April 2017 - District Report
A Message from Senator Bill Dodd
Dear Neighbor,
This month I hosted a series of immigration forums across the district. I have received hundreds of calls and emails this year from residents concerned about federal immigration action and immigrant rights, and I appreciate the hundreds of people who turned out to the events. If you were unable to attend, you can view a video of one of the forums here.
April is Earthquake Preparedness Month. We know that earthquakes can and will happen throughout our state. While we can't stop them, we can prepare.
In this Issue:
- Earthquake Safety
- Legislative Update: Protecting Consumers, Fighting Fake New & More
- Veterans Benefits and Job Resources
- California May Owe You Money: Find Your Unclaimed Property
As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.
Sincerely,
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Earthquake Safety: April is Earthquake Preparedness Month
Earthquakes are common in California. Surprisingly, many Californians don't consider themselves at risk unless they live on or near the line of a well-known fault, such as the San Andreas or Hayward Fault. However, the Napa Earthquake just 20 months ago was a clear reminder that we need to take simple steps to protect ourselves.
I want to make sure you and your loved ones don't get caught unprepared for the next big quake. For tips on how to prepare for an earthquake, click here.
Legislative Update
While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done in a number of critical areas. Of particular importance this year is ensuring that California maintains and expands our progress towards affordable healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, educational opportunity, and protections for hardworking immigrants.
Here is some of the latest news coverage on my legislation. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.
- Sac Bee Editorial: If Wells Fargo wants to apologize, it should back this legislation
- Dodd’s bill combatting fake news clears committee
- Dodd honors UC Davis legal services for immigrants
- California Bill Would Require Teaching Students How To Spot Fake News
- Napa's Dodd to co-chair Senate Select Committee on Wine
- How California Legislators Can Create a Path to Water Sustainability
Veterans Benefits and Job Resources
California’s Work for Warriors program matches employers with highly trained veterans who are ready to leave the military for civilian life. For more information, watch this public service announcement, then visit http://www.workforwarriors.org/.
Through their service to our country, veterans have earned a wide range of benefits. However, it can be difficult to verify their service in order to acquire those benefits. In fact, not having proof of military service is one of the biggest obstacles veterans face gaining access to resources, benefits, and services.
Under a new California law veterans can apply for a California driver’s license or ID card with a “Veteran” designation. The new Veteran ID provides proof of military service, making it easier for California veterans to access benefits and services. Learn how to get your new Veterans ID card here.
California May Owe You Money: Find Your Unclaimed Property
The State of California is trying to return $8 billion to its rightful owners . . . Is some of it yours?
California’s Unclaimed Property Law requires “holders” such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the State Controller’s Office after there has been no customer contact for three years.
Often the owner forgets that the account exists, moves and does not leave a forwarding address, or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.
To find potential money, visit the State Controller’s Office and search the Unclaimed Property Database for money that the state may owe you!
When filing a claim form, you will need the following documentation:
- A copy of current photo identification for each claimant
- A copy of a Social Security card or a tax identification number for each claimant
- Verification of reported address if different from current address
- Specific documentation relating to the type of property, such as original passbook, cashier’s check, stock certificate, etc.