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MARCH 2007
IN THIS ISSUE Assemblymember Mike Eng Holds Briefing with Local Electeds Assemblymember Eng Names Josephine Blanco "Woman of the Year" Assemblymember Mike Eng's 2007 Legislative Package Complete |
ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG HOLDS BRIEFING WITH LOCAL ELECTEDS On March 2, 2007, Assemblymember Mike Eng held a briefing with the Mayors, City Councilmembers and City Managers of the seven cities in the 49th Assembly District. The purpose of the briefing was to discuss the availability of funds for housing and parks, transportation projects such as the 605 and 710 freeways, and the impact of the state's projected budget shortfall on local cities. The March 2nd briefing featured guest speakers Lynn Jacobs, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and Lee Dolley, an attorney who has advised local governments on transportation issues. Assemblymember Eng plans set Quarterly Briefings with representatives from Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, and South El Monte as a way to keep open communication between state and local governments. Assemblymember Eng hopes to inform local representatives about available state resources while also keeping in touch with the district by receiving their feedback. "Local cities need to have a voice in critical state issues such as the proposed plan for universal health care and the upcoming allocation of voter approved bond monies,” said Assemblymember Eng, who himself was a former Mayor and City Councilmember in the San Gabriel Valley. “I look forward to working with local elected officials to ensure that I can represent their voice in the State Capitol.” Assemblymember Eng also plans to meet regularly with local school district representatives and to start an advisory committee of local leaders to advise him on issues involving small business and environmental concerns. ASSEMBLYMEMBER ENG NAMES JOSEPHINE BLANCO "WOMAN OF THE YEAR"
Assemblymember Mike Eng honored longtime South El Monte resident Josephine Blanco as the 49th Assembly District “Woman of the Year” in a ceremony held at the State Capitol on March 5, 2007. The annual ceremony commemorates exemplary California women from each Assembly District in the state. Josephine Blanco is a well respected community volunteer who has served the residents of South El Monte and the Greater San Gabriel Valley for the past twenty years. She began her volunteer work by providing home cooked meals to the homeless at Legg Lake in the Whittier Narrows Recreation area and continued to do so for over ten years. “Josephine is an inspirational grass-roots activist with a long history of service to the community,” Assemblymember Eng said. “I am pleased to pay tribute to such a talented and giving woman.” Ms. Blanco, who also donates her time to Catholic Charities, is actively involved with Club Latino at the South El Monte Senior Center, where she continues her efforts to assist senior citizens by providing them with transportation to local food banks and doctor appointments. Currently, Ms. Blanco serves as a member of the South El Monte Community Services Commission, where she has represented senior citizens for the past three years. “Josephine is an exemplary model for civic participation,” Assembly Member Eng added. “Her passion for helping those in need is truly commendable.” ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG'S 2007 LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE COMPLETE IOn February 23rd, the deadline to introduce bills in the Legislature, Assemblymember Mike Eng introduced his 24th and final bill for the 2007 Legislative Session. His legislative package covers a wide array of policy areas, ranging from consumer protection to helping the environment. One of his consumer protections measures will prohibit the use of “Gag Clauses” by healthcare professionals. AB 249 would specifically ban the use of regulatory "gag clauses" in the settlement of lawsuits against healthcare professionals licensed by a Department of Consumer Affairs agency. Gag clauses prevent injured or cheated people from filing complaints or cooperating with state regulatory agencies that have a responsibility to investigate the misconduct of licensed professionals under their jurisdiction. Expanding on one of his successes while serving in local government, Assemblymember Eng introduced AB 704, which would require all local governments to establish Resident Advisory Commissions on the Environment to assist with issues relating to environmental awareness, education, and preservation of community natural resources. Under the provisions of AB 704, which is sponsored by the Planning and Conservation League, these commissions will also address issues relating to recycling and waste reduction, sustainable, practices for water and energy conservation, storm drain issues, and air quality. AB 1693, which is sponsored by the New America Foundation, will amend our income tax forms to provide California tax refund recipients with the option to invest all or some of their refund into U.S. Savings Bonds. According to the Pew Research Center, personal savings in the United States have recently hit an all-time low. Every year, however, eight million California families receive an average of $800 in their state income tax refund. These tax windfalls present one of their best opportunities to save. “I am very pleased with the substance and focus of my very first legislative package,” stated Assemblymember Eng. “Fighting for a healthier environment, improving the lives of working class families and increasing consumer protections are some of the goals I have set for myself this year.” To express support for Assemblymember Mike Eng’s legislation, please call (626) 450-6116. NEW DISTRICT OFFICE GRAND OPENINGOn Sunday, April 1, 2007, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Assemblymember Mike Eng will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE event and YOU’RE INVITED. Please come by to see our new office, meet our staff and discuss upcoming legislative issues. Refreshments will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call (626) 450-6116. Since his installation to the California State Assembly in December of 2006, Assemblymember Mike Eng has assembled a talented team of district staff members that are now available to assist you. They are:
If you would like to contact them, call our District Office at (626) 450-6116. March 24th, 2007 - Free Citizenship Workshop Co-sponsored with The Los Angeles County Naturalization Consortium. The event is by appointment only and space is limited to the first 200 people. To make an appointment, please call (800) 433-6251 ext. 257 April 11th, 2007 - Senior Scam Stopper Seminar 9:30-11:30am - Jack Crippen Community Center – 3120 Tyler Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731 CONTACT ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG We invite everyone to visit our website, http://www.assembly.ca.gov/eng to keep up to date on district and Capitol news and events. You can also email me at Assemblymember.Eng@assembly.ca.gov. District Office: Capitol Office: |
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