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Welcome to the Denham Digest! As busy as our lives are, it is sometimes difficult for citizens to stay on top of the current happenings in the Legislature. My hope is that you will find this publication a helpful and useful source of information on current events in the 12th Senate District and the California Legislature. I highly value the input of my constituents so please feel free to contact me with any issues or concerns that you may have. It is an honor to serve you in the California State Legislature.
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Message from Jeff -
The Lost Legislative Session
I am very disappointed that this legislative session failed to tackle some of the most important issues facing our state.
No Water Agreement
There was no solution reached on the water crisis that is devastating California and particularly our Valley. The Legislature will probably be convening a special session in Mid-October to try and tackle the water crisis. I will be fighting for the inclusion of water surface storage and the guarantee of future funding (continuous appropriations) for it.
Early Release of Prisoners
The number one priority of the Legislature should be public safety, yet the watered down prison deal still releases criminals early by giving them bogus good time credits for simply breathing. Innocent families will be victimized if this bill (SB 18xxx) is signed into law. We should be building more prison facilities, not letting criminals out on the streets before they have served their time.
Bad Energy Deal
The energy deal (SB 14), which would require California to get 33 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 will be a mass job killer and will drastically increase already high energy rates for consumers. The governor should veto the bill.
No Budget Reform
Even with several extraordinary sessions to deal with the budget, the Legislature still failed to enact any real reform to end the vicious budget deficit cycle. The state’s budget is bleeding red ink and we will likely be back this fall or in January to deal with additional deficit problems.
In the words of Will Rogers, ““Last year we said, "Things can't go on like this," and they didn't, they got worse.”
I am hoping that this lost session will be a wake up call and that, going forward, this Legislature can work in a bipartisan fashion to solve critical issues in the best interest of Californians.
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End of Session Highlights
This year, Jeff, once again, held the line against further tax increases. His push to abolish the Integrated Waste Management Board finally became a reality. Jeff was able to help increase job and educational opportunities for California veterans, and his bill to extend the Central Coast Rural Crimes Prevention program to fight devastating Ag industry losses was signed into law.
Jeff’s legislation that passed and has been enacted this year:
SB 121 - Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Program
SB 130 - King City School District Emergency Appropriations
SCR 7 - March 09 Kidney Cancer Awareness
SR 18 - March 30 Vietnam Vets Day
SB 418 - Vet Service Organizations (Vet committee bill)
SB 44 - Abolish the Waste Board (passed in budget trailer bill)
SB 815 - Nat’l Guard Student Aid (passed in budget trailer)
Jeff’s legislation awaiting the Governor’s signature or chaptering:
SB 644 - Veteran State Testing Points
SB 419 - Veteran Service Officers
SB 809 - Veteran Itinerant Vendors
SB 818 - CA State Military Museum
SJR 10 - Veteran Federal Health Benefits
Jeff’s legislation that may be taken up January:
SB 28 - State Assets – Sell San Quentin
SB 29 - State Assets – Sell L.A. Coliseum
SB 30 - State Assets – ID $1b in state property to sell
SB 132 - Sleep Tech Certification
SB 440 - Serious/Violent Felony Upgrade
SCA 25 - Part-Time Legislature 2-year Budget
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Le Grand Varsity Softball Team Visits the Capitol
Coach Gia Priddell (upper left) and members of the Le Grand Varsity Softball Team on the Senate Floor at the State Capitol.
These very talented women from the 12th Senate district won the Sacramento – San Joaquin Division 6, Southern League Softball championship the last three years in a row for Le Grand High School in Merced County.
Two of the team members have been selected to play at CSU-Chico this year and the new varsity team plans on continuing their reign as league champions.
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Where Do your Tax Dollars Go?
Jeff was invited and recently spoke to a Modesto High School math class about how the state spends our tax dollars.
Education, health and welfare programs comprise the largest expenditure for the state. Here are the top four General Fund spending categories and their approximate percentages for this year’s budget:
nearly 42 percent will go to K-12 education;
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over 31 percent will go to health and welfare programs;
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approximately 13 percent will go to higher education; and
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roughly 10 percent will go to corrections and rehabilitation
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Ag Advocate Job Shadows at Jeff’s Capitol Office
Jeff welcomes Ashley Gunlund to the Senate Floor at the State Capitol.
Ashley Gunlund, a participant in the Modesto-based Almond Board of California’s Leadership Program, recently spent a day job shadowing at Jeff’s Capitol office.
Ashley, who grew up on her family’s farm in a rural area south of Fresno, is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Agribusiness.
“My job shadow with Senator Jeff Denham’s office was insightful, and the opportunity to observe the political process in the State Capitol was inspiring. This experience has shown the importance of educating the public about the critical issues that are being presented to and by our lawmakers on a daily basis,” said Ashley. “As a young individual, I feel the need to share in the responsibility of continuing to spread the word of the impact farming has on California’s economy, as well as the rest of the world.”
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Boys and Girls Club Thanks Jeff
The Boys and Girls Club of Merced County awarded Jeff with a Certificate of Appreciation for his long-time support of the organization.
The Club, a member of the Boys and Girls Club of America, has operated in Merced since 1994.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
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The Importance of Constitution Day
Jeff hands out State Constitutions to 6th graders from McSwain Elementary School.
Jeff talked with 124 6th graders from McSwain Elementary School in Merced about the importance of the Constitution.
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizes all who are born in the U.S. or who have become citizens.
Jeff also handed out copies of the California Constitution to the students.
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