San Mateo Daily Journal: A bill aiming to create a more seamless integrated Bay Area transit system that works better for riders and ultimately draws more members of the public back onto transit was introduced this week by state Sen. Josh Becker. “Right now, riding transit in our region can be a disjointed and unreliable experience. This legislation will help transform our system into a world-class, seamless experience for the public, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to jobs and housing for residents.”
In the News
The Jewish Journal: The California Office of Emergency Services has awarded nearly $50 million to nonprofit organizations across the state through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced on January 24.
Patch.com: State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Peninsula) introduced a bill Monday that could make tuition free for 6,000 students in the San Mateo County Community College District. Under Senate Bill 893, the district — which includes three community colleges in San Mateo County — would expand its Promise Scholars Program, which currently can help 2,000 of the 6,000 students who qualify for the program.
San Mateo Daily Journal: State officials representing the Peninsula are pursuing legislation that would help San Mateo County Community College District officials provide additional support for students with attendance costs. “Increasing access to higher education is life-changing. It is one of the most important things we can do for our residents to ensure economic mobility for our entire community,” state Sen. Josh Becker said.
Los Altos Town Crier: Three speakers reviewed the history of reproductive freedom in the U.S. and the latest threats to abortion access. State Sen. Josh Becker, who represents Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View, acknowledged the role that both NARAL and the AAUW have played in promoting reproductive rights over the past half-century, and quoted Coretta Scott King: “Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”
KCET: Senator Josh Becker last year passed the first law to require reductions in carbon from the entire cement industry. Specifically, the California Air Resources Board will have until July 2023 to develop a strategy to reduce all emissions from cement in the state to 40 percent below 2019 levels by 2035. This year he hopes to take the next step. "What I’m working on for this year is to have the California state government buy low carbon concrete and cement," said Becker.
San Francisco Chronicle: Rita Saenz, 72, a government veteran who came out of retirement to become director in late 2020, is stepping down… “I appreciate that Director Saenz was very responsive and candid regarding my queries about EDD’s progress, but the department’s problems have not been corrected,” Senator Becker said. “I’m very disappointed that more progress was not made at EDD.
GovReport: California public school districts officially have another shot at equal access to professional development for teachers and technical assistance that will help schools effectively use their technology — and schools could cost-effectively plan for and implement current and emerging educational technology. Educational technology is essential for teaching and learning in the Digital Age,” Sen. Josh Becker, D-Peninsula, told The GovReport. “And California educators must have equitable access to the professional development and technical assistance that make effective use of this technology possible.”