| SIGN UP FOR E-UPDATES | VISIT MY WEBSITE |
JULY 2007
IN THIS ISSUE City Of El Monte Recognizes Assemblymember Mike Eng Assemblymember Mike Eng Sponsors Scam Stopper Seminar For Seniors Assemblymember Mike Eng Visits Adult School Assemblymember Mike Eng Makes Clean Water A Priority Assemblymember Eng Declines Salary Increase Assemblymember Mike Eng Meets With Representatives From All School Districts Assemblymember Eng Discusses Universal Health Care Assemblymember Mike Eng Honors Community Leaders |
WELCOME MESSAGE Hello, and welcome to my monthly E-Newsletter. As you may already know, I was elected to the California State Assembly last November to represent the 49th District, which includes the eastern Los Angeles County cities of Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, and South El Monte. Immediately after being sworn into office, I made it one of my top priorities to reach out and connect with as many constituents as possible. It is my hope that this newsletter will help me in meeting that objective. If you would like to receive updates such as this on a regular basis, please visit my website at http://www.assembly.ca.gov/eng and click on the link, "Sign-Up for E-Updates." I hope you enjoy reading my e-newsletter. Please do not hesitate to contact me at Assemblymember.Eng@assembly.ca.gov if I can be of assistance to you. Sincerely, MIKE ENG CITY OF EL MONTE RECOGNIZES ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG
At the April 3, 2007 City Council meeting, Mayor Ernie Gutierrez and members of the El Monte City Council presented Assemblymember Mike Eng with a City Tile of Recognition. The City Tile was presented to Assemblymember Eng in appreciation of his strong representation of the residents and business community of El Monte. Assemblymember Eng expressed his gratitude for such recognition and reiterated that his top priority as Assemblymember was to reach out and continue connecting with all leaders, local representatives, and constituents of the 49th Assembly District in order to effectively address their needs. ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG SPONSORS SCAM STOPPER SEMINAR FOR SENIORS In an effort to raise awareness among senior citizens about consumer rip-off scams, as well as resources available to help them protect themselves against such schemes, Assemblymember Mike Eng held a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar on April 4, 2007, at the Jack Crippen Senior Center in the city of El Monte. The presenters included representatives from the Contractor State License Board, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Public Utilities Commission, and the California Department of Consumer Affairs. "Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to consumer rip-off scams," said Assemblymember Eng. "I want to make sure that they have as much information as possible so that they can protect themselves against those who are out there to take their money." El Monte City Mayor Ernest Gutierrez and South El Monte City Mayor Blanca Figueroa joined Assemblymember Eng in voicing their concerns with the problem of senior scams and urging seniors to learn more to protect themselves. ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG VISITS ADULT SCHOOL
Assemblymember Eng was greeted by Assistant Superintendent of Adult and Alternative Education Victor Chavez and Guidance Counselor Erix Oliva, who then took him on a tour of the campus. The Assemblymember visited classrooms and interacted with students and teachers. During his visit, Assemblymember Eng discussed with school officials the importance of adult and alternative education to the residents of the San Gabriel Valley, especially the 49th Assembly District, where a large number of immigrants live. Assemblymember Eng then shared with the students personal stories of his experience growing up in an immigrant family and gave a few words of encouragement. "I want you all to promise yourselves that you will work hard, learn English, become citizens, and contribute back to the community," Assemblymember Eng said to the class. "You are working hard so that one day you will achieve the American Dream." The El Monte-Rosemead Adult School is a part of the El Monte Union High School District. ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG MAKES CLEAN WATER A PRIORITY
On April 6, 2007, Assemblymember Mike Eng visited the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) to discuss the importance of groundwater cleanup efforts in the San Gabriel Basin as well as tour the Congressman David Dreier Water Treatment Plant in the city of Baldwin Park. Joined by Assemblymember Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), Assemblymember Eng received a briefing from the WQA Board members regarding their current water treatment efforts in the San Gabriel Basin. The San Gabriel Groundwater Basin covers more than 160 square miles in Los Angeles County and provides 90% of the water supply needed for the 1.5 million people in the region. The San Gabriel Valley aquifer is recognized as the largest Superfund site in the nation, which means the groundwater in the area is contaminated and cannot be consumed unless treated. At the briefing, Assemblymember Eng also discussed the importance of AB 1114, a bill which he authored this legislative session but died last month in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which would create the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund in the State Treasury. "My legislation would have created a restoration fund at the state level to demonstrate to the federal government that the state is serious about becoming a partner in this cleanup effort," said Assemblymember Eng. "Despite this setback, I will continue working closely with the WQA so that we can continue pushing this issue next year. "The fund, once created, will help offset the unfunded cost of cleaning up local drinking water supply. In doing so, it will help ensure that the cleanup efforts of contaminated groundwater in the San Gabriel Valley continue. Furthermore, it will help ensure that water rates remain affordable. Without the fund, water rates could increase significantly and adversely affect the residents in the San Gabriel Valley. "When all is said and done, the state has to step up to the plate and provide funding for the cleanup," added Assemblymember Eng. ASSEMBLYMEMBER ENG DECLINES SALARY INCREASE On June 19th, Assemblymember Mike Eng wrote a letter to the State Controller stating that he would not be accepting the salary increase recently approved by the California Citizens Compensation Commission. The Commission, which was created by the voters in June 1990 through the passage of Proposition 112, decided to increase the salaries of all Legislators by 2.75 percent. "The members of the legislature are most deserving of their compensation, but considering that we're facing a huge budgetary deficit again this year, I cannot in good conscience accept this pay raise," stated Assemblymember Eng. ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
In an effort to reach out and connect with all local school districts, Assemblymember Mike Eng held a special briefing on education with school board members and superintendents from all school districts within the 49th Assembly District. At the briefing, which was held on April 27th, Assemblymember Eng discussed major education-related issues that are currently affecting our local K-12th grade schools. Guest presenters included representatives from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, who discussed available funding resources. "I was impressed to see all of the school districts represented at this event," stated Eng. "By working together, we're going to make sure our students, parents and teachers get the most out of Sacramento." The briefing was attended by representatives from all school districts within the 49th Assembly District, which includes Alhambra Unified School District, El Monte City School District, El Monte Union High School District, Garvey School District, Mountain View School District, Rosemead School District, San Gabriel Unified School District, San Marino Unified School District, and Valle Lindo School District. Assemblymember Eng currently sits on the Assembly Committee on Education and plans to continue having these type of consultative briefings on a regular basis. ASSEMBLYMEMBER ENG DISCUSSES UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE
On Saturday May 12, 2007, Assemblymember Mike Eng sponsored a Town Hall meeting on Health Care reform for the residents of the 49th Assembly District. The purpose of the event was to provide the public with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the various universal health-care proposals that are currently being debated in the state legislature and allow them to voice their opinion. The Town Hall, which took place inside the Monterey Park City Council Chambers, attracted over 350 residents from throughout the district and beyond. The program consisted of several panels of experts, including policy analysts, health care professionals, and government representatives, which focused on the state of our existing health-care system and how it is impacting both the San Gabriel Valley and the state as a whole. Presenting on the various health-care reform measures that are currently being considered in Sacramento, the event featured representatives from Speaker Fabian Núñez' office; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office; and Senator Sheila Kuehl's office. A representative from AltaMed Health Services was also present to provide the audience with a presentation on the existing state of health-care in California. Speaking at the event, Assemblymember Eng emphasized the importance of having diverse perspectives and voices as we attempt to address one of California's biggest challenges - fixing our healthcare system. "Every community member is a stakeholder in the healthcare debate," said Assemblymember Eng. "It's impressive to see so many people come out to a policy discussion such as this and express their ideas and opinions about such an important issue." The event was co-sponsored by the Alhambra Democratic Club, Monterey Park Democratic Club, United Democrats of Monterey Park, and United Democrats of San Gabriel Valley. ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE ENG HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Assemblymember Mike Eng hosted the 4th Annual 49th Assembly District Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding community leaders in ten distinct categories. The ceremony took place on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Garvey Community Center in the City of Rosemead. This year, the honorees receiving awards from Assemblymember Eng included Helen Liu Matsuno, PhD. for Excellence in the Arts; Vu H. Pham, PhD. for Achievement as a Business Owner/Entrepreneur; Winston Wu for Achievement as a Community Activist/Volunteer; Dr. Bob H. Suzuki for Excellence in Education; Beth Woo and Liu Ma Ma for Personification of Family Values; Gui-Qin Zhang for Achievement in Health Care Delivery; Asian Pacific Family Center for Excellence as a Non-Profit; William "Bill" Hiroshi Shishima for Activism with Senior Citizens; Gracey Wey for Outstanding Advocate of Women's Issues; and Jonathan Truong for Youth Achievement. "The Asian Pacific American community, like so many other California communities, represents a diversity of history, culture, and heritage," stated Assemblymember Eng. "I am proud to recognize these outstanding individuals who have contributed so much to the prosperity and diversity of the 49th Assembly District." The tradition of celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage began in 1978 when the week of May 1 - 7 was officially designated as "Asian Pacific American Heritage Week." In 1990, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month of May. "Asian Pacific Americans as a community have a long history and a legacy of hard work, pride, and overcoming barriers," said Assemblymember Eng. "It is important for me to recognize these outstanding individuals because they are living examples of that legacy." Joining Assemblymember Eng at the ceremony was a long list of state and local elected officials including State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero; city councilmembers from Rosemead, Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, and San Marino, and school board members from Alhambra Unified School District, Garvey School District, and San Marino Unified School District. ASSEMBLYMEMBER ENG 2007 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Assemblymember Eng continues to work on legislation that will improve the lives of Californians. Listed below are summaries of some of the bills that Assemblymember Eng has authored in this year's legislative session. For more information on all of Assemblymember Eng's bills, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/, the official website for California legislative information. Assembly Bill 609 -State Purchase of Green Building Equipment: In an effort to address the issue of climate change, Assemblymember Eng introduced AB 609, which will remove unnecessary obstacles to the state's ability to purchase energy efficient and environmentally sustainable equipment for public facilities. Specifically, AB 609 will allow the state to apply a project life-cycle cost analysis to determine the appropriate up-front expenditure for the construction or purchase of green building equipment like cogeneration equipment, alternative energy equipment, and other conservation measures. AB 609 will have a resounding impact on California's environment by reducing air & water pollution and land fill waste. Since the maintenance costs for green building equipment is less, AB 609 will also establish long-term monetary savings to the state. Assembly Bill 614 -Voting Rights for All: This bill will strengthen the Secretary of State's ability to monitor the compliance of county election officials with various voting rights laws. AB 614 specifically requires counties to submit a report to the Secretary of State detailing their compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to providing voters with language assistance. Poll sites have been found to not provide adequate materials, provisional ballots, trained poll workers and bilingual poll workers. Poll monitors have also observed voters leaving poll sites without voting because they did not receive language and other voting assistance. Assembly Bill 1137 -The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners: This bill will place a proposition on the statewide ballot to amend the 1922 initiative that created the Chiropractic Board 85 years ago. On March 28, 2007, the Assembly and Senate Business and Professions Committees conducted a joint oversight and investigative hearing focused on the problems at BCE, ranging from repeatedly violating the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act to improperly attempting to interfere with an ongoing criminal prosecution of a chiropractor accused of the unauthorized practice of medicine. AB 1137 will provide more transparency and oversight to ensure that the CBE provides the highest quality of service to the public. To express support for Assemblymember Mike Eng's legislation, please call (626) 450-6116. 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: |
||||||
|
District Office: Capitol Office: |
