Dear Neighbor,

With mail-in ballots sent to registered voters across California, and the 2020 election just days away, it is imperative that our Senate District 12 Community has the necessary information to vote safely and confidently.

If you wish to utilize a voting drop box, or plan to vote in person click here to find voting center locations most convenient for you.

Your vote is your voice; make sure it’s counted! From the moment your ballot arrives to your mailbox to the moment it is received by your county registrar’s office, it can be tracked. You can sign up to receive automatic notifications about the status of your ballot by clicking here. It is safe, easy and secure.

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

This year, I introduced 13 bills (before the COVID-19 pandemic). At the request of Senate Leadership, I voluntarily held 9 of these bills. Over the course of this legislative year, I introduced SB 1410 (the Senate’s version of tenant protections which was later replaced by AB 3088), and SB 1447 the Small Business Tax Credit in response to COVID-19.

I am proud to announce that the following critical bills have been signed by the Governor. This includes:

AB 3088 – COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020

Keeping people sheltered while providing small landlords with relief was probably the most urgent task set before the legislature in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, AB 3088 was passed. This bill extends statewide eviction’s protections for tenants who cannot pay rent because of a COVID-19 related hardship through January 31^st, 2021. This bill extends the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights to property owners with 4 or fewer rentals, extends certain notification timeline requirements for landlords, and assesses stricter penalties for bad landlord behavior.

To see if this law applies to your situation, visit HousingIsKey.com—a new website with guidance, forms, and helpful resources for homeowners, tenants, and landlords navigating their options during this difficult time.

SB 1447 – Small Business Hiring Tax Credit

As a former small business owner of more than 25 years, I was proud to join Governor Newson as he signed a package of bills to help struggling small businesses most in need. My bill, SB 1447, was named, by the Governor, as one of the most significant tax credits in the state’s history. This bill expands California’s assistance programs for eligible small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 1447 establishes a hiring tax credit that can be applied against income tax liabilities or sales and use tax liabilities. Click on the image above to learn more about this bill.

SB 1459 – SR 183 Relinquishment

Having served as both Councilwoman and Mayor in the city of Salinas, I understand how vital it is for state and local government to collaborate. SB 1459 is a perfect example. This bill authorizes Caltrans and the City of Salinas to enter into an agreement to gain local control over the portion of SR 183 that runs through downtown.

Many residents throughout the rural areas of my district live in what are known as “news deserts,’ having very limited access to information and reliable news sources. In the midst of a pandemic, it becomes more critical than ever, to be up to date and well informed. That is why I hosted 9 town halls addressing the most pressing topics in my district, and made them available in both English, Spanish, and the indigenous language Mixteco.

If you are a renter, landlord, or tenant, check out my recent town hall to see what rights you have when rent is due:

If you are a farmworkers or know someone who is. I ask you share this town hall on farmworkers rights during COVID-19. Available in English, Spanish, and Mixteco:

If you are a small business and need resources to help navigate this crisis, check out my Small Business Townhall with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara:

To view any of my town halls, please visit my website.

My staff has a sincere love and dedication for the communities we serve. They have spent countless hours and weekends being present and available to meet the needs of Senate District 12’s most vulnerable.

Throughout the pandemic, we have participated in:

• 15 Farmworker Relief Drives
• 11 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Drives
• 28 Meal Giveaway Events
• Nearly 4,000 Facial Coverings For Farmworkers
• 500 Bottles of Hand Sanitizers
• 74,000 Bottles of Water to the City of Dos Palos During a Water Emergency
• Distributed nearly 500 cases of hand sanitizer bottles  to essential workers
• Delivered 1,139 skilled nursing facility senior care packages
• Closed almost 200 unemployment cases

Team Caballero stands with our community first and foremost. We will continue to be an active presence every step of the way. Below are some highlights from events:

I had the privilege of touring Braga Fresh Farms field production in Chualar to see equipment modifications due to COVID-19. Special thank you to, Colby Pereira Vice President, Operations for accommodating me.

Staff partnered with the 2020 Census and other agencies to distribute Food and PPE throughout the district.

Congratulations to the San Benito Community Foundation for the groundbreaking of the Epicenter. This is a project that will serve the community for generations to come and will be a great addition to the downtown Hollister community.

My office warded over 2,000 Certificates of Recognition and Resolutions to exemplary organizations, individuals, and students within Senate District 12

My staff has dedicated themselves to being a resource and providing help to constituents throughout the district. Often, going over and above.

If you need help with a state agency, like unemployment or the DMV, please call my office and a member of my team will gladly assist.

Districtwide graduations were highlighted. Congratulations Senate District 12 Superstars!

In April, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the “Great Plates Delivered” program, a meal delivery service for eligible California senior citizens. In partnership with local restaurants, those who are unable to cook for themselves were provided with three delicious and nutritious meals, delivered to their door! I would like to extend my gratitude for the restaurants that participated in such a worthy program.

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/

With over 8,000 fires and more than 3.6 million acres burned, there can be no mistaking that California is experiencing a wildfire season of unprecedented proportions. I want to thank the brave first responders from throughout the district, as well as the many of you who gathered resources or took in families and animals displaced by the fires.