Inside the Capitol - Key Updates
I'm honored to carry your voice from the Central Coast to the Capitol each week. As we move into fall, I want to share a few things we have accomplished on your behalf.
Check out my website and follow my social media to find out more.
I look forward to seeing you soon,
Dawn Addis
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health
Assemblymember, 30th District
Improving Transparency, Education, Disaster Response and More
Assemblymember Addis speaking on the Assembly Floor.
My legislation is headed to the Governor's desk! If signed, these policies would make important changes that you have asked for.
AB 808 – Transparency: The Cal-Access Modernization and Transparency Act would help you access campaign finance reports.
AB 560 – Education: The Special Education Caseload Act, developed in partnership with the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) would improve education by formally recommending special education teacher caseload limits.
AB 1336 - Farmworker Safety: I'm proud to partner with United Farm Workers on AB 1336, that would help farmworkers stay alive and safe during extreme heat.
AB 1076 - Savings Plans: The Qualified ABLE Program Act would make it easier for people with disabilities to save their money and create long-term stability.
AB 1288 - Disaster Response: Developed in collaboration with the Monterey County Public Health Department, the Retain and Train Act would ensure we have enough environmental health specialists in our public health departments to monitor the environmental health impacts of disasters so that we can all be safer.
AB 1487 – Wellness: The 2TGI Wellness and Equity Fund Act would expand the Fund and ensure the LGBTQ+ community has needed resources and support.
AB 761 – Transportation: Would allow the Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST) to empower Monterey County voters to make decisions about their transportation funding.
AB 1008 - Economic Opportunity: Developed in partnership with San Luis Obispo County, would allow restaurants in San Luis Obispo County to expand their offerings so that more businesses can thrive.
AB 1288 In The News!
California must be the environmental and public health leader we need, especially when disaster strikes. The key is employing more environmental health specialists through our public health departments. This is why I've authored AB 1288 that creates better pathways into this important profession. Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of the County of Monterey Health Department and I wrote an Op-Ed detailing why we must and how we will, strengthen our environmental workforce ahead of future disasters.
Delivering Relief for Central Coast Families
Assemblymember Addis stood in front of the Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County with Joel Campos, Advocacy Director and Erica Padilla-Chavez.
Our work to fund free diapers for families in need was successful! Purchasing diapers is one of the biggest economic challenges that Central Coast families face. California's diaper banks will receive $7.4 million in funding this year and Second Harvest Food Bank in Santa Cruz County will benefit. I first learned about the need for diapers when I toured Second Harvest Food Bank two years ago. This funding will help make the Central Coast more affordable for those most in need.
Responding to the Largest Fire in California
Last day of their shift - Viewing personal footage from the National Forest team of what firefighters were up against when working to put out the flames.
Scotty Jalbert, Director of the SLO County Office of Emergency Services, updated me on the various emergency agencies sitting around the table.
5,000 personnel worked around the clock for weeks on end to combat the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo County. I spent a full day touring the operations, including visits to the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services, the Santa Margarita Incident Command Center, the Santa Margarita Red Cross evacuation center, the Pozo fire line and the Paso Robles air operations base. I am deeply grateful for the courage and commitment of frontline personnel who protect our communities.
Standing Up for Survivors
Assembly Judiciary Hearing on AB 452 - March 21, 2023.
I'm proud to have authored the Justice for Survivors Act (AB 452, 2023), a landmark piece of legislation that eliminated the civil statute of limitations for child sexual assault. This bill aligned California with the federal Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act (2022). From January 1, 2024 forward, child sex assault survivors will no longer be silenced by cruel and arbitrary barriers of age.
This month, I led a sign-on letter of support for the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. This federal legislation would require the release of government records related to Epstein's decades-long horrific sexual abuse of minors and adults. Survivors deserve to have their voices heard and for our government to act with transparency and accountability.
Goodbye "Blood Alley," Hello James Dean Memorial Highway
Neil Sheehan and Members are standing on the Assembly Floor.
In 1955, James Dean tragically died on "Blood Alley" in San Luis Obispo County. Today, this dangerous section of Highway 46 is being reconstructed and made safer for millions of drivers who go to and from the Central Coast every year. Recently, in recognition of Dean's enduring legacy, I successfully led the effort to rename "Blood Alley" the James Dean Memorial Highway.
Meet our Team Member, Gabe!
Gabriel "Gabe" Peña and Assemblymember Addis walking down the aisle on the Assembly Floor.
As a former educator, I value the importance of mentoring those who want to serve California in the State Legislature. Gabe, our Jesse M Unruh Assembly Fellow, joined our office this year and is an integral member of our team. Gabe helps produce the Dawn Digest and advance important legislation. As a UC Riverside graduate with dual B.A.s in Political Science/Law & Society and Sociology, he brings incredible experience from campaign finance, the California Air Resources Board and leadership roles supporting students - including founding a Latinx Pre-Law Club. Gabe's talent, passion and dedication on our team have been and will continue to be an excellent service to the Central Coast and beyond.