District Report - July 2017
Fighting for Our Napa County Farmworkers
For decades, Napa County has had an impact on the global economy through its world renowned wine industry. This industry would not exist were it not for the farmworkers who work the fields day in and day out. Since my time on the Napa County Board of Supervisors, I have always fought to ensure our farmworkers have the support they need, and I am proud to continue this good work into my career in the California State Legislature
Earlier this month, Governor Brown signed SB 240, a bill I authored that would help our farmworker housing centers get additional funding by allowing Napa County grapegrowers to increase their self-imposed financial contributions for the centers. Additionally, we were able to secure a $250,000 in additional funding for farmworker housing in Napa County. I will continue to make sure are farmworkers are represented in our Capitol so that they can be taken care of as best they can.
Disaster Preparedness
The recent wildfires in Yolo County and across the state serve as an important reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. Unfortunately, our district has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters. Whether it’s a wildfire, an earthquake, or flashflood, families need to make sure they have a plan in place in case a natural disaster happens.
I want to make sure you have information that will help protect yourself and your loved ones.
Please take a few minutes to review some of the ways you and your family can be prepared in case there is an emergency. Disaster Preparedness information can be found here.
Donate Life California
Did you know that only 40 percent of adults in California are signed up to be organ, eye and tissue donors? California ranks first among all states with more than 22,000 men, women and children on the organ transplant waiting list. By becoming an organ and tissue donor, you could give a second chance to tens of thousands of people in California and across the United States.
The facts are:
- People of all ages and medical histories can be donors.
- Your medical care and/or funeral arrangements will not be affected by your decision to donate.
- There is no cost to you or your family for donation.
- All major religions support or permit organ donation.
You can find more information on registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor at the Donate Life webpage found here.
This summer, the state Senate honored a nonprofit organization from each of the state’s Senate Districts that has significantly contributed to their local communities. The Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity was honored as the 2017 Nonprofit of the Year for the 3rd Senate District.
Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity first opened in 1991 to serve the residents of Solano County. Solano Habitat for Humanity was founded by a grass-roots group of Solano County residents as a charity organization, dedicated to eliminating sub-standard housing in their community. In its 26 years of service to the community, Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity has built 15 new homes from the ground up and rehabbed many more in Solano and Napa Counties. I was proud to honor such an important nonprofit organization in my district, and I look forward to seeing many more accomplishments from the Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity in the future.
While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done. 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 that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.