Dear Neighbor,

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to spend my days traveling across the 12^th Senate District meeting with and constituents and friends.  I take this time to visit with local elected officials, community groups, businesses, students, and organizations across the Central and Salinas Valleys, and San Benito County.  All of these visits remind me of the important work we are doing for the residents of the 12^th Senate District and the important work that remains. 

As a Senator, I have worked to ensure that the interests of the 12 Senate District are represented in the decisions that affect our state’s public policies.  This past year has been a busy year, as the California Legislature tackled some critical issues.  The following is just a few of the major legislative accomplishments from the past year: 

• Passed a bold, responsible budget that provides record education funding, increases access to higher education while keeping tuition flat, makes health care more affordable for middle class families, cuts taxes for small businesses, expands California’s Earned Income Tax Credit to working families, and provides substantial funding for housing and homeless programs, all while building a healthy reserve against the next economic downturn.
   
• I authored legislation to address one of the state’s biggest challenges by reforming the use of force laws without jeopardizing the safety of law enforcement officers.  My bill, SB 230, increases training requirements for every law enforcement officer to reduce the use of deadly force. 
   
• Enacted landmark legislation to prevent rent gouging and unnecessary eviction, and created a partnership with cities and counties to provide an ongoing source of funding for affordable housing, while removing roadblocks to new construction. 
   
• Led the way to pass historical legislation to solve the safe drinking water crisis facing our state.  Critical money will now be available for communities suffering from groundwater pollution, without any burdensome new taxes. 
   
• Expanded services for seniors, including long-term care, nutrition support, research grants, referral networks, and ended the so-called “senior penalty” in Medi-Cal.  

Sincerely,
 
Senator Anna Caballero
State Senator, 12^th Senate District

This year, I authored several bills that address some of the critical challenges confronting Californians and residents of the 12^th Senate District.  The following are just a few of my bills signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom: 

SB 230 – Law Enforcement: Use of Force

• SB 230 requires peace officers to receive additional training, resources, and guidelines to reduce the use of deadly force.  My office worked closely with the Peace Officers Research Association of California to ensure that this bill addresses everyone’s concerns.  SB 230 will provide our law enforcement officers with the skills and support necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of the public.

SB 697 - Physician Assistants

• Many Physicians and Physician Assistants currently work in group practices or hospital settings where outdated state laws interfere with practice-level decisions about how patient-care teams can best meet the quality and access needs of patients.  SB 697 will provide healthcare teams with greater flexibility in order to increase healthcare access, especially in rural communities. 

SB 744 - No Place Like Home

• SB 744 streamlines the process for the 20,000+ housing units authorized by California’s No Place Like Home Program that was overwhelmingly supported by voters in 2018 via Proposition 2. This bill ensures that the state expedites the building of supportive housing for people with a mental illness, experiencing homelessness. SB 744 is an important first step to fighting the growing housing crisis.

For more information, please contact my Sacramento office at (916) 651-4012 or visit my website at www.sd12.senate.ca.gov. 

This summer, we held our annual Young Legislators Program in the cities of Greenfield and Atwater.  This program introduced young people to the inner-workings of state government and was structured to foster leadership skills.  The Young Legislators Program culminated in a tour and mock legislative hearing at the State Capitol.  Many of the program’s guest speakers included school board members, city mayors, business leaders, and state and federal officials.

Every 10 years, each person in the nation has the opportunity to participate in one of the most important civic activities in our democracy – the U.S. Census. The Census is our one chance for Californians to be counted for the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds.  An accurate count is critical for us to get the federal funding needed for roads, housing, Medicare, schools, free and reduced lunch programs, childcare, anti-poverty programs, and many other community needs. The 2020 Census also helps us get fair representation in Congress. Be counted this 2020 and help rural California get its fair share.  For more information on the census please visit:  https://californiacensus.org/

Cada 10 años, todas las personas tenemos la oportunidad de participar en uno de los eventos cívicos más importantes de nuestra democracia – el Censo. El Censo es nuestra única oportunidad en una década para poder ser contados e influenciar los recursos que nuestras comunidades reciben de los $675 billones de dólares en fondos federales anuales. Una cuenta correcta y precisa es crítica para que nuestra comunidad reciba fondos federales para proyectos de carreteras, vivienda, Medicare, escuelas, almuerzos gratis y reducidos, cuidado de niños, programas anti-pobreza y muchos más. El Censo también determina nuestra representación en el Congreso. Hágase contar este 2020 y ayude a nuestras comunidades rurales a recibir el dinero federal justo. Para más información haga clic aquí https://californiacensus.org/es/

Covered California is California’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment for a health insurance plan is from October 15 to January 31, 2020.  Renew or change your health insurance plan today!  Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. To shop, compare plans and costs, visit https://www.coveredca.com/

Senator Caballero visited Pure Monterey Water for the ribbon cutting to its innovative water recycling system that will provide the Salinas Valley with safe and clean drinking water.

The National Women’s Political Caucus honored Senator Caballero at their Women’s Equity Day Event in Fresno.

Senator Caballero spent the day honoring the American Labor Movement, working at The Big Fresno Fair.

Senator Caballero met with local veterans at the San Benito County Quilts of Honor celebration, an event that honors local veterans and provides each of them with a special, handmade quilt.

Senator Caballero spoke at the Census 2020 Workshop for local elected officials to encourage participation in the Census 2020 efforts in Monterey County.

Senator Caballero presented the City of San Juan Bautista with a Member’s Resolution at their 100th year celebration.

Senator Caballero rode with constituents in the Modesto 4th of July Parade.

Senator Caballero let students at Atwater High School test her blood pressure during a tour of the school’s CTE Program.

Senator Caballero stopped by the Farmers Market on her way back from a tour of the Madera Community Hospital.