On Monday, Ruskin’s Assembly Bill 34 cleared the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation and will be heard next in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“AB 34 will close tax loopholes for corporations that avoid paying tax on income that is ‘parked’ in off-shore tax haven countries,” Ruskin explained. The Franchise Tax Board estimates an increase in state revenue from this bill will be $45 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006-07, and $35 million in FY 2007-08. For public schools (K-14) under Proposition 98, the legislation would create an estimated increase in funding of $24.3 million in FY 2006-07, and $18.9 million in FY 2007-08.

On Wednesday, Ruskin’s bills, AB 312 and AB 889, passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“AB 312 protects crime victims’ confidential medical records – especially rape victims – by expressly requiring such information be submitted directly to the court. Crime victims should not be victimized twice.” Ruskin declared.

The legislation is supported by the National Organization for Women.

“AB 889 provides the resources necessary to protect all California consumers who depend on the accuracy of weighing devices such as gasoline pumps, grocery counter scales, water meters, electric meters in mobile home parks and taxi meters. Not only are consumers protected by having accurate devices, honest businesses also rely on the inspection programs to insure unscrupulous sellers do not gain a competitive advantage through the use of inaccurate weighing and measuring instruments,” Ruskin said.

On Thursday, Ruskin’s AB 1357 passed out of the Assembly and is on its way to the Senate. It builds on past legislation by retired State Senator Byron Sher regarding the state’s purchase of low- or no-emission vehicles, including hybrids.

“I am carrying this bill to insure that the state’s vehicle fleet relies less on petroleum-based fuels and to promote the use of the state’s huge bulk buying capacity for all local government agencies -- such as schools, cities, counties and special districts -- to purchase clean vehicles at a lower cost. I believe governments should buy vehicles that do not add to our deteriorating air quality,” Ruskin concluded.