On the Mark

The heat is on in Sacramento—and I'm not just talking about the weather! Between the State Budget Crisis and the Recall campaign, I am pleased to report the great strides we have made to advance transgender rights, defend medical cannabis patients, empower local governments, and honor one of our own as the Assembly's first-ever transgender "Woman of the Year."

The sense of pride I felt as I escorted Alice Co-Chair Theresa Sparks to the Assembly dais as Woman of the Year from District 13 was overwhelming. Her presence was an historic moment, and the perfect opportunity to educate my fellow Assemblymembers on the importance of passing AB 196, which will protect Californians from gender discrimination in housing and employment. I am pleased to report that the Assembly approved this landmark bill on a 42-34 vote on April 21. It will next be heard in the Senate, and I am committed to its signing by the Governor later this year.

Additionally, we brought national attention to this issue on April 30 by debating the bill's merits with a member of the Family Research Council on MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews."

We also made great headway this month on Assembly Joint Resolution 13, which urges Congress to recognize the will of California voters and allow for the medical use of cannabis to alleviate the suffering of sick and dying patients. It passed the Assembly floor on a 42-34 vote, and once the Senate supports it, I look forward to sending it off to Congress.

Tackling California's budget crisis has been an all-encompassing task for legislators this year. To help us cope with the realities of today's budget constraints, I have introduced AB 1690. It authorizes cities and counties to place a locally enacted income tax on the ballot to let voters decide whether or not to create an optional insurance policy for cities and counties. These new revenues could be used to preserve infrastructure of education, health care, child-care, housing or public safety. AB 1690 is making great progress in the Assembly, and passed the local government committee on it's way to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Last month, I also convened a joint Public Safety & Budget Subcommittee hearing, to highlight the fact that although vital areas such as human services, mental health, aging, education, and alcohol & drug treatment are facing double digit cuts this year, the California Department of Corrections is set to receive a 1% increase in its budget. I will continue to be vocal on this and other budget issues throughout the year to make sure our vital safety net remains intact.

As always, I am emboldened in my fight for social, economic and environmental justice by the support I receive from Alice members. I look forward to working together in the coming months as we continue to make history!

-Mark