Dear friends,
The first quarter of the year is complete - and it has been a productive time in the State Legislature.
To celebrate Women's History Month, I had the honor of recognizing the dedication and hard work of one of South Los Angeles' ardent advocates of family and youth programs - see below for the complete story.
Additionally, my work as a member of the California Reparations Task Force has garnered statewide and national attention. The Task Force's initial report is due out in June.
Moreover, my legislative package continues to move through committees. There is more on each of my bills in the update section of this newsletter.
Finally, the State continues to work to support renters and landlords affected by the pandemic. In order to process all of the rent relief applications, my colleagues and I voted 60-0 to extend the eviction moratorium until July 1, 2022 so we can get renters the funds they need to become current on their rent and get landlords the back pay that is due.
As always, my office is here to assist with state matters including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Feel free to contact my office at (213) 744-2111.
Sincerely,
REGGIE JONES-SAWYER
Representative, 59th District
Chair, Public Safety Committee
District News
Woman of the Year
Every year in honor of Women's History Month, each member of the State Legislature selects a member of the community to recognize as their respective district's Woman of the Year.
This year's Woman of the Year for AD 59 is Maria Espinoza, co-founder of Mamas de Sur Centro. Maria is a fierce advocate and community warrior who spearheads programs and services to enhance the quality of life for families and kids living in South Los Angeles.
It was my absolute honor to share Maria's work with the residents of my District and present Ms. Espinoza with the 2022 AD 59 Woman of the Year Award.
Legislative Updates
Bills Moving Forward
Since session began on January 6, I have been hard at work introducing my legislative package. Here are just some of the bills I have introduced.
AB 1655 - Will be heard in Governmental Organization Committee today and will recognize Juneteenth (June 19) as a State Holiday if signed into law.
AB 1766 - Moved out of committee on an 11-3 vote. If it makes it to the Governor's desk, AB 1766 will provide immigrant and disabled communities who have no access to personal transportation, or any other form of legally recognized identification, the opportunity to apply for and obtain a California Identification Card. This will assist with applying for an apartment, a bank account, home rental, and other basic life needs.
AB 2102 - Moved out of the Judiciary Committee on a 10-0 vote count and takes aim at illegal cannabis operations.
AB 2195 - My Alternative Plea Act has moved out of the Public Safety Committee on a 5-1 vote. This bill aims to provide courts with an alternative option to avoid separating families in drug convictions.
AB 2595 - Moved out of Judiciary Committee on an 8-0 vote and will ensure families are not burdened solely on the legal possession of cannabis.
Follow Up
My Bill AB 331, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom last year and provides the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Organized Retail Crimes (ORC) Task Force with resources to conduct investigations, was in action as the CHP busted an ORC ring in Northern California in March.
Members of the ORC Ring each face felony charges from the State's Attorney General's Office (Rob Bonta) that could place them in prison for 12-19 years.
In addition to the arrests, the CHP was able to retrieve stolen merchandise from several large retailers across multiple counties totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Read the complete story here: https://abc7ne.ws/3uA9rdT
Here to Help
Second COVID Booster
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health's vaccination sites will offer the second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to eligible residents as of March 30, 2022.
South Los Angeles residents can go to Ted Watkins Park to receive the second dose. Currently, those 50 years old or older remain a priority. Please visit www.vaccinateLACounty.com for more information on sites and eligibility.
AD 59 Nonprofit of the Year Award
Nonprofits in our community continue to do the dedicated work of serving others in need of medical, financial, mental health or housing needs.
The pandemic has tested many organizations and all have shown their passion for helping others throughout COVID.
I would like to recognize an outstanding nonprofit in my District and would like to hear from constituents.
To nominate a nonprofit organization (501c3), please email Assemblymember.Jones-Sawyer@assembly.ca.gov with the name, contact information, contact person's name and email, what the organizations does and why they deserve recognition.
Send requested details to my office by April 15, 2022.
If you have any questions, call my office at (213) 744-2111.
