SACRAMENTO – The Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy (JEDE) is releasing a Request for Information (RFI) on the issue of diversity within the workforce and business ownership structure of high technology-based industries in California.
"While Latinos comprise the largest population group in California, we remain significantly underrepresented in technology fields from workforce, to boardrooms, to start-up firms," said Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), Chair of JEDE and policy lead on this issue for the California Latino Legislative Caucus. "Decades of underinvestment in education and career development have resulted in a digital divide that threatens the long-term economic growth of the state."
Sacramento, CA – In a ceremony in Sacramento, Assemblymember Chris Holden honored Pasadena resident Robin Salzer, owner of Robin’s Woodfire BBQ in Pasadena since 1982, as the “Small Business of the Year” for the 41st Assembly District.
“I am very pleased to recognize Robin Salzer of Robin’s Woodfire BBQ for his successful career as a small business owner, and the positive impact he has made in our community,” said Assemblymember Holden.
Sacramento, CA – Today, Governor Brown issued his May Budget Revision for maintaining California’s growing economy while preparing our state to lessen the impact of any potential global economic turmoil. Assemblymember Chris Holden released the following statement on the release of the May budget revision:
“California continues to have a prudent budget that strives to work for all Californians. The Governor has made clear that the rainy day fund is doing its job. This gives us the opportunity to make investments to fight poverty, improve early education, expand access to higher education, and create affordable housing, without impacting existing services or using one-time money for ongoing programs.
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bills to strengthen the Talent Agency Scam Prevention Act, AB 2068; protect wildlife, AB 2148; and provide affordable housing, AB 2442, passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The legislation now heads to the floor and may be voted on as early as next week.
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. A multiple density bonus is a zoning tool that enables developers to build more units than normally allowed. AB 2442 expands state law relating to multiple density bonuses as a tool to address rising housing costs and a subsequent lack of reliable, affordable housing that plagues Californian’s most vulnerable populations.
Sacramento, CA – Today on the Assembly Floor of the State’s Capital, Assemblymember Chris Holden (AD – 41) recognized Dr. Lucy Jones – one of the world’s most influential seismologists – who recently announced her retirement. Jones has been a leading seismologist with the United States Geological Survey and a Visiting Research Associate at the Seismological Laboratory of California Institute of Technology for more than three decades. Dr. Jones was presented with an Assembly Resolution coauthored by Assemblymember Chris Holden, Assemblymember Jay Obernolte (AD – 33), Assemblymember Bill Quirk (AD – 20) and Senator Carol Liu (SD – 25).
“Dr. Jones’ pioneering research has improved earthquake safety across our state and will ensure countless lives are saved whenever ‘The Big One’ inevitably strikes,” said Assemblymember Holden. “As Californians living in a seismically active region, we will forever be grateful for her contributions.”
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s measure to streamline credentialing for qualified, out-of-state bi-lingual teachers, AB 2248, passed the Assembly Education Committee with a 4-0 vote today. AB 2448 streamlines requirements for out of state credentialed teachers with satisfactory performance evaluations and two or more years of teaching experience to address California’s teacher shortage.
“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.”
Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to expand housing opportunities for former foster youth, homeless and disabled veterans, AB 2442, passed the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee with a 6-1 vote today. 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.
“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.”
