Friends,

June was an exceptionally busy and dramatic time in Sacramento and our nation.

Several high-profile rulings by the Supreme Court threatened public safety, civil liberties, and the right to self-determination.

I have been working on policies that protect Californians from the fallout of these egregious decisions (see my Legislative Updates below).

Additionally, my work on budget priorities ensured my colleagues and I delivered an on-time balanced budget to Governor Newsom, focusing on the needs of Californians now and in the future (see Budget Highlights below).

District News

Youth Leadership Program

I was proud to present certificates of completion to the second cohort participants at a graduation ceremony in June. High students across the AD 59 joined this unique program to learn about policy and careers and were mentored by professionals in both academic achievement and career pathways.

Congratulations to each graduate! The next cohort applications will be out soon. Please visit my website for updates and application details.

Father's Day

On Saturday, June 18, I held my Annual Father's Day celebration after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Fathers, and their sons, were invited to eat, enjoy music, and play horseshoes and bean bag toss while sharing their experiences as a dad. It was a fun-filled day for all.

I am looking forward to next year's event!

Legislative Updates

SCA 10 - The Freedom of Choice

As a Member of the California State Legislature, I am proud to be a co-author of SCA 10, which codifies into state law the rights of women to choose the healthcare services they deem right for their selves, including the right to safe and legal abortion. California values a woman's right to choose, and SCA 10 has the effect of making sure the rights of women are protected, even as other states seek to eliminate this right.

Bounty Hunter Bill (AB 2043)

My bill, AB 2043, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, has passed both Senate Insurance and Senate Public Safety Committees. This bill requires all bail fugitive recovery agents, colloquially known as bounty hunters, to become licensed by the state.

The current law on these recovery agents is limited to unenforceable education, notice, and conduct standards, as no entity is currently charged with implementation, and nearly all enforcement occurs after law violations. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has become the recovery agents' de facto watchdog, despite the fact CDI does not license these agents, unlike bail agents who hire and oversee them.

AB 2043 will now be heard in the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Budget

The State Legislature and Governor Newsom passed a $300.6 billion budget in June. The immediate focus was to assist Californians in need of financial relief. Taxpayers will receive the following:

• Single filers earning less than $75,000 will receive $350, plus an additional $350 per dependent
• Joint filers earning less than $150,000 will receive $350, plus an additional $350 per dependent
• Single filers earning less than $125,000 will receive $250, plus an additional $250 per dependent
• Joint filers earning less than $250,000 will receive $250, plus an additional $250 per dependent
• Single filers earning less than $250,000 will receive $200, plus an additional $200 per dependent
• Joint filers earning less than $500,000 will receive $200, plus an additional $200 per dependent

Additionally, I fought for funds to help improve and expand programs and services for my district, assist with public safety services to deal with smash-and-grab crimes, and funds to further the study and assessment of a reparations program. Other noteworthy funding includes:

• $10 million for the California African American Museum
• $5 million for the California Science Center Foundation for Air and Space Center
• $500,000 for Exposition Park to conduct a cost-estimate study and feasibility analysis for a parking structure
• $10 million for the Jefferson Boulevard Affordable Housing and Park Project
• $6 million to expand and make the CHP Organized Retail Theft Taskforce permanent
• $2.5 million to support the California Reparations Task Force

Resources

Water Conservation

California will 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 conserving water, please visit Conservation Tips (ca.gov) to help get us through the year with water reserves. Thank you.

Free Lunch Program

Kids under 18 years of age can enjoy free lunches through summer and snacks all year round via Los Angeles County's Parks and recreation's 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 - Parks & Recreation (lacounty.gov)

Follow me on my social platforms for immediate updates on my legislation and other matters affecting our state and residents.

As always, I am proud to serve you and appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,



Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer
Representative, 59^th Assembly District
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Member, California Reparations Taskforce