October 2007

A Great Year, But Still Much to be Done...

Jared

Governor Sign Six Huffman Bills

Six significant measures authored by Freshman Assembly Member Jared Huffman were signed into law by the Governor this year. The legislation highlighted Huffman's strong environmental values in which he is passionate about.

"Passing these types of reforms is the reason I ran for office," said Huffman. "These bills represent the values of my district and I'm honored to have them put into law."

• AB 1109 - Energy Efficient Lighting
  One of the most important pieces of legislation this year, this bill directs the California Energy Commission to reduce California's consumption of electricity for lighting uses by 50% in 10 years. As part of this strategy, the bill would phase out the purchase of inefficient lighting sources by state government. It also establishes mercury and lead reduction standards for lighting.
  
  
• AB 1470 - Solar Thermal
  This breakthrough legislation creates a ten-year statewide incentive program to drive half a million California consumers toward solar heating technologies that directly displace the use of natural gas for water and space heating in homes and businesses.
  
  
• AB 1406 - Recycled water - Condos
  This bill encourages water reuse by permitting the use of recycled water in condominiums, as it is currently used in apartment buildings.
  
  
• AB 1560 - Water Conservation - Building Standards
  Creates an important new standard of water conservation by requiring the Energy Commission to prescribe water preservation standards for new residential and non-residential buildings.
  
  
• AB 28 - Breast Cancer Tax Check-Off Extension
  This important legislation extends the sunset date for the California Breast Cancer Research Fund tax check-off program that is set to expire next year.
  
• AB 463 - Parking for Disabled Persons
  Allows handicap drivers of vehicles with side loading lifts or ramps to use two adjacent parking stalls in private parking lots when existing van accessible handicap parking spaces are occupied.
  

Please click on this link to receive further information on these and other bills of interest: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.

New Field Representative

I am excited to announce that Jenny Callaway will be joining "Team Huffman" on December 3rd. As many of you may know, Jenny is currently finishing her second term on the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education, selected as president three years and vice president for four. She has been a resident of San Rafael and an advocate of public schools for over 17 years. In addition to her role on the San Rafael Board of Education, she was campaign co-chair of many successful school bond and parcel tax measures. She also serves in numerous other positions that support education including co-chair of Marin Joint Legislative Advisory Committee, founding member of Board of Directors of Marin County School Volunteers, member of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Education Subcommittee, member of the Board of Directors of San Rafael HeadsUp Foundation, and member of the three-way partnership committee between the San Rafael City Council, Dixie School Board and San Rafael City Schools Board. In 2006, Jenny was recognized as Marin County Trustee of the Year in honor of her many contributions to promoting quality education throughout Marin. Jenny's commitment to improving education is unparalleled. Her strong ties to the education community in Marin will be an asset and I look forward to having Jenny as part of my team.

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon week began on October 23rd. This week is a time for individuals and communities to make commitments to live in a drug-free environment. Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by the California State Legislature, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the National Family Partnership. It was created in 1980 by parents across America in response to the rising level of youth drug use and Californians for Drug-Free Youth, Inc. (CADFY), which is a major anti-drug organization serving California and the other western states. This year's theme is "Look At Me / I'm Drug Free!" The theme celebrates young people who have made the decision to stay away from drugs and to create pressure for their peers to do the same. Assemblymember Huffman provided Red Ribbon Week bookmarks to all the schools in his district. If you are interested in receiving bookmarks, please contact the district office.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks 23 years of progress during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which focuses on educating women about breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled among older women, up from 25 percent in 1987 to 72 percent in 2005 and breast cancer deaths declined by 1.6 percent each year between 1989 and 1995.

If you would like more information about certified mammography facilities in the community that will be offering reduced-fee screenings in October you can call one of the following toll-free numbers: the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345; the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at 1-800-462-9273; the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations at 1-888-80-NABCO; the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or the Y-me National Breast Cancer Organization at 1-800-221- 2141.

As mentioned above, I was pleased to have introduced and have signed into law AB 28, which extends the sunset date for the successful California Breast Cancer Research Fund tax check-off program that was set to expire next year. California Income Tax Return Form 540 provides an opportunity for an individual to make a donation from their tax refund - or add a contribution to their tax bill - to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. The donation or contribution is automatically tax deductible for the following year, and the money from this fund goes directly to the California Breast Cancer Research Program to support new approaches to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer. Previous contributions have supported all or part of 39 research awards. Researchers funded by contributions have undertaken studies to eliminate breast cancer and its effects by investigating its potential causes, devising ways to prevent and cure it, and pursuing ways to live well after a breast cancer diagnosis. Since 2000, contributions to this fund have generated over $3.8 million.

Water Leaders Class

The Water Education Foundation is accepting applications for its ninth Water Leaders Class, which will begin January 2008. The application deadline is December 3, 2007. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 30, 2007. Individuals from private business, education, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and public interest groups are encouraged to apply.

The William R. Gianelli Water Leaders Class is a one-year program that identifies young community leaders from diverse backgrounds, including members of minority and ethnic communities, and educates them about water issues. The program enhances individual leadership skills and prepares participants to take an active, cooperative approach to decision-making about water resource issues. Leading stakeholders and top policy-makers serve as mentors to class members. Designed as a program for young working professionals, participation involves a time commitment from both the class member and his or her employer.

Criteria for Acceptance

• Commitment to understanding water issues;
• Interest in seeking leadership roles on public boards and commissions, or key staff positions;
• Commitment to the community through volunteer activities; and
• Potential or existing opportunities for advancement to key leadership roles within your own organization.

Participant Requirements

• Attend a special one-day class orientation in January;
• Attend two Foundation water tours (each tour is three days);
• Attend the Foundation's 1½ day executive briefing in April;
• Spend a day "shadowing" a major water leader - your assigned mentor - from government, urban, agriculture, environmental organization, private businesses, or public interest groups;
• Interview the mentor about a water issue selected by the class;
• Attend a special meeting in July to develop a class Power Point about the assigned water topic; and
• Attend December Board of Directors meeting to present the Power Point. ;

For more information on the Water Leader's Class you can go to the Foundation's website at www.watereducation.org or call (916) 444-6240.

"There Oughta be a Law...or Not" Contest

It's time again for the 6th Assembly District to get involved in the legislative process. Assemblymember Huffman is launching his second annual "There Oughta Be A Law...Or Not" contest this month. The contest invites citizens of the 6th Assembly District to submit ideas for new state legislation or to repeal laws. Each applicant is asked to fill out a questionnaire describing the law they believe "ought to be" or a repeal of a law that "ought not be." Applicants are encouraged to be as thorough as possible when explaining their bill ideas in order to understand the issue. The winners may have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, and could have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on their bill in the State Capitol. They will also have lunch with Assemblymember Huffman, and receive an honorary plaque.

The inception of the program comes with the hopes to educate the community on the legislative process, and to give citizens in the district a new avenue to have their voices heard.

Application forms for this year's contest may be downloaded at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a06/pdf/AD06LawContest.pdf. The public may also call Assemblymember Huffman's district office at (415) 479-4920 to request a form. The deadline for all entries is December 15, 2007.

North Bay Industries -Assembly Member Huffman toured the North Bay Rehabilitation Services, also known as North Bay Industries (NBI). NBI is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities and non-vocational programs including housing to people with disabilities.

Marin Conservation Corp - Assemblymember Huffman attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the Marin Conservation Corp. He honored 25 individuals who have contributed to Marin Conservation Corp's success.

Seniors for Peace - Assembly Member Huffman spoke on global warming and environmental issues at the Redwoods at an event sponsored by the Seniors for Peace. He also spoke of recent legislative successes in solar energy and other legislation that he has introduced and supported along with future challenges.

Use the District Office as Your Resource

Remember, if you are having any state issues that we can be helpful with please contact our office. The District Office is here for you and wants to be used as a resource. Please call the District Office numbers below to request assistance.

How to reach me:

Please feel free to visit my website at www.assembly.ca.gov/Huffman.

Assemblymember Huffman's Committees:

Chair, Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Member, Assembly Appropriations Committee
Member, Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee
Member, Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee

If you know of anyone who you think would like to receive these newsletters, please e-mail their name, mailing address and e-mail address, and I'll be happy to add them to my list.

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