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NOVEMBER 2007
IN THIS ISSUE Governor Signs Landmark Legislation Name Equality Act Signed Into Law Taking A Stand To Combat Domestic Violence |
BREAKING NEWS:
On Sunday, October 14, Governor Schwarzenegger signed my key piece of legislation, AB 1108, banning toxic chemicals known as phthalates in children's toys intended for young children under 3 years of age. These chemicals are banned in the European Union and 14 countries throughout the world. As a part of my efforts on the Board of Supervisors, these chemicals are also banned in the City of San Francisco. California is now the first state in the country to ban these chemicals that scientific research has shown to cause certain forms of cancer, early onset of puberty, and reproductive defects. Even with the lobbying efforts of chemical corporations who went so far as to run constant advertisements on news stations and took out a full page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times urging the Governor to veto the bill, we succeeded in putting the interests of California's children ahead of corporate lobbyists. I would like to thank all of the supporters of this new law who took the time to write and call the Governor expressing your support for taking the proper steps towards keeping our children safe. NEWS FLASH: On Friday, October 12, my "Name Equality Act of 2007" (AB 102) was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. This new law will allow either member of a marriage or domestic partnership to change their last name at the time of union without having to go through the courts to legally change their name. Prior to this law, a subtle discrimination by the State of California existed in the fact that on a marriage license application only women were allowed to change their last name (for men to do this, they had to go through the courts). Couples entering into a domestic partnership are also forced to keep their same last name at their time of union unless they went through the process of going through the courts. My bill will do away with this discrimination and allow either partner in a marriage or domestic partnership to change their last name. Despite the efforts of lobbyists on the far-right, the bill passed with bi-partisan support and was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Taking A Stand To Combat Domestic Violence
In September, the California State Legislature voted to commemorate October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. On Tuesday, October 3, I held my first hearing as the chairwoman of the Select Committee on Domestic Violence in the State Capitol. Prior to the committee hearing, a rally was held in front of the Capitol to allow victims and advocates against domestic violence to speak about their experiences and advocate for solutions about this terrible problem that faces our state. Among the speakers were several prominent figures such as television star (and ex-wife of boxer Mike Tyson) Robin Givens; Mrs. California winner Tracie Stafford; and various members of the legal, corporate, and non-profit community. Unfortunately, domestic violence is an all too common occurrence in California. Estimates predict that nearly one in four women will experience domestic violence over the course of their lives. In 2006 alone, over 175,000 domestic violence calls were received by law enforcement and Californians placed over 20,000 calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Silence on this issue will only lead to more incidents of domestic violence and my hope is that by holding these hearings and rallies, we will show California that we will not be silenced. There is hope for everyone who is facing abuse at home. If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).
Other Bills Authored by Assemblywoman Ma that were signed this month by Governor Schwarzenegger: AB 101-Muni Reliability Bill: The Muni Reliability Bill was recently signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill will help stop inconsiderate people from double parking in the "Muni" lanes. Double parked cars create slower commute times. This bill will allow "Muni" buses to have cameras on the front and ticket those who have violated the parking law. This will help keep buses running on schedule by freeing up the "Muni" lanes for their intended purpose. AB 402-Foster Care Tax Equality: This bill was signed into law on Friday, October 12 by Governor Schwarzenegger. The law will help foster children by allowing them to have "child" status during real estate transactions. Currently, they are treated as strangers during these transactions. AB 649-Minimum Wage Hike for Jockeys: This bill was also recently signed by Governor Schwarzenegger into law. The law will provide for a much needed hike in minimum wage to those participating in one of the world's most dangerous sports: horse racing. ; Jockeys have only received a 5% raise in the last 20 years and some make below the federal poverty level. Hopefully this wage hike will help many jockeys and their families keep up with the cost of living and help with any medical emergencies that may arise from their participation in this sport. Theatrical Performance Gives Outlet For The Disabled
On Saturday, October 6, 2007, I was fortunate to attend the premiere of a film based on theatrical performances put on by the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe entitled “My Dreams.” The following day, I was able to see the performance live in San Francisco. These performances included amazing dances, songs, and routines by people disabled with hearing impairment, visual impairment, and/or physical impairment. Founded in 1987, the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe tours the world in the hopes of spreading international friendship, fulfills the dreams of people with disabilities, and creates a special art which delights audiences. The performances have been watched by former President Clinton, Vice President Gore, and leaders from countries around the world. Prior to the film, I was honored to meet with some of the actors taking part in this visual and audio wonderment. I wholeheartedly support the efforts of this group to allow disabled artists to fulfill their dreams while at the same time working toward international peace and harmony within the world community.
The Randall Museum will be presenting free live animal presentations throughout November. On Saturdays, at 11:15 am, a special selection of the Randall Museum's animal ambassadors venture from their cages, pens, and perches to greet museum visitors up-close! Kids and their families can meet rodents and amphibians; check out a Harris' Hawk and maybe even touch a tortoise!
I would like to have Assemblywoman Ma attend my event, what do I need to do? How can I have Assemblywoman Ma acknowledge our event?
You can send this information to my District Office at: 455 Golden Gate Ave., Suite 14600 I am still looking for interns and volunteers from the community to participate in the office in a wide variety of ways both in Sacramento and San Francisco. If you are interested, please contact my District office or Capitol office or click here. We invite everyone to visit our website to keep up to date on district and Capitol news and events. You can also email me at my District Office: Assemblymember.ma@assembly.ca.gov. District Office: Capitol Office: |
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