My First Bills to Become Law
After being sworn into the State Senate in December of last year, we have accomplished so much in a short period of time, including transformative investments and initiatives to help us recover from COVID-19. And I am proud to share that the Governor has already signed two of my bills from my first legislative package into law, with more bills heading to his desk this year.
I’d like to thank Governor Newsom and my colleagues in the State Legislature for supporting these important bills centered around workers’ rights and consumer protection:
- SB 411 – “The Working After Retirement Act”: SB 411 would simply grant the CalPERS Board the authority to reach a fair resolution with retirees who inadvertently go over the 960-hour limit, based on the circumstances and conditions of that particular violation, without having to force a retiree to reinstate back into the system or forcing a retiree to repay their hard-earned retirement income. Our retirees deserve respect, peace of mind, and a sense of security for their future as they continue to contribute to our state schools and public agencies, especially during a time of such socioeconomic turmoil.
- SB 461 – “Unfair Competition Law Enforcement”: SB 461 will allow County Counsels, of a county within which a city has a population in excess of 750,000 people, to enforce the Unfair Competition Law (UCL) that prohibits false advertising and unfair business practices. This bill will allow Santa Clara County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County to legally pursue consumer protection on behalf of taxpayers. SB 461 is a landmark consumer protection law that will allow us to better fight back against unethical and deceptive business practices across California.
I am looking forward to more of my bills reaching the Governor’s desk and making a positive difference for all Californians!
Buildings account for a quarter of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
As you know, one of my main priorities as your State Senator this year has been legislative efforts around building decarbonization, including asking the California Energy Commission (CEC) to adopt a strong Title 24 building energy code that promotes building decarbonization – and I’m proud to announce that we have been able to do just that!
This year’s code update is a landmark step toward creating affordable and energy efficient housing that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, transitions us off of fossil fuels, and increases resiliency to the impacts of climate change.
The 2022 building code update will establish new standards for home electrification and ventilation while also incentivizing electric heat pump use:
• Encouraging electric heat pump technology
• Establishing electric-ready requirements
• Expanding solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery storage standards
• Strengthening ventilation standards
The CEC notes that, “Over the next 30 years, the 2022 Energy Code is estimated to provide $1.5 billion in consumer benefits and reduce 10 million metric tons of GHGs, equivalent to taking nearly 2.2 million cars off the road for a year.”
We owe a big thank you to the many community members, activists, and organizations that worked hard to realize a cleaner, more affordable California while also ensuring we maintain high-quality jobs as we transition away from fossil fuels.
Learn more in this article from the National Resources Defense Council.
This August, I was honored to recognize Holy Cannoli Bay Area as Senate District 15’s small business of the year, in honor of California Small Business Day™ 2021. Holy Cannoli truly exemplifies what it means to persevere even under tremendous economic pressure. And not only have they persevered, but they have ensured that others in our community are lifted up along with them.
As workplaces and businesses shuttered due to COVID-19 lockdowns, owner and Chef Jamie Whitmire was tasked with opening her very own small business only a few days after shelter in place was instated. And even with health orders upending her plans, she pulled through and her business is now thriving with a successful bakery and catering operation, and a strong team of staff behind her. Knowing that so many in her community struggling due to the economic effects of the pandemic, Holy Cannoli is leading efforts to donate food to those in need whenever possible.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is currently developing the Clean California Local Grant Program as part of a two-year program through where approximately $296 million will be used to beautify and improve streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers to restore pride in public spaces. Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation.
For more information, please visit this link.
Congratulations to Senate District 15 resident Hazel Oriente, Med Tech at Merrill Gardens in Campbell who was recently honored with an Excellence in Service Award by the California Assisted Living Association (CALA)! This award recognizes senior living employees who go above and beyond in their service to support the wellbeing of our senior community.
Oriente has, on many occasions, taken charge, mentored others, and managed operations even under the strain of tremendous pressure. I would like to extend to her my sincere gratitude and appreciation for all of her hard work and dedication to our community.
Learn more about Oriente and the other awardees at this link.
Here are some safe opportunities to explore and volunteer in our local community!
- Downtown San Jose Farmers Market – Every Friday from May 7 - Dec 17 (except July 2 and Nov. 26) from 10 am to 2 pm. More information at this link.
- Vintage Market at the San Jose Flea Market – Every 2nd & 4th Fridays & Saturdays of the Month, the Market will feature over 70 vendors, plenty of food trucks, along with rotating local DJs. More information at this link.
I’ve enjoyed seeing more and more of you in person and I’m constantly reminded of what a vibrant and lovely community we all share. Thank you to the amazing volunteers that work so hard to organize these events for the enjoyment and betterment of everyone across our district.
County officials announced this month that a third dose of COVID-19 vaccination is now available for people who have a compromised immune system, effective immediately. Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact their primary healthcare provider for consideration of the additional dose. Appointments can also be scheduled now through the County’s website sccfreevax.org, which also includes information about numerous drop-in vaccination sites throughout the county, including local pharmacies. Learn more at this link.
It is also important to keep in mind that, while vaccination offers a high level of protection against the virus and wearing a mask and having good ventilation provides additional protection, a single layer is not flawless—the more layers of protection you have, the better your defense is against COVID-19.
Video Gallery
In the Video Gallery posted on my website you can find recordings of my recent Town Halls, interviews, news conferences, video compilations, bill hearings, and more. Missed a recent SD 15 event or want to learn more about my budget and legislative priorities? Check out my Video Gallery at this link!
State Resources Posted on My Website
State resources and services available during the pandemic have been posted on my new website: sd15.sen.ca.gov. Just click on the "COVID-19" link under the “Resources” tab of my website to get connected to some of the most frequently used state resources, including resources for businesses and employers, students, those in need of housing and financial assistance, and more.
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.
Thank you,
Dave Cortese
