Friends,
How quickly the year has gone by. School is about to begin, the State Legislature will soon return to session, and the season will soon change.
As we begin to close out summer, we should all take precautions to avoid extreme exposure to the heat. Locating cooling centers near you, going to air-conditioned malls, not exerting yourself for long periods in the sun, and hydrating are important during heat waves.
My office is working on backpack giveaways for students in the 59th Assembly District, along with additional constituent services through autumn. To receive alerts on upcoming events in my district, please sign up for my newsletters and emails on my website.
Additionally, many of my legislative bills will soon be heard in the Senate for consideration and possible passage to Governor Newsom's desk for signing. More details are below in my legislative updates section.
For immediate updates on my legislation and other matters affecting our state and residents, follow me on my social platforms.
As always, I am proud to serve you and appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer
Representative, 59th District
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Member, California Reparations Taskforce
District News
African American Leaders for Tomorrow Program
Every year the California Black Legislative Caucus' African American Leaders for Tomorrow (AALT) program brings high school students from accross the state together for a three-day retreat to learn about the legislative process, finances, STEM programs, debate, and voting issues from experts and mentors. This year, I was proud to host the 2022 cohort at the California African American Museum for a private tour and dinner.
The cohort has students engaged in learning activities where mentors help to explain how various industries work, how to navigate through college and universities to benefit from all offerings available, and hear from experts in banking, politics, community activism, and more. The program concludes with a mock policy debate wherein students argue the merits of a proposed legislative policy.
Gun Violence Prevention
I was invited to join other gun safety advocates from across the country in Washington D.C. for a major legislative event.
On July 11, I attended a signing ceremony at the White House, where President Joe Biden placed his signature on the bipartisan federal Safer Communities Act.
The newly signed legislation reinforces existing laws with added funding to help federal authorities seize illegally acquired firearms, as well as monitor, track, and regulate gun sales.
Legislative Updates
AB 2873 - Affordable Housing Supplier Diversity Act
My bill will promote supplier diversity in the affordable housing industry by requiring that developers share data on supplier demographics.
AB 371 - E-Device Braille and Liability Protections for Pedestrians
If you have ever been around e-scooters you know that often they are tossed on the sidewalks and present a danger to pedestrians.
My bill ensures pedestrians are extended existing liability coverage if they are injured by a shared mobility device, such as an electronic scooter or bike (collectively e-devices), whether in use or parked inappropriately, as well as requires the addition of braille and tactile signage with raised characters for those who are blind or have visual impairments.
Reparations Taskforce
Back on June 6, 2022, the California Reparartions Taskforce, of which I am a member, released initial findings on the subject. A second report is due out next year.
I encourage everyone to read this historic and first of its kind state-initiated report. You can also view my personal take on the report on my website - click here to see the video.
Resources
Water Conservation
California will once again face a severe water shortage as drought continues to plague our state.
Governor Newsom is asking all Californians to conserve a minimum of 15 percent this year to avoid water restriction mandates. Some counties and communities have already been asked to limit outside watering to one-day per week.
Water is a crucial and limited resource. For tips on how to conserve water, please visit Conservation Tips (ca.gov) to help get us through the year. Thank you.
Free Lunch Program
Kids under 18 years of age can enjoy free lunches through summer and snacks all year-round via the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Free Lunch and Snack program. The program offers free lunches Monday through Friday 12 - 1 p.m. (summer only) and snacks 3 - 4 p.m. (year round). For more details visit Free Summer Lunch and Snack Program
Free Citizens Workshop
On Saturday, August 20, 2022, there will be a free online Naturalization Information Session (Sesion de Ciuadadania). Learn about the requirements for naturalization, exemptions, fee waivers, and the application process.
To register visit https://altamedworkshopaug2022.eventbrite.com
