District Report - May 2022

A Message from Bill Dodd
 

Dear Neighbor,

This month we celebrate Memorial Day, honoring American military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Please keep these brave men and women in mind throughout the year.

In Sacramento, we are finalizing a balanced state budget that provides financial resources to families facing inflation and increased gas costs, while supporting essential services such as schools, drought relief and wildfire protection. My bills to construct more affordable housing, address the effects of climate change and improve our highway system have also advanced.

Please remain vigilant and protect your family from new strains of coronavirus. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a 3rd round of free at-home tests. Order yours today.

In this Issue:

Sincerely,

alt_text

Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District
 


Special Veterans Identification Cards and Access to Benefits

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.

Applying for the veteran designation on your driver's license or ID card is easy:

  • Stop by your local County Veteran Service Officer with your DD214 for verification. If you need help obtaining your military records, first contact your local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO).
  • Go to www.dmv.ca.gov, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133, to make an appointment. Bring the application form verified by your CVSO and the small $5 application fee.

Learn more about how to get your new Veterans ID card here.

Back to top
 


Legislative Update

I’ve written a number of bills this year addressing critical needs including housing, wildfire safety and climate resilience. The following is an update on key bills that are advancing at this time:

SB 222 Water Bills: Creates a new fund to help people experiencing economic hardship to maintain access to their drinking water supplies.

SB 717 Internet Access: Creates a blueprint for expanding access to broadband internet to help close the digital divide.

SB 852 Climate Districts: Helps local governments get funding to work on climate resilience projects.

SB 856 Wild Pigs: Helps solve the state’s overpopulation of invasive and destructive wild pigs through expanded hunting opportunities.

SB 872 Pharmacy Vans: Takes needed medicine and other therapeutic services into hard-to-reach communities with high rates of homelessness through creation of mobile pharmacy vans.

SB 892 Defensible Space: Encourages creation of wildfire-preventing defensible spaces by establishing inspection protocol.

SB 1013 Bottle Recycling: Expands California’s bottle recycling program by adding wine and spirits bottles.

SB 1050 Highway 37: Establishes toll road on Highway 37 to finance congestion relief and sea level rise management projects.

SB 1107 Car Insurance: Updates the minimum mandatory insurance coverage for automobile policies.

Back to top
 


In the News

Here are some of the latest news stories 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.

Back to top