March 2017 - District Report
A Message from Bill Dodd
Last month, I co-hosted healthcare town halls across our district to answer your questions and your hear concerns. Over the next month, I will be hosting a series of immigration forums. I have received hundreds of calls and emails this year from residents concerned about federal immigration action and immigrant rights.
These forums will bring together immigration experts, resource providers and local officials provide answers about the law, pending policies, and resources available to immigrants. I hope you can attend one of our upcoming events.
It is critical that California maintains and expands our progress towards affordable healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, educational opportunity, and protections for immigrants.
In this Issue:
- Upcoming Events: Immigration Forums & Small Business Seminar
- Legislative Update: Combating Fake News, Addressing Housing Needs & more
- Women’s History Month
- Free Tax Help/Earned Income tax Credit
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,
Senator, 3rd District
Upcoming Events
Last month, I co-hosted healthcare town halls across our district to answer your questions and your hear concerns. Over the next month, I will be hosting a series of immigration forums. I am also partnering with BOE Chair Fiona Ma to co-host her Small Business Resource Seminar.
- Small Business Seminar sponsored by BOE Chair Fiona Ma
When: Tuesday, April 4th, 2017
Time: 8:30am (check-in); 9:00am–12:30pm (program)
Where: Fairfield Community Center - Willow Hall (1000 Kentucky Street, Fairfield)
- “Know Your Rights” Immigration Forum
When: Wednesday, April 5th, 2017
Time: 6:00pm-8pm
Where: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (515 Second Street, Woodland)
- Immigration Town Hall featuring Congressman Mike Thompson
When: Tuesday, April 18th, 2017
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center (2277 Napa Vallejo Hwy, Napa)
Please contact my office at (707) 454-3808 for more information. Other events in Sonoma and Solano Counties will be announced soon, so check my website for updates.
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.
- Proposed legislation would boost Napa County farmworker housing
- How California Legislators Can Create a Path to Water Sustainability
- Dodd to co-chair Select Committee on Wine
- Senator Dodd introduces bill to boost teacher credentialing
- Dodd introduces Solano park district bill
- Dodd, Frazier to chair new Delta Caucus
- Dodd submits bill to ease increase affordable housing options
Women’s History Month – Woman of the Year Honorees
March is National Women’s History Month, an ideal time for us to collectively acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in shaping our nation. National Women’s History Month has its roots in our Senate District, dating back to 1978 when the principal groups that make up the National Women’s History Project began working with the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women.
As part of this month’s activities, I have the privilege of honoring some of the incredible women that make our district such a special place to live. We are so lucky to have such amazing, caring women contribute to our communities. Please take some time to learn more about these accomplished community leaders:
- Karen Collins Honored as Sonoma County Woman of the Year
- Angela Rundles named Contra Costa Woman of the Year
- Jeri Hansen-Gill honored as Napa County Woman of the Year
- Meg Stallard honored as Yolo County Woman of the Year
- Rochelle Sherlock named Solano Woman of Year
Free Tax Help/Earned Income Tax Credit
Tax Day, April 18th, is fast approaching. You may qualify for tax credits or free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which is supported by the Franchise Tax Board.
You may qualify for tax credits. California’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program will benefit millions of low income working families and can result in thousands of dollars for qualifying families. Each year millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed, so see if you’re eligible.
For a list of upcoming workshops, please click here. I urge you to call the contact numbers listed to verify your eligibility, make appointments, and to learn what documentation may be required.