Dear friends,
Nearly halfway through 2021 and so much positive change has taken place. The state has worked tirelessly to ensure small businesses, residents, and frontline medical providers have had ample resources to deal with COVID issues.
And because of the efforts of Governor Newsom and the state legislature, counties around California are preparing for a June 15 opening of most social events as the number of COVID-19 cases have dropped steadily. Although the outlook is good, we should maintain our vigilance and follow all health mandates as they become available.
I highly encourage everyone who has yet to obtain a free vaccine to sign up or visit a local healthcare center taking walk-ins. Details on how to locate a center can be found below.
2020 challenged us all and now we have a great opportunity to turn things around. Let us continue to work together to protect one another and our loved ones by getting vaccinated.
As always, my office is available to assist with state issues. Feel free to contact me at (213) 744-2111.
Sincerely,
Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer
State Representative, Assembly District 59
Chair, Public Safety Committee
Around the District
Mother's Day
I was honored to present gifts and recognitions to AD 59 moms at the General Federation of Women's Club at Gloria's Restaurant in Huntington Park on Saturday, May 8, 2021. The event had limited capacity due to pandemic restrictions but was nonetheless a wonderful time for everyone able to attend.
District Highlights
There are several reasons to visit the 59th Assembly District. The district is home to Exposition Park, which hosts several iconic museums including the California African American Museum, the California Science Center, and the Natural History Museum. See what else the 59th Assembly District has to offer by clicking on this link: #SEEAD59
Legislative Updates
Public Safety & Fairness Under the Law
Several of my bills pertaining to public safety and equality for all have moved out of committee for floor votes in the Assembly. Then, once passed they will go to the Senate-side of the legislature for review, debate, and a vote. My latest public safety/police reform bill has recently moved to the Assembly Floor for a full vote.
On December 7, 2020, I introduced this legislation, which increases the minimum qualifying age to become a peace officer. It permits an individual under a specified age to qualify for employment as a peace officer if the individual has a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
AB 89 - P.E.A.C.E. Act, a bill to enhance police recruitment and training for future peace officers, has moved to the Assembly Floor for a vote
May Moments
May 10 through 15 is recognized as National Police Week. I began the week meeting with Captain Espinosa of the Southwest Los Angeles Police Department Division in AD59. With decades of experience, the Captain and I discussed current issues facing law enforcement and how to create better interaction with the public. Captain Espinosa is a good peace officer who has served diligently and now as a commanding officer is able to share many of his experiences with the 300 plus officers serving within AD59 district lines. I wish to thank the Captain and his team of dedicated peace officers for their service.
Memorial Day
Our political and social norms have been challenged over the past four years in ways never before witnessed by Americans. As our country fights to maintain and uplift our democratic principles, we should all agree that the brave men and women of the armed forces who fought to preserve our democracy, through their individual valiant efforts, and paid with their lives in doing so, must not be forgotten.
This Memorial Day, let us honor their sacrifice with tributes of thanks for protecting our institutions, way of life, and freedoms.
Resources
COVID Relief & Vaccine Centers
If you are in need of assistance due to issues caused by COVID, please utilize the following state resources.
EDD - If you have closed or seen a reduction in business, or are unemployed because of COVID, click on this link https://bit.ly/2RHYgzO
Insurance - To file Unemployment Insurance Claims and obtain information on added programs and services click on this link www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
Financial Assistance - For updates on state programs visit www.covid19.ca.gov, or call (833) 544-2374. Additionally, you can visit www.OnwardCA.org for more resources.
Finally, to located free vaccine centers in your area that are taking walk-ins and appointments, please text your zip code to 438829. I encourage you to visit my website at https://a59.asmdc.org/ for news and updates on my legislative efforts and happenings around the District.
