Injustice Watch: Last January, Illinois legislators changed the state’s felony murder statute as part of the landmark criminal justice reform bill. Advocates say the reform didn’t go far enough. Last year, California state lawmakers expanded the reform’s reach to people who were charged with felony murder but pleaded guilty to lesser crimes, such as manslaughter. California State Sen. Josh Becker, who introduced the bill, said in an interview with Injustice Watch his colleagues aimed to balance between punishing people for participating in serious crimes and hitting defendants with sentences that are unreasonably long given their role in the offense.
In the News
InMenlo: Among those who participated were City Council members Drew Combs and Ray Mueller, City Council member Cecilia Taylor, and state senator Josh Becker.
San Mateo Daily Journal: California’s tax credit for renters could soon increase after remaining stagnant for more than 40 years if a bill with broad bipartisan support introduced this week moves ahead. The legislation, Senate Bill 843, was introduced Wednesday by state Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, with 43 co-authors, including local legislators state Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, and Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco.
Gilroy Dispatch: The Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women will join other Santa Clara County branches in celebrating the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade with a virtual program, [which] will feature Leslie Reagan, a professor at the University of Illinois, and Christina Krysinski, policy director for NARAL. In addition, State Senator Josh Becker will explain options for California.
Pleasanton Weekly: California's tax credit for renters may increase to account for inflation after more than 40 years, according to state Sen. Steve Glazer's office. Glazer, D-Contra Costa, and co-authors this week introduced Senate Bill 843, which would increase the credit from $60 for single filers to $500. For single parents and couples, the credit will be $1,000 if the bill passes. Other Bay Area legislators who support the bill include state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, D-San Mateo, and state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Peninsula.
Scholastic Kids Press: On November 17, 2021, students across the country participated in the first national “Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day” in honor of the civil rights pioneer. The idea for a national walk began in 2017, when a fifth-grade class at Martin Elementary learned Ruby’s story...the students’ initiative got legislative support when California State Senator Josh Becker introduced Resolution 59, which declared November 14 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The resolution passed unanimously in the State Senate.
InMenlo: “With UN Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres warning that the latest IPCC report is a ‘Code Red for Humanity,’ it is time for all of us to embrace innovative solutions,” said California State Senator Josh Becker, one of the event’s guest speakers. “Cities and counties have a unique catalyzing role to play in reducing the worst effects of climate change. I’m pleased to join this expert panel and invite Bay Area elected officials to attend this virtual event and participate in the discussion of ideas that could be equitably applied in their communities.”
Mountain View Voice: Ramirez was next in line for mayor going into the Jan. 11 council meeting and was the expected appointment, but colleagues nevertheless emphasized that he was the right person for the job...Several state and county elected officials chimed in as well, including State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), who praised the city's efforts in launching interim homeless housing and standing up against hate targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.