Press Releases

Sacramento, CA – Three of Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bills cleared the California State Senate Appropriations Committee today. The legislation, Assembly Bill 1696, which helps California’s neediest residents quit smoking; Assembly Bill 2148, which protects wildlife from drones; and Assembly Bill 2364 that strengthens dual enrollment all passed the key committee and now head to the Senate Floor. In addition, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 158 that would help students transfer credits between California universities also passed.

Assembly Bill 1696 requires tobacco cessation medications, counseling, and assessments to be covered for Medi-Cal patients. Besides the detrimental health effects, smoking takes an $18.1 billion toll on California annually, according to a University of California, San Francisco study.

Los Angeles, CA – In a private ceremony in the Vin Scully Press Box at Dodger Stadium, Assemblymembers Chris Holden (AD – 41) and Jimmy Gomez (AD – 51) presented Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 to Vincent “Vin” Scully, recognizing his exceptional 67 year-long career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Vin Scully is a Los Angeles treasure,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “We have been blessed to have Mr. Scully narrate the game of baseball for so many decades.”

Pasadena, CA – Assemblymember Chis Holden (AD – 41) announced new staff members Faith Lee and Terrence Williams to his district office, and Aaron Colby to his Capitol office.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Faith, Terrence, and Aaron to our team,” said Assemblymember Holden. “I’m confident their unique skill set and experiences will have positive impact for the 41st Assembly District and the state.”

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to expand housing opportunities for former foster youth, homeless and disabled veterans, AB 2442, passed the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill will now head to the Senate Floor.

AB 2442 allows housing developers to obtain multiple density bonuses from local government if the housing development sets aside ten percent for former foster youth, disabled veterans, or formerly homeless individuals.

Sacramento, CA – Governor Jerry Brown signed Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill, AB 2248, that addresses California’s bilingual teacher shortage. AB 2448 streamlines requirements for out of state credentialed teachers with satisfactory performance evaluations and two or more years of teaching experience.

“With an unprecedented amount of unfilled teaching positions, California is experiencing one of the worst teacher shortages ever,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “The teacher shortage disproportionately impacts low-income students of color, English language learners and students with special needs, contributing to the growing achievement and opportunity gap.”

Pasadena, CA –  California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD – 63) appointed Assemblymember Chis Holden (AD – 41) to the California State Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce.

“I thank Speaker Rendon for selecting me to the Utility and Commerce Committee,” said Holden. “I appreciate his belief that I will add value in helping to set forward-thinking energy policy for California's future.”

Pasadena, CA –Assemblymember Chis Holden’s (AD – 41) Young Legislators Program concluded with a road trip to Northern California that included visits to the Facebook headquarters and the State Capitol building. The trip marked the sixth and final session for the recent high schools graduates, all from the 41st Assembly District.

Day one, of the two-day road trip, involved a tour of the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park followed by a panel discussion with members of Facebook’s government affairs team. Day two brought the students to the California State Capitol where they toured the building, met Assemblymember Holden and sat in on the Senate Education Committee hearing.

Sacramento, CA – In the Capitol, Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD - 41) honored Maricela Guzman, a Navy veteran who served overseas from 1998 to 2002, as the 2016 41st Assembly District’s “Veteran of the Year.”

Sacramento, CA – In a ceremony in Sacramento, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit that has served the Pasadena and greater San Gabriel Valley community since 1973, as “Non-Profit of the Year” for the 41st Assembly District.

“I am very pleased to recognize Union Station Homeless Services for the outstanding and commendable service provided by their staff and volunteers.” said Assemblymember Holden. “These committed individuals have taken it upon themselves to combat the growing dangers and realities of poverty, and I commend them for the work that they do for our community.”

Dana Bean and Alan Maltun accepted the award on behalf of Union Station Homeless Services during the inaugural California Non-Profit day ceremony hosted by the California Association of Non-Profits.

With over 40 years of experience, Union Station Homeless Services offers a full continuum of nine programs throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Their services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.

With their participation in new countywide programs such as the Coordinated Entry System and Homeless Families Solutions System, Union Station has expanded their intake services from Pasadena to the entire San Gabriel Valley. These new programs help them identify and rapidly house the most vulnerable members of the community.

Sacramento, CA – Today, the California State Legislature passed the final Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget to maintain California’s growing economy while investing in California families. Assemblymember Chris Holden released the following statement upon passage of the Legislature’s final budget package: