Senator Cortese Newsletter: Springing Forward into March!

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Dear Neighbors,

As we step into March, let's look forward with optimism to the renewal that spring brings. This month, we “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time change, a reminder that 2024 may soon shed this cold and rainy winter as we embrace sunlight and longer days. 

During this Women's History Month, we honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout time. It's an opportunity to reflect on the strides made toward gender equality and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equity across all spheres of society. We also look forward to St. Patrick's Day this month, a spirited celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Whether or not you have Irish roots, it's a wonderful opportunity to wear green and enjoy camaraderie and festivities. 

Let's embrace the warmer days and the promise of brighter times ahead, both in the skies above and in the spirit of our community. As always, I work to serve you and would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with me at Senator.Cortese@senate.ca.gov with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Warmly,

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Senator Dave Cortese

 

 


Join My Town Hall on Racial Justice & Poverty 

  • WHAT: Town Hall on Racial Justice and Poverty in Santa Clara County
     
  • WHERE: Silicon Valley Career Technical Education Auditorium 
    760 Hillsdale Ave
    San Jose, CA 95136
     
  • WHEN: Saturday, April 6th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
     
  • PARKING: Free, on-site parking will be available

You’re invited to join me, Assemblyman Ash Kalra (Assembly District 25), and an exceptional panel for a Town Hall on Racial Justice and Poverty in Santa Clara County.

Last year, the Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University (SJSU) released its fourth annual Silicon Valley Pain Index. The report is full of startling findings, including that Silicon Valley residents are worth a combined $1.5 trillion, but our region leads the nation in youth homelessness. SJSU Professor Scott Meyers-Lipton will present key takeaways highlighting inequities in the Economy, Workforce Development, and Criminal Justice. 

Local leaders from the Bill Wilson Center, Silicon Valley De-Bug, Working Partnerships USA, and the TechEquity Collaborative will join us to share how they are bridging the equity gap.

Click HERE to register. 

Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please get in touch with Zachary Contini at 408-558-1295 or Zachary.Contini@sen.ca.gov.

 

 

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I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates from the Capitol. Our new Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire has entrusted me with several key leadership roles, including Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate committees for both Transportation and Ethics. I’ve also been named a member of the Senate committees on Insurance and Agriculture, and I’ll remain on the policy committees for Housing, Education, and Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. 

What does this mean for you? We now have a greater platform to champion issues directly affecting our community—like improving our roads and schools, supporting local farmers and farmworkers, and making sure everyone has a fair shot at success. 

Last month, I proposed a series of bills to protect Californians and create new economic opportunities. My Senate Bill (SB) 1299 focuses on rapid medical care for farm workers suffering from heat-related injuries. Our farm workers provide the fresh food that feeds the nation, and as summer temperatures rise with a changing climate, we need to do everything we can to protect them in the fields. 

My SB 1300 tackles the mental health and maternity care crisis by requiring hospitals to give advance notice before closing psychiatric or maternity wards, ensuring communities are prepared and have options for care. My SB 1298 supports the sustainability of Silicon Valley's tech sector by facilitating the expansion of data centers, which are critical for our economy and innovation. Finally, SB 1015 addresses California's nursing shortage by improving the pipeline for nursing students to secure crucial training, ensuring equitable access to healthcare professions, and enhancing our healthcare system's capacity to serve all Californians.
 

 

Community Updates

Don’t forget to vote by March 5!

Early in-person voting is now available at the Registrar of Voters office through March 5th. In Santa Clara County, 23 voting centers have been operational since February 24th, with an additional 81 centers opening on March 2nd. All 104 voting centers will remain open until 8 p.m. on March 5th. Remember, residents can conveniently cast their votes at any voting center throughout the county. Click here to find a voting center. 

 

The First Corazon Care Campus to open on April 20

Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. I’m thrilled to introduce the opening of the Corazon Care Campus on April 20, a secure and welcoming recreational environment for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Santa Clara County. Spearheaded by the "Corazon Care" Advisory Board, which I sit on alongside regional leaders in special education, the campus will meet the unique needs of young children with ASD. The indoor campus will feature sensory toys, play areas, and amenities tailored to various sensory preferences, promoting these children's physical and emotional well-being and supporting their families and caregivers. Children must be supervised at all times. No registration needed. Located at the Centennial Recreation Center Multipurpose Room. 171 W. Edmundson Avenue, Morgan Hill, 95037.

 

Santa Clara County Career Fair

Friday, March 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The County of Santa Clara has a diverse workforce of over 23,000 employees. Attendees can speak directly with department management and learn about professional opportunities and benefits from human resources personnel. 344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111. Click here for more information and to register.


 

Check Out Santa Clara County’s Mini Restaurants!

Exciting news for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs in Santa Clara County! Residents can now operate mini restaurants, known as Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs), right from their homes. Recent legislation has expanded the scope and capabilities of MEHKOs, allowing for up to 90 meals per week and increasing the gross annual sales limit to $100,000. This initiative brings diverse culinary experiences to our community and supports local entrepreneurs in turning their culinary passions into a thriving home-based business. 


 

State Insurance Commissioner: You May Have Coverage for Storm Damage

Following the recent atmospheric rivers, the office of the California Insurance Commissioner reminds Californians that while many insurance policies exclude flood and related disasters, they may cover specific types of water and wind-driven rain damage and damage from fallen trees. For vehicles, comprehensive coverage can protect against flood damage and falling debris. Homeowners are advised to check their policies for coverage details and contact their insurance companies for claims. The California Department of Insurance offers a “Top Ten Tips” guide for those affected by winter storms.

 

 

Information on Free Flu and Covid Shots

You can stay healthy and enjoy more time with loved ones by getting updated on vaccines, including this year's flu and the updated COVID-19 shot. Click here to schedule a COVID or flu shot in Santa Clara County. 


 

 

In The News

 

 

State Resources

 

I celebrated the Lunar New Year with the vibrant Vietnamese community at the Vietnamese American Service Center (VASC), where joyful traditions, delicious food, and a strong community spirit filled the air. I was proud to have spearheaded the construction of the VASC along with Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. We wish everyone a prosperous and healthy Year of the Dragon.

Pattie and I, alongside a representative for Senator Aisha Wahab and my district representative Phuong Nguyen, enjoyed the Vietnamese American Roundtable Lunar New Year San Jose Festival! We thank the Vietnamese American Roundtable!

Pattie and I were proud to join Rep. Ro Khanna at the Congressional Viet Honoring Event! We honored the sacrifices of Vietnamese veterans and celebrated our vibrant Vietnamese community. 

My district representative, Mario Lopez, represented me at the Black History Month flag-raising in San Jose with San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres. We remember the struggles and celebrate the triumphs of Black Americans who helped shape our state and nation. Our fight for racial justice will never end.

I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with California seniors at the Santa Clara County Seniors' Agenda Network Summit. For many years, this group has contributed to policies that empower and support seniors, including affordable housing for all. We also wished Director Diana Miller a happy retirement!

 

 

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As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov. State resources and services available are below and posted on my website: sd15.sen.ca.gov.