Creating Change |
2021 Legislative Year in Review!My First Year in the State Senate It has been such an honor representing the people of the 13th Senate District in our California State Senate. Since being sworn into office in 2020, I have learned so much and am proud of what we’ve accomplished. Here are some highlights of my year: Seven of the bills I authored were signed into law. They take effect this coming January 1st.
The 2021-2022 state budget includes more than $18 million in investments into our district to address important issues like affordable housing and economic inequality. For example, the JobTrain Center for Economic Mobility will be a tremendous addition to the East Palo Alto Community and our Region! And I was so happy to be able to secure funding for “The Big Lift”--- San Mateo County’s pioneering effort to have every child reading at grade level by 3rd Grade. To help repair the Pacifica Pier, I teamed up with Assemblymember Kevin Mullin to obtain funds.
Eighteen senators from both sides of the aisle joined me as co-authors of Senate Resolution 59, which passed with a unanimous bipartisan vote to establish Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The South San Francisco students who inspired the resolution honoring the civil rights icon celebrated California’s first statewide observance of the special day last month.
I look forward to returning to the Capitol in January to further advance our legislative agenda to better the quality of life for everyone in our community and in California. Reproductive Health Care Champion Earlier this month, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California released their 2021 California Statewide Legislative Scorecard. As we wait to hear about the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson regarding a woman’s choice to make decisions about her own body, I am incredibly proud to be named a Reproductive Health Care Champion!
I will continue to make it a priority to ensure that all people have access to comprehensive, high quality reproductive healthcare.
Like you, I continue to monitor the latest news on the COVID-19 omicron variant, first detected in our state on December 1st. I encourage you to stay masked, get vaxxed and know your facts. Please enjoy the December holiday season with your family!! Here are some tips from the California Department of Public Health. Visit MyTurn to obtain COVID-19 or flu shot appointments for you or your child. Community Resources
The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 health coverage is here! 9 out of 10 of Covered California members receive financial help. Find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. https://www.coveredca.com/
To find out if you are eligible and to apply, visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122. In-language assistance, as well as help with eligibility requirements or filling out an application, can be obtained by scheduling an appointment with a local organization near you by calling 833-687-0967.
California Volunteers, part of the Office of the Governor, encourages everyone to extend a hand in service this holiday season by signing up for #CaliforniansForAll. The statewide volunteer initiative helps tackle California's most pressing challenges. Opportunities to get involved include packing produce at a food bank distribution, helping an isolated neighbor, donating blood, and more. To sign up and for more details on ways to help our communities, visit CaliforniansForAll.ca.gov
District Updates Intern with my office! My district and capitol offices are currently accepting applications for our 2022 internship cohort! This is a great way for young folks interested in learning more about public service, constituent services, and policy to get hands-on experience. The application for the Spring 2022 cohort will be available on February 4th, 2022. Please share this link with any interested young people you may know (ages 14+).
As always, we are here to assist you. Please contact me at Senator.Becker@senate.ca.gov or by calling my District Office at 650-212-3313 if you have any questions or concerns. All the very best to you and your loved ones during this holiday season. I hope you have a joyous New Year! |