Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) and Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) sent a letter to United States Attorney General Merrick Garland raising their concerns about the increase in water rights being purchased by hedge funds, anti-competitive practices, and the potential impact to water security.

For nearly two decades, following the May Revision of the State Budget each year, Senator Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) has hosted a Bus Trip to Sacramento that has successfully provided groups of education advocates, students, educators and community members in Santa Clara County the opportunity to travel to the State Capitol to meet directly with State Officials and Legislators, learn about current legislation and discuss public education as a state budget priority.

Senator Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) made the following statement about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget, also known as the “May Revision”, that was released earlier today:

“With a surplus projected to be as high as $97.5 billion, we have an incredible opportunity to put money back into the people’s pockets so that they can meet their basic needs.”

Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) made the following statement today:

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Norman Mineta, someone I was honored to call a friend and mentor. Secretary Mineta embodied what it means to be a public servant and was an inspiration to countless leaders, including myself. His legacy will leave a lasting impression for years to come.”

Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) made the following statement regarding the California Senate proposed investment of $20 billion in transportation projects statewide.

Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) has authored SB 1210 to combat sexual exploitation in the digital age. SB 1210 cleared its first major hurdle by passing the California Senate Judiciary Committee today.

Since the pandemic began, the number of complaints of obscene images related to trafficking has increased by over 120%; online sexual exploitation is a form of abuse that disproportionately impacts women and girls.

Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) made the following statement regarding Stanford nurses striking today for better staffing conditions and mental health support.  

Senator Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) made the following statement in support of San Jose State University’s (SJSU) Student Homeless Alliance (SHA) today: