly Member Weber.

By offering voter registration to the thousands of eligible voters who pass through our criminal justice system, the state will be taking an important step toward increasing its dismal voter registration rate.

The public welfare and safety of our communities will also be enhanced by the civic participation of all eligible voters, which includes those who are attempting to successfully re-enter their communities.

The bill will be heard next by the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee on April 23, 2013.

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Need for Filibuster Reform in Wake of U.S. Senate's Failure to Take Action Against Gun Violence

At no point has the need to end the Senate’s absurd 60-vote requirement been made clearer than yesterday. A measure to require more gun buyers to go through background checks garnered 54 votes - more than a majority - but failed to clear the 60 vote threshold that has become a baseline to move any business forward in the Senate.

Incredulous Americans today woke up to the news that even in the wake of the tragedies in Aurora, Colorado, Oak Creek, Wisconsin and Newtown, Connecticut, the Senate can’t pass sensible gun legislation to make these mass shootings less common or more difficult to carry out.
The Senate is broken. Its procedures are arcane and indefensible.

It is time to end the 60-vote requirement. The victims of tragedies past, and the victims of tragedies that are more likely to come without action, demand no less.

Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox Endorses Lorena Gonzalez

Cox Endorsement is 'A Vote for Honest Compromise' and the Latest South Bay Mayor to Support Pro-Jobs Democrat Gonzalez

CHULA VISTA – (Wednesday, April 17, 2013) – Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District.
Cox, a Republican, is in her second term as mayor of the second largest city in San Diego County. Lorena and Mayor Cox worked for several years to bring business, unions, government and the community together to approve the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, which is slated to break ground next year and create 2,200 permanent jobs and 7,000 construction jobs.

"Mayor Cox's endorsement is another vote of confidence for honest compromise," Lorena said. "After working with different stakeholders in the Chula Vista Bayfront, we were able to come together to create new opportunities for the South Bay. I am very honored that she respects the hard work that had to be done in that process by endorsing my campaign."

Cheryl Cox is the most recent South Bay mayor -- past and present -- to endorse Lorena: San Diego Mayor Bob Filner; National City Mayor Ron Morrison; former Chula Vista Mayors Greg Cox, Stephen Padilla and Tim Nader; and Former National City Mayor Nick Inzunza have all endorsed Lorena as well.

She has also been endorsed by Congressman Juan Vargas, State Senator Ben Hueso and several other Democrats, Independents and Republicans. A full endorsement list can be found at http://votelorena.com/endorsements/.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.
Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Statement by San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez On Immigration Bill

SAN DIEGO - Today’s announcement of a roadmap to citizenship for more than 11 million aspiring Americans is a testament to the unstoppable momentum in our country around creating a just and compassionate immigration process.

San Diego’s labor movement is committed to mobilizing our community to ensure that we will have a roadmap to citizenship in 2013.

As may be expected in a first response to an issue as complex as immigration, there are details in the bill that could cause unintended, but serious, harm to immigrant workers and the broader labor market. We still have much work to do to fix these aspects and mobilize our community to ensure we have the best, most comprehensive and inclusive bill possible.

Our work does not stop now, not when our families and communities continue to be torn apart. Workers who stand up for themselves in the workplace are being deported by employers while DREAMers watch as their parents are seized out of their arms. We call for an immediate moratorium on deportations of people who will soon be eligible for a roadmap to citizenship.

All people want to create opportunities for ourselves and our families. Working people in San Diego and around the country believe in hard work, in the dignity of all work, and in respect for one another. What unites us as Americans is our belief in shared values and in the country we call home, not where we were born.

We will not stop until our sisters and brothers, neighbors and co-workers, and fellow community members can live and work with dignity and without fear.

Together with our allies in the immigrant rights movement, faith groups and community partners, the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and the more than 200,000 working families it represents are committed to fighting for justice for all working people. The time for citizenship is now.

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San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO includes 135 affiliated labor groups in the region with a membership of more than 200,000 working families. Founded in 1891, the Labor Council advocates for more jobs, better jobs and better lives for all of San Diego’s workers – union and non-union.

www.unionyes.org

Weber’s Bill to Protect Providers of In-Home Supportive Services Passes the Assembly Health Committee

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 784, which would establish a 13-member advisory committee to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act on health care benefits for In-Home Supportive Services, providers passed the Assembly Public Safety  Committee on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 with a 13-4 vote.

California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program pays for services to help qualified individuals remain safely at home. Currently it is unclear how the Affordable Care Act will affect the IHSS provider-employer relationship for purposes of providing health care benefits to IHSS providers.

“An advisory committee dedicated to determining the appropriate employer for purposes of providing health benefits will ensure that there is a clear delineation as to who is responsible for providing health benefits to providers of in-home support services,” said Assemblymember Weber.

AB 784 is sponsored by the United Domestic Workers and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. AB 784 will next be heard in the Assembly Human Services Committee on April 30, 2013.

California Democratic Party Endorses Lorena Gonzalez

State Party Endorsement Caps Support From Major Democratic Leaders and Organizations in South Bay Assembly Race

SACRAMENTO – (Monday, April 15, 2013) – The California Democratic Party has endorsed pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez in the May 21 special election for the 80th Assembly District.
The endorsement was announced at the 2013 California Democratic Party State Convention held in Sacramento this weekend. The announcement followed a unanimous vote by party delegates in the 80th District last week to endorse Lorena, a lifelong Democrat who has garnered support from every Democratic club in the region as well as nearly every major Democratic elected official in the 80th Assembly District.

"California needs more women in the state legislature, and who better than Lorena Gonzalez -- a woman who has dedicated her life to advocating for more jobs, better jobs and a stronger middle class," California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton said.

Lorena has been previously endorsed by several Democratic Party clubs in the district, including the Chula Vista Democratic Club, San Diego County Young Democrats, the Chicano Democratic Association, the South Bay Democratic Club and the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club.

She has also been endorsed by San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, Congressman Juan Vargas, State Senator Ben Hueso and several other Democratic elected officials. A full endorsement list can be found at http://votelorena.com/endorsements/.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

ATKINS BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EARLY ABORTIONS ADVANCES

(San Diego)  AB 154, legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins to expand the list of healthcare professionals who are authorized to perform early abortions, was approved by the Assembly Business and Professions Committee today. Under this bill, nurses, physician’s assistants, and nurse-midwives would be able to perform aspiration abortions after receiving training.  The bill addresses a serious shortage of healthcare providers available to women seeking this procedure.

“More than half the counties in California have no abortion provider, forcing women to travel long distances or endure long waiting lists in order to receive basic reproductive healthcare,” says Atkins.  “For some, this delay means a more complicated procedure or even giving up.  My bill increases the number of skilled and trained professionals available to fill this healthcare gap.”

A recent comprehensive study conducted by the University of California San Francisco and published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that trained nurse practitioners, midwives and physicians assistants can safely provide early abortions and that women appreciate receiving care in their own communities.  AB 154 includes stringent training and competency requirements for these practitioners.

The bill is sponsored by the California Women’s Health Alliance, a coalition of groups dedicating to protecting and improving the reproductive health of California women and will next be heard in the Assembly Health Committee.

Assembly Public Safety Committee Passes Weber’s Bill Requiring Further Training for Peace Officers

SACRAMENTO, CA- Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber’s (D-San Diego) AB 979, which would require peace officers assigned to a jurisdiction that includes navigable waters to complete a course in basic maritime operations passed the Assembly Public Safety  Committee on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 with a 7-0 bipartisan vote.

Sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, AB 979 requires specified peace officers assigned to a jurisdiction that includes navigable waters to complete a course in basic maritime operations.   The course would be required only if the local governing body opts in and if the federal Department of Homeland Security provides funding.

“By having basic training for maritime peace officers, ports in California will be better served in emergency situations, such as man-made or natural disasters,” said Assemblymember Weber.
As a result of post-9/11 homeland security and post security missions, maritime training has not only evolved but has also become a necessity among law enforcement agencies whose jurisdictions include maritime areas. It is critical for agencies, such as the Coast Guard, Sheriff’s departments, and police departments, to enhance their maritime presence, adequacy and consistency of training.

Ensuring that our ports and waterways are secure is important to protecting California, and we must be sure that our officers are properly trained to handle any issues that may arise.  This measure achieves this objective.

AB 979 is supported by the Port of Los Angeles, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, the California Association of Port Authorities, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The legislation will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Senator Ben Hueso Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Election

Hueso Endorses Lorena to Replace Him in Assembly; Says She is Strongest Candidate for Rebuilding Middle Class

CHULA VISTA – (Friday, April 5, 2013) – State Senator Ben Hueso today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Hueso represented the 80th Assembly District from 2010 until this March, when he was elected to the State Senate in a special election. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Hueso served as City Council President and Councilmember to San Diego neighborhoods in the South Bay and the Historic Barrio District.

“I support Lorena Gonzalez because she will provide honest representation to the people of the 80th Assembly District and she's committed to fighting for the Middle Class,” said State Senator Ben Hueso. “There is no better candidate than Lorena Gonzalez for the State Assembly.”

Lorena served as Hueso’s alternate on the California Coastal Commission and the two leaders have partnered on numerous initiatives, including legislation signed into law by Gov. Brown last year that protects Social Security benefits for public safety personnel (AB 1248).

Lorena is a candidate to replace Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

COMMITTEE APPROVES ATKINS BILL TO EXPAND FINANCING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

(Sacramento)  A bill to ensure that state tax credits for developers who build low income housing for special needs populations are available where they are most needed was advanced today on a unanimous vote by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.  AB 952, authored by Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins, lifts current restrictions on where these tax credits can be used so that the state’s most expensive areas, as well as those with the highest poverty rates, are eligible.   At least half of the planned housing will be required to serve special needs populations such as the homeless, pregnant and parenting teens, and the disabled.

“This bill makes sense from both a business and a humanitarian viewpoint.  AB 952 ensures that no tax credits go unused, while it also benefits Californians with the greatest need for housing,” says Atkins. “Housing developments for special needs populations require substantial subsidies because of the extremely low incomes of residents.  But these subsidies pay off for the state in the long run in terms of quality of life and reduced healthcare and social services costs.”

Funding for affordable housing in California has significantly declined in recent years, due to the loss of tax increment revenues designated for this purpose from now defunct redevelopment areas; a tightening since the recession of what was already difficult to secure bank financing; and the spend-down of housing funds generated by two statewide ballot measures, Props 1C and 63. Currently, areas where affordable housing is most needed -- Difficult to Develop Areas (DDAs,) where housing is most expensive, and Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs,) which have a high level of poor residents -- are ineligible for state low income tax credits because those areas receive similar federal tax credits.  However, due to a lack of demand outside of these two high-need areas, the state Tax Credit Allocation Committee has had as much as $25 million in state credits remaining at the end of the year.  This bill would allow some of those credits to be applied in DDAs and QCTs for special needs housing.

AB 952 will next be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee.

County Supervisor Greg Cox Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Special Election

Longtime Republican Supervisor and Former Chula Vista Mayor Hails Lorena as “Committed to Creating Jobs”

CHULA VISTA – (Thursday, April 4, 2013) – Greg Cox, the longtime County Supervisor for the South Bay, today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Cox, a Republican, has represented the South Bay on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors since 1995. Before becoming a County Supervisor, Cox was Mayor (1981-1990) and City Councilman (1976-1981) of Chula Vista. Cox also served as Executive Director of the South County Economic Development Corp. and as an educator in the Sweetwater Union High School District.

“I have worked with Lorena and I know she is committed to creating jobs and protecting the middle class,” Cox said. “With only two candidates in this race, I will be casting my vote for Lorena and encourage other South Bay voters to do the same.”

Lorena and Supervisor Cox partnered in 2010 on a common-sense approach to protecting the jobs of concession, parking and hospitality employees at the San Diego International Airport upon a change in contractor.

Gonzalez is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail VoteLorena@gmail.com.

Fuzzy Math. A Surplus?

Congressman Juan Vargas Endorses Lorena Gonzalez in 80th Assembly District Special Election

Longtime South Bay Leader Says Lorena Will Be Strongest Voice for Rebuilding the Middle Class in California

CHULA VISTA – (Tuesday, April 2, 2013) – U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas today announced his endorsement of pro-jobs Democrat Lorena Gonzalez's campaign for the 80th Assembly District.

Vargas was elected to Congress last year after representing the San Diego County’s South Bay communities in the State Senate (2010-2013), State Assembly (2001-2007), and San Diego City Council (1993-2000). Lorena and the Congressman have partnered on developing policies to preserve small and neighborhood businesses, to prevent renewable energy jobs from being exported out of the region, and to protect social security benefits for public safety personnel.

“I have endorsed Lorena Gonzalez because she has a proven track record of delivering for our communities in Chula Vista, South San Diego and National City.” Vargas said. “No one is more committed for fighting for the middle class than Lorena.”

Lorena is a candidate to replace State Senator-elect Ben Hueso in the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the City of San Diego neighborhoods of San Ysidro, City Heights, Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Otay Mesa, Paradise Hills and Golden Hill. The special election for the 80th Assembly District is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.

Learn more about Lorena’s campaign at www.VoteLorena.com  or by e-mail at VoteLorena@gmail.com.