Press Releases

As Wildfires Erupt Throughout the State of California Senator Cortese’s Bill Reducing Wildfire Risk While Protecting Native Plants Is Approved by the California Assembly

SACRAMENTO –  Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) Senate Bill 653 that defines and promotes environmentally sensitive vegetation management to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk while protecting native plants and wildlife today was passed by the California Assembly. It now goes back to the Senate for approval.



Senator Cortese’s Bill Expanding Opportunities for Animals to Get Health Services Throughout California Passes the Assembly and Heads to the Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO –  The California Assembly today passed Senator Dave Cortese’s SB 602 which would expand opportunities for animals to get health services across the state of California by permitting a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to conduct vaccine and parasite control wellness appointments in many animal shelters.



State Leaders Call for Fast-Track of High-Speed Rail

SACRAMENTO – California Senate Transportation Chair Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley), state lawmakers, labor leaders, business leaders, and construction trade workers stood together today to call upon the Legislature to support the Governor’s proposal to dedicate $1 billion annually from Cap-and-Trade revenues to keep California’s high-speed rail on track.



Senate Transportation Chair Responds to High-Speed Rail Project Update

SACRAMENTO – The following statement was issued by State Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley), Chair of the California Senate Transportation Committee, in response to the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2025 Supplemental Project Update Report. The Authority notes that long-term, stable state funding is essential to achieving commercial success and attracting private sector participation through potential public-private partnerships.



Senator Cortese Reacts to Update on Federal High-Speed Rail Funding

SACRAMENTO – The following statement was issued by Senate Transportation Chair Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) on August 7, 2025, regarding the status of $4 billion in federal high-speed rail funding: