INGLEWOOD, December 5, 2007 - Less than a year ago, Assemblymember Curren Price (D- Inglewood) was sworn in as an Assemblymember representing the 51st Assembly District.. Despite his “freshman” status, Price was determined to be a force for positive change for his district and the people of California. During this recently completed legislative term, he authored 30 bills that strengthen voter’s rights, expand worker’s benefits, increase economic aid for small businesses and encourage greater familial support for youth in custody.

As a result of his proposed legislation to increase financial aid for students through the Cal-Grant program, Price was named “Legislator of the Year” by the University of California Student’s Association. Moreover, he successfully received legislative approval for three resolutions: ACR 47 – National Multicultural Cancer Awareness Week, ACR 67 – Voter Registration Month, and AJR 34 – Lupus Awareness Month. At the close of the legislative session, 16 of Price’s bills were sent to the Governor’s desk for signature and 12 were signed into law.

“I am proud of these accomplishments,” said Price. “Each day representing the 51st Assembly District is another opportunity to make a lasting impact.”

As an important part of the legislative process is action in legislative committees, Assemblymember Price was pleased to receive several assignments which reflect his background, training and longstanding commitment to public service. Price is Chair of the Elections and Redistricting Committee and, in that capacity, has been vigilant in supporting legislation to improve voter turnout and protect the voting rights of all California citizens. His committee was instrumental in approving legislation that moved the presidential primary to February 8, 2008. AB 355, which would have authorized same-day voter registration and voting cleared the Assembly, but unfortunately was defeated in the Senate. Price also co-chairs the newly-created Special Committee of Assembly Legislative Ethics and serves on the Governmental Organization, Business & Professions and Jobs, Economic Development & the Economy Committees.

As a former small business owner and advocate, Assemblymember Price was pleased to be appointed Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Procurement. The mandate of that panel is to increase the number of small business enterprises that do business with the state. The Committee held hearings (in Sacramento and Gardena) to receive first-hand reports from small business owners, advocates and Administration officials about obstacles and opportunities for doing business with the state. Future hearings will focus on opportunities with the Public Utilities Commission, the University of California and the Department of Corrections.

As a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Assemblymember Price hosted a workshop (sponsored by CalPers and CalSters) to acquaint minority investment professionals with opportunities to do business with the State.

Since February, Price has hosted general and issue-specific Town Hall Meetings throughout the District, a Public Safety and Anti-Gang Summit, and a Judgeship Diversity Workshop for California lawyers pursuing judicial appointment. He honored 51 outstanding women in the community as “Sheroes” at a special Mother’s Day event, soon to be held annually, and honored seniors in the community with a day at the horse races. Price visited community-based organizations, businesses, chambers of commerce and non-profit agencies throughout the district. He also joined teachers in the classroom; issuing hundreds of certificates to deserving students and launched a lupus-awareness campaign.

In response to Assemblymember Price’s invitation for constituents to become involved in the legislative process, volunteer activists from the district formed the Committee for a Better 51st District. The Committee has already formed subcommittees on the Environment, Public Safety, Health, Youth & Education, Transportation, Senior Services and Special Events.

“As I look forward to the next session, my commitment to this job and the people I serve grows stronger. There is much work yet to be done and I intend to rise to each challenge that presents itself,” said Price. “I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Assemblymember Curren Price serves the 51st Assembly District, which includes Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Playa Vista, Westchester, Lawndale, West Athens, Lennox, Alondra Park, West Compton, Del Aire, and Willowbrook, as well as portions of the unincorporated area of Ladera.