Press Releases

(Sacramento) – A capacity crowd was on hand for the California Legislative Black Caucus’ annual Martin Luther King, Junior/Civil Rights breakfast at the Sacramento Convention Center. The CLBC holds the event each year to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the Caucus’ relentless commitment to community service in the black community. This year Myra Turner, with the Speaker’s office, was honored with the Distinguished Government Service Award. Rory Kaufman was honored with the Community Activist Award. John L. Burris was honored with the Civil Leadership Award. And Curtis J. Earnest was honored with the Diversity in Government Award. Watch the entire event in this Assembly Access video.

Sacramento (CA) – Over 250 people attended the annual California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast The Legacy Continues: Committed to Excellence in Community Service, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to work for the betterment of African Americans and others throughout California.

Sacramento, CA – Today, Governor Jerry Brown presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget. For the first time in four years Brown projects a state deficit – 1.6 billion from declining revenue – that he proposes to offset with $3.2 billion in budget solutions. Assemblymember Chris Holden released the following statement:

I’m most disappointed in the one million dollar one-time cut in funding for the renovation of the Pasadena Playhouse that already passed in Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Budget. This cut is especially deep as the Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

Sacramento, CA – California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD – 63) appointed Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD – 41) as chair of the California State Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy.

“I thank Speaker Rendon for appointing me as Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee,” said Holden. “I appreciate his belief in my leadership to set forward-thinking energy policy for California's future.”

Bill to focus on Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Public Transportation Infrastructure

SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) introduced AB 17 to enact the Transit Pass Program to assist with student public ridership.  Public transit fares have risen considerably in many areas across the state.  This bill addresses the lack of sufficient pedestrian, bicycling, and public transit opportunities in low-income and working class communities.

Recent reports suggest public transit ridership is decreasing across California, causing several public transit agencies to come dangerously close to missing the “fare box” revenue targets mandated by the federal government. Without reversing this trend, California will have a difficult time decreasing its petroleum use and achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to expand housing opportunities for former foster youth, homeless and disabled veterans was signed by Governor Brown. Assembly Bill 2442 allows housing developers to obtain multiple density bonuses from a local government if the housing development sets aside ten percent of their units for former foster youth, disabled veterans, or formerly homeless individuals.

“Disabled veterans and transitional foster youth face a serious affordable housing problem,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “It is vital that we give our local communities tools to meet this challenge.”

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD – 41) has been elected by his colleagues to chair the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Lawmakers joining Assemblymember Holden to the newly elected leadership team include Assemblymembers Shirley Webber (AD – 78), vice chair; Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (AD – 54), secretary; and Kevin McCarty (AD – 7), treasurer.

“I’m extremely proud to serve as chair for the Black Caucus,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Together with my colleagues, I look forward to continuing our efforts to advance equality, justice, and opportunity for all Californians.”

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bills to protect wildlife, AB 2148; and increase affordable housing options for foster youth and veterans, AB 2442, cleared the legislature. The legislation now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.

“There’s no denying the rapidly increasing number of drones in public spaces,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Now is the time to take preventative steps to protect California’s wildlife and natural habitats before it becomes a problem.”

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Property Tax Timeline for Seniors legislation, Assembly Bill 2691, and Tobacco Cessation Legislation, Assembly Bill 1696, cleared on concurrence. The bills now await Governor Jerry Brown’s Signature.

Assembly Bill 2691 will make it easier for seniors to pay their property tax through a monthly payment plan. The bill would authorize a county Board of Supervisors to implement a monthly property tax payment program for seniors and individuals currently collecting supplemental security income for a disability.

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Talent Scam Prevention Bill, AB 2068, passed the Senate Floor with a vote of 38-0. AB 2068 strengthens the Talent Scam Prevention Act by expanding the list of communication forms that can be regulated such as online and computer applications. The bill now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.

“With the unprecedented popularity of reality television and social media sites such as YouTube, Instagram, Tumblr, and others, the quest for instant stardom has become prevalent among all ages, especially teens and young adults,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Unfortunately, this creates a ripe situation for illegitimate talent agencies to scam young, aspiring artists.”