December eNews
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It's the best time of the year. A time for family, for friends, for feasts, for presents, for celebrations, for hot chocolate, and for fun! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this holiday season, and I wish you a wonderful 2016!
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Note from Toni
- California's Earned Income Tax Credit
- My Resolutions for 2016
- Gift-Raiser
- Honor Veterans. Vote.
- What We've Accomplished with the State Budget
- Constituent Services
- A Friend to Check In (You Are Not Alone)
- AIDS Awareness Month
- Covered California Open Enrollment
- Got Traffic Tickets?
- District Office Update
- Around the District
- Events & Office Hours Calendar
A Note from ToniFrom Dec. 5th through Dec. 11th, Paris is hosting the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP 21. Nearly 50,000 heads of state, climate leaders, policy experts, and others from all over the world are expected to attend. The last time a major international climate conference was held was in 2009 in Copenhagen, but it did not result in a major climate agreement.
The purpose of this conference is to reach a new, legally binding international agreement limiting the rise of greenhouse-gas emissions. Specifically, the conference will call for all countries to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. If global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius, we can expect more climate extremes, such as severe drought (something Californians know all too well) and intense temperatures globally.
It’s important that all nations decrease their climate footprint, use more renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gases. Climate change is one of the greatest dangers the world faces, so that’s why it’s so critical that President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry are leading the U.S. contingent, to show the world that we are committed to reducing our climate impact.
Most heads of state at the conference are national leaders, but because of California’s vanguard position on climate — which sets strong renewable-energy goals — our delegation was invited to attend. Governor Jerry Brown, Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and I are leading the California delegation to COP 21.
While many of the international participants are working on the global-warming agreement, one of my priorities will be getting a better understanding of climate change at the local level, particularly its impact on San Diego’s military bases.
Climate change increases global instability—leading to more hunger, poverty, and conflict—and creates more severe weather events that threaten military installations, affect training exercises, strain equipment, and endanger supply lines.
But one of the biggest threats to the military is sea-level rise.
The Scripps Institute of Oceanography has found that during the next 35 years, San Diego will be prone to major flooding and massive storms. If we don’t act quickly, sea level in our region could be 5 to 24 inches higher by 2050. Implementing effective climate-change policies at the state and local levels is a vital part of the equation. I am proud to have been invited to help represent California, and our national security concerns will be among my areas of focus.
We’ve all seen post-apocalyptic films with themes about how our lack of action ruins the environment and imperils our future. We all must come together, from international leaders to local farmers, in order to keep those dystopian stories where they belong: Hollywood.
As we move forward in addressing climate change, I hope San Diegans will be an important part of shaping what we do and underscoring the urgency of how soon we need to do it.
Search #COP21 and follow me on Twitter at @toniatkins and on Facebook to see updates from the COP 21 conference.
Warmly,
Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
California’s Earned Income Tax Credit
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to fight poverty. That’s why California legislators for years have been trying to create a state-level EITC to augment the federal program. In 2015, we succeeded, establishing a new state credit that will help roughly 2 million low-income working Californians and pump $380 million into local economies throughout the state. The next step is to make sure that those who are eligible for the credit file a state tax return and claim that money for their families. A major outreach is being launched this month to spread the word.
We’ll be working to get the word out in the coming months but if you know someone who might be eligible, please have them visit CalEITC4me.com to learn more.
My Resolutions for 2016
Before each New Year, many of us make resolutions, both personal and professional, as we think about what we want to accomplish that year. I’m no different. Some of my goals are ongoing—such as my desire to end veteran homelessness—and some are new, but what they all have in common is that they reflect my desire to help others. Here are some of the things I’d like to see happen in 2016:
One of the greatest triumphs of the 2015 legislative session was creating California’s first state Earned Income Tax Credit, which can benefit 2 million Californians, lift 50,000 people out of poverty and lift another 50,000 people out of deep poverty. Getting as many people as possible to sign up and benefit from this tax credit would make my year.
Growing up in a military family and living in San Diego, it’s really important for me to support our veterans. Although California voters passed Proposition 41 in 2014, there are still many veterans without housing. We are working on this issue throughout the nation and making real progress, which I am confident will continue in the New Year.
I’d like to see some Snoopy license plates on the road! The Snoopy Plate was created through legislation in 2013. Proceeds from the sales go to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment to help museums make capital improvements to their facilities, which helps keep their doors open to the public. We still need about 900 pre-orders to begin production, and the deadline is approaching, but we’re so close! Visit www.snoopyplate.com to learn more about the program and get your plate.
Every day, on average, 96 elephants are slaughtered for their ivory. I passed AB 96 to close loopholes in California’s ivory trade and decrease elephant and rhino poaching. California leads the way for our nation on many issues, including economic growth, social justice, and climate action, and I would really like to see other states follow California’s example on AB 96 and help to eliminate the trade in ivory and rhino horn.
Some of these resolutions are easier than others, but I’ll continue working hard to lift people out of poverty, house veterans, fund museums, and help prevent the extinction of wildlife. I enter 2016 with genuine optimism that my colleagues in the Legislature and I can help build a better California.
Gift-Raiser
The holidays are a festive time, but for anyone who is suffering or struggling to make ends meet, they can be a serious and painful challenge.
That’s why I’m happy to join Assembly members Shirley Weber and Lorena Gonzalez on Dec. 16th to host our Holiday Gift-raiser to benefit Becky’s House, a housing program for survivors of domestic violence, and Bridges Teen Recovery, a part of Vista Hill Recovery that aids at-risk youth.
Each year, we choose worthy charities and invite friends, constituents and supporters to bring in gifts that will be delivered to our partner for the holidays. Past gift-raiser beneficiaries include Operation Homefront and Promises2Kids.
Becky’s House offers one year of transitional housing to help those who have suffered domestic abuse get back on their feet. The YWCA supports the program, which includes life skills training.
Bridges Teen Recovery offers drug and alcohol screening, anger management classes and other intervention programs for young people who are experiencing addiction or mental health issues.
For those wishing to give a gift to Becky’s House or Bridges, here is a wish list:
New comforters, blankets and bed linens (twin only)
Bath towels
Pots and pans, silverware and kitchen utensils
Blenders, fans, vacuum cleaners and clocks
Double and single baby strollers
New children's toys, unused coloring books and developmental/learning toys – popular items for girls include those with a Frozen theme, Barbies and art supplies. Boys favor balls, Marvel action figures and Legos.
Diapers and wipes
General personal care products and toiletries (hair products, body soap, razors, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and other items)
Gift cards
Tickets to movies, sporting events, and theme parks
We would be thrilled if you could join us as we step up to support Becky’s House and Bridges Teen Recovery. The gift-raiser will take place from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16th in the Eshleman Auditorium in the State Building, 1350 Front St., San Diego.
Honor Veterans. Vote
Last month, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla unveiled a wonderful new program that does two great things at the same time: It honors the sacrifices made by U.S. military veterans and service members, and it promotes the democratic process.
It’s called “Honor Veterans. Vote.” The program allows voters to dedicate their election ballots to the veterans or active-duty service members who’ve made them proud.
Here’s how it works: Visit the Secretary of State’s website and click on the “Honor Veterans. Vote” button located on the left side of the screen. That takes you to a simple form to fill out. All that’s needed is a bit of information about you and the veteran or service member you’re honoring, as well as your dedication in your own words.
The person to whom you’re dedicating your vote can be living or deceased. You can choose to allow the Secretary of State to display your dedication publicly. You can choose to receive a certificate or a lapel pin to signify your dedication, and you can have a notification sent via email to your honoree to let them know how proud you are of them.
You can also peruse all of the heartfelt dedications that have already been submitted and displayed on the website.
If you choose to receive a lapel pin, you can wear it with pride—not only when you vote on Election Day, but also in the days and weeks before the election, to remind others around you that the time to vote is near.
Electing people to represent us at all levels of government—from the local utility district and the school board all the way up to president of the United States—is one of our most cherished rights and one of our most important responsibilities. I thank Secretary Padilla for this innovative program to promote voting and celebrate national service, and if you have a friend or family member who has served with distinction, I encourage you to participate.
What We’ve Accomplished with the State Budget
During the Great Recession, passing California’s budget required difficult decisions. Thanks to those decisions, we’re now in a position where we can maintain economic stability, increase opportunity and invest in our people and infrastructure. The last two budgets we have passed have increased access to education, schools and housing, and that helps make people’s lives better.
I’ve presided over two on-time, balanced budgets that have restored funding for services cut due to the Great Recession, built reserves, paid down debt and made critical investments in California’s future.
Among other budget successes, during my time as Speaker, the Legislature has:
Paid down accumulated debt and bolstered rainy-day reserves by $18.7 billion.
Increased funding for K-12 education and community colleges by more than $19 billion, and the current budget allocates nearly $500 million for additional teacher training.
Increased funding for the California State University and University of California systems by $899 million and established the Middle Class Scholarship, which has helped more than 80,000 families.
Increased funding for childcare and preschool by $663 million.
Raised more than $2 billion from the cap-and-trade greenhouse-gas-reduction program, which funds high-speed rail, affordable housing, sustainable-communities projects and public transit. More than $830 million in cap-and-trade funds were budgeted last year; this year’s program is in progress.
Established the CalWORKS Housing Support Program with $20 million in 2014-15 and $35 million in 2015-16, benefitting thousands of families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit to supplement the federal EITC with $380 million, which will help roughly 2 million Californians.
Under my leadership, and my partnership with the Senate President Pro Tem and the Governor, the state has emerged from the recession with budgets that demonstrate a commitment to economic growth, human compassion and fiscal responsibility.
Constituent Services
Sometimes it can be difficult to approach agencies that handle requests from all over a state as large and varied as California.
That’s where we can help.
Our district office staff can guide constituents in their dealings with a variety of agencies, including Covered California, the Employment Development Department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Franchise Tax Board, and the Board of Equalization.
Recently, two small businesses in the district, a restaurant and an event venue, found they could not move forward with serving their customers without our help. Chevelle Newell, one of our field representatives, was happy to step in to resolve the issues for these businesses.
In one case, we helped clear up confusion over ownership because partners’ names had changed due to marriage. In the other case, discussions between the party and the agency that had taken place over nearly nine months came to a swift conclusion, and with our help, the case was closed in a month.
If you find you need help getting answers or results from a state office, please call our office at (619) 645-3090. You’ll be referred to one of our field reps, who maintain contact with key state agencies. They are happy to offer any guidance they can on your issue.
A Friend to Check In
YANA stands for You Are Not Alone – a great message for those who find themselves without friends or family to check on them.
The YANA program, offered by San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, gives residents the opportunity to sign up to have a senior volunteer check in on them, free of charge.
Residents qualify if they live alone and are seniors or disabled. They may be able to take care of themselves day-to-day, but want the security of knowing someone is available to help should there be an emergency.
To sign up, call your local police or San Diego County Sheriff station and ask for the senior volunteer office. Here are contacts in my district:
San Diego Police (contact your neighborhood division) – Central, (619) 744-9500; Mid-City, (619) 516-3000; Northern, (858) 552-1700, and Western, (619) 692-4800.
San Diego County Sheriff: Imperial Beach Substation, (619) 518-8885, and North Coastal Station (for Del Mar and Solana Beach), (619) 993-2859.The County RSVP office also can help, at (858) 505-6399.
AIDS Awareness Month
When the AIDS pandemic occurred in the 1980s, the lack of knowledge surrounding the disease led to widespread fear. No one understood what caused it, only that carried a high fatality rate. The way that AIDS is spread caused pervasive discrimination toward the gay community. Several pieces of legislation were introduced to prevent people with AIDS from attending public schools and working in healthcare and food handling, and to quarantine or isolate AIDS victims from the general public. Some employers used the disease to discriminate against their own employees, and some healthcare workers refused to treat victims.
We’ve come a long way since then. We understand that AIDS isn’t spread through casual contact. We understand that AIDS is a disease, not a punishment. We understand that safe-sex practices and not sharing needles helps protect us. We have drugs that prolong the lives of those who suffer from AIDS.
Unfortunately, although we continue to raise money for AIDS research, there is still no cure. But there are ways to stop the spread of the disease:
Awareness & Education: Sex education in schools should always discuss how HIV / AIDS and other sex-related diseases or infections are transmitted, as well as how to prevent them.
Expand the use of PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new and innovative tool that has been shown to be up to 92% effective in preventing HIV infection. PrEP is covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most major health-insurance plans in California.
Get Tested Often: If you don’t know you have HIV / AIDS, then it’s possible to spread it to someone you care about.
Participate in AIDS Walks: AIDS Walks happen every year across the country to raise funds to find a cure. San Diego hosted the AIDS Walk and Run in September this year.
Syringe-Exchange Programs: By exchanging used needles for clean ones, we can reduce HIV / AIDS transmission between drug users.
HIV / AIDS remains a problem in the state and across the country, cutting across racial, ethnic, and gender lines and without regard to sexual orientation. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 5,000 Californians contract HIV each year. There are an estimated 134,158 Californians living with HIV / AIDS today. Nationally, about 50,000 people contract HIV every year. There are about 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV / AIDS, and, of those, about 14% do not know they are infected.
AIDS Awareness Month educates people about AIDS and seeks to move the conversation past the stigmas attached to it. It’s not a “gay disease”; it’s a disease that can affect anyone. During the early years of the AIDS panic, getting the diagnosis felt like a death sentence. These days, many are able to live long, healthy lives, but with tools like PrEP, syringe-exchange programs, and testing, it’s possible that we can stop the spread of HIV / AIDS in its tracks.
Covered California’s Open Enrollment Period
It’s that time of year again—time to get covered during Covered California’s open enrollment period. Covered California is the state’s healthcare marketplace that opened under the Affordable Care Act.
If you sign up or alter your plan by Dec. 15th, your coverage can begin as early as Jan. 1st.
But remember: If you don’t enroll in a 2016 health-insurance plan by Jan. 31st, you can’t enroll in a plan for 2016 unless you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
Healthcare is a necessity we cannot ignore—make sure that you and your loved ones are covered today. Covered California now covers adult dental insurance as well.
To learn more or apply for coverage, visit www.coveredca.com. The website contains a wealth of information on plan options, community organizations that can assist you with enrolling, and costs.
Got Traffic Tickets?
Nobody likes getting traffic tickets. And nobody likes paying for traffic tickets. Fortunately, the state of California has some of you covered. A traffic-ticket amnesty program launched on Oct. 1st, allowing some people to realize massive reductions in the cost of their tickets.
What Are The Restrictions?
The program applies to anyone with a traffic ticket whose payment was due on or before Jan. 1, 2013, and who has not made a payment on the ticket since Sept. 30, 2015.
However, there are a few more rules. First, you must be eligible to have a driver’s license. Second, you must not owe any type of victim restitution or have any outstanding warrants for misdemeanor or felonies. Third, the ticket for which you’re seeking amnesty must not be for parking, reckless driving, or driving under the influence.
What Does The Program Do?
Depending on your income you, will see either a 50% or 80% reduction in the cost of your ticket. Those living at or below 125% of federal poverty level will get the 80% reduction while others will get a 50% reduction.
What Are The Costs?
A program fee of $50 can be instituted by courts, counties, or third-party collection agencies. Additionally, if you are trying to reinstate your license, you will be charged a $55 reinstatement fee by the DMV.
Where Can I Learn More?
http://www.courts.ca.gov/trafficamnesty.htm
District Office Update
Congratulations Deanna!
The San Diego Chamber of Commerce awarded my office the Never in One million Years Award because San Diego never thought in a million years that it would get a Speaker. I was glad to get the award but mostly because it put my brilliant staffer Deanna in the spotlight! Deanna Spehn is a wealth of information about San Diego and the State – to the point where I call her Dee-ann-ika Britannica. Congratulations Deanna!
Goodbye and Good Luck Rachel!
I’m sad to report that Rachel Gregg, who has worked as a field representative and scheduler in the 78th district office since just after I was elected to the Assembly, will leave us this month.
I want to thank Rachel for keeping my very complicated schedule, fielding requests from across the district and state and somehow keeping everything in balance – and always with a smile on her face.
She has been a great liaison to some of my communities, including Ocean Beach, University City and Little Italy, along with other constituents, including veterans groups and social service agencies.
She also showed a commitment to young people, managing our office’s intern program and taking time to act as a mentor to the participants, and serving as a strong advocate for organizations like Stand Up for Kids, which offers assistance and support to homeless youth.
We will miss her ability to juggle 1,000 things at once, but especially her amazing baking skills, signature red lipstick and absolute obsession with her favorite authors.
We wish Rachel every success in her future endeavors. Drop her a line before she goes at Rachel.gregg@asm.ca.gov.
Around the District
Clockwise: With the adorable supporters of my wildlife protection bill, AB 96, from Pasqual Union Elementary at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Standing with San Diego Attorneys to honor past leaders, while they continue providing support for the next generation honoring Earl B. Gilliam; I partnered with AT&T to provide a grant for my two favorite charities – Stand up for Kids and the Spay Neuter Action Project; One of my favorite things about being Speaker is being a CSU trustee and meeting dynamic student leaders; Here I am leaving my mark at the San Diego Ironworkers groundbreaking; It was a fabulous day for the Veterans’ Day parade. Rep. Scott Peters and City Councilmember Todd Gloria joined me to meet our local heroes.
To view the Speaker's calendar, please click the button below
View Calendar+Warmly,
Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
That’s why I’m happy to join Assembly members Shirley Weber and Lorena Gonzalez on Dec. 16th to host our Holiday Gift-raiser to benefit Becky’s House, a housing program for survivors of domestic violence, and Bridges Teen Recovery, a part of Vista Hill Recovery that aids at-risk youth.
Each year, we choose worthy charities and invite friends, constituents and supporters to bring in gifts that will be delivered to our partner for the holidays. Past gift-raiser beneficiaries include Operation Homefront and Promises2Kids.
Becky’s House offers one year of transitional housing to help those who have suffered domestic abuse get back on their feet. The YWCA supports the program, which includes life skills training.
Bridges Teen Recovery offers drug and alcohol screening, anger management classes and other intervention programs for young people who are experiencing addiction or mental health issues.
For those wishing to give a gift to Becky’s House or Bridges, here is a wish list:
New comforters, blankets and bed linens (twin only)
Bath towels
Pots and pans, silverware and kitchen utensils
Blenders, fans, vacuum cleaners and clocks
Double and single baby strollers
New children's toys, unused coloring books and developmental/learning toys – popular items for girls include those with a Frozen theme, Barbies and art supplies. Boys favor balls, Marvel action figures and Legos.
Diapers and wipes
General personal care products and toiletries (hair products, body soap, razors, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and other items)
Gift cards
Tickets to movies, sporting events, and theme parks
We would be thrilled if you could join us as we step up to support Becky’s House and Bridges Teen Recovery. The gift-raiser will take place from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16th in the Eshleman Auditorium in the State Building, 1350 Front St., San Diego.
Honor Veterans. Vote
Last month, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla unveiled a wonderful new program that does two great things at the same time: It honors the sacrifices made by U.S. military veterans and service members, and it promotes the democratic process.
It’s called “Honor Veterans. Vote.” The program allows voters to dedicate their election ballots to the veterans or active-duty service members who’ve made them proud.
Here’s how it works: Visit the Secretary of State’s website and click on the “Honor Veterans. Vote” button located on the left side of the screen. That takes you to a simple form to fill out. All that’s needed is a bit of information about you and the veteran or service member you’re honoring, as well as your dedication in your own words.
The person to whom you’re dedicating your vote can be living or deceased. You can choose to allow the Secretary of State to display your dedication publicly. You can choose to receive a certificate or a lapel pin to signify your dedication, and you can have a notification sent via email to your honoree to let them know how proud you are of them.
You can also peruse all of the heartfelt dedications that have already been submitted and displayed on the website.
If you choose to receive a lapel pin, you can wear it with pride—not only when you vote on Election Day, but also in the days and weeks before the election, to remind others around you that the time to vote is near.
Electing people to represent us at all levels of government—from the local utility district and the school board all the way up to president of the United States—is one of our most cherished rights and one of our most important responsibilities. I thank Secretary Padilla for this innovative program to promote voting and celebrate national service, and if you have a friend or family member who has served with distinction, I encourage you to participate.
What We’ve Accomplished with the State Budget
During the Great Recession, passing California’s budget required difficult decisions. Thanks to those decisions, we’re now in a position where we can maintain economic stability, increase opportunity and invest in our people and infrastructure. The last two budgets we have passed have increased access to education, schools and housing, and that helps make people’s lives better.
I’ve presided over two on-time, balanced budgets that have restored funding for services cut due to the Great Recession, built reserves, paid down debt and made critical investments in California’s future.
Among other budget successes, during my time as Speaker, the Legislature has:
Paid down accumulated debt and bolstered rainy-day reserves by $18.7 billion.
Increased funding for K-12 education and community colleges by more than $19 billion, and the current budget allocates nearly $500 million for additional teacher training.
Increased funding for the California State University and University of California systems by $899 million and established the Middle Class Scholarship, which has helped more than 80,000 families.
Increased funding for childcare and preschool by $663 million.
Raised more than $2 billion from the cap-and-trade greenhouse-gas-reduction program, which funds high-speed rail, affordable housing, sustainable-communities projects and public transit. More than $830 million in cap-and-trade funds were budgeted last year; this year’s program is in progress.
Established the CalWORKS Housing Support Program with $20 million in 2014-15 and $35 million in 2015-16, benefitting thousands of families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Created the state’s first-ever Earned Income Tax Credit to supplement the federal EITC with $380 million, which will help roughly 2 million Californians.
Under my leadership, and my partnership with the Senate President Pro Tem and the Governor, the state has emerged from the recession with budgets that demonstrate a commitment to economic growth, human compassion and fiscal responsibility.
Constituent Services
Sometimes it can be difficult to approach agencies that handle requests from all over a state as large and varied as California.
That’s where we can help.
Our district office staff can guide constituents in their dealings with a variety of agencies, including Covered California, the Employment Development Department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Franchise Tax Board, and the Board of Equalization.
Recently, two small businesses in the district, a restaurant and an event venue, found they could not move forward with serving their customers without our help. Chevelle Newell, one of our field representatives, was happy to step in to resolve the issues for these businesses.
In one case, we helped clear up confusion over ownership because partners’ names had changed due to marriage. In the other case, discussions between the party and the agency that had taken place over nearly nine months came to a swift conclusion, and with our help, the case was closed in a month.
If you find you need help getting answers or results from a state office, please call our office at (619) 645-3090. You’ll be referred to one of our field reps, who maintain contact with key state agencies. They are happy to offer any guidance they can on your issue.
A Friend to Check In
YANA stands for You Are Not Alone – a great message for those who find themselves without friends or family to check on them.
The YANA program, offered by San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency, gives residents the opportunity to sign up to have a senior volunteer check in on them, free of charge.
Residents qualify if they live alone and are seniors or disabled. They may be able to take care of themselves day-to-day, but want the security of knowing someone is available to help should there be an emergency.
To sign up, call your local police or San Diego County Sheriff station and ask for the senior volunteer office. Here are contacts in my district:
San Diego Police (contact your neighborhood division) – Central, (619) 744-9500; Mid-City, (619) 516-3000; Northern, (858) 552-1700, and Western, (619) 692-4800.
San Diego County Sheriff: Imperial Beach Substation, (619) 518-8885, and North Coastal Station (for Del Mar and Solana Beach), (619) 993-2859.The County RSVP office also can help, at (858) 505-6399.
AIDS Awareness Month
When the AIDS pandemic occurred in the 1980s, the lack of knowledge surrounding the disease led to widespread fear. No one understood what caused it, only that carried a high fatality rate. The way that AIDS is spread caused pervasive discrimination toward the gay community. Several pieces of legislation were introduced to prevent people with AIDS from attending public schools and working in healthcare and food handling, and to quarantine or isolate AIDS victims from the general public. Some employers used the disease to discriminate against their own employees, and some healthcare workers refused to treat victims.
We’ve come a long way since then. We understand that AIDS isn’t spread through casual contact. We understand that AIDS is a disease, not a punishment. We understand that safe-sex practices and not sharing needles helps protect us. We have drugs that prolong the lives of those who suffer from AIDS.
Unfortunately, although we continue to raise money for AIDS research, there is still no cure. But there are ways to stop the spread of the disease:
Awareness & Education: Sex education in schools should always discuss how HIV / AIDS and other sex-related diseases or infections are transmitted, as well as how to prevent them.
Expand the use of PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new and innovative tool that has been shown to be up to 92% effective in preventing HIV infection. PrEP is covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most major health-insurance plans in California.
Get Tested Often: If you don’t know you have HIV / AIDS, then it’s possible to spread it to someone you care about.
Participate in AIDS Walks: AIDS Walks happen every year across the country to raise funds to find a cure. San Diego hosted the AIDS Walk and Run in September this year.
Syringe-Exchange Programs: By exchanging used needles for clean ones, we can reduce HIV / AIDS transmission between drug users.
HIV / AIDS remains a problem in the state and across the country, cutting across racial, ethnic, and gender lines and without regard to sexual orientation. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 5,000 Californians contract HIV each year. There are an estimated 134,158 Californians living with HIV / AIDS today. Nationally, about 50,000 people contract HIV every year. There are about 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV / AIDS, and, of those, about 14% do not know they are infected.
AIDS Awareness Month educates people about AIDS and seeks to move the conversation past the stigmas attached to it. It’s not a “gay disease”; it’s a disease that can affect anyone. During the early years of the AIDS panic, getting the diagnosis felt like a death sentence. These days, many are able to live long, healthy lives, but with tools like PrEP, syringe-exchange programs, and testing, it’s possible that we can stop the spread of HIV / AIDS in its tracks.
Covered California’s Open Enrollment Period
It’s that time of year again—time to get covered during Covered California’s open enrollment period. Covered California is the state’s healthcare marketplace that opened under the Affordable Care Act.
If you sign up or alter your plan by Dec. 15th, your coverage can begin as early as Jan. 1st.
But remember: If you don’t enroll in a 2016 health-insurance plan by Jan. 31st, you can’t enroll in a plan for 2016 unless you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
Healthcare is a necessity we cannot ignore—make sure that you and your loved ones are covered today. Covered California now covers adult dental insurance as well.
To learn more or apply for coverage, visit www.coveredca.com. The website contains a wealth of information on plan options, community organizations that can assist you with enrolling, and costs.
Got Traffic Tickets?
Nobody likes getting traffic tickets. And nobody likes paying for traffic tickets. Fortunately, the state of California has some of you covered. A traffic-ticket amnesty program launched on Oct. 1st, allowing some people to realize massive reductions in the cost of their tickets.
What Are The Restrictions?
The program applies to anyone with a traffic ticket whose payment was due on or before Jan. 1, 2013, and who has not made a payment on the ticket since Sept. 30, 2015.
However, there are a few more rules. First, you must be eligible to have a driver’s license. Second, you must not owe any type of victim restitution or have any outstanding warrants for misdemeanor or felonies. Third, the ticket for which you’re seeking amnesty must not be for parking, reckless driving, or driving under the influence.
What Does The Program Do?
Depending on your income you, will see either a 50% or 80% reduction in the cost of your ticket. Those living at or below 125% of federal poverty level will get the 80% reduction while others will get a 50% reduction.
What Are The Costs?
A program fee of $50 can be instituted by courts, counties, or third-party collection agencies. Additionally, if you are trying to reinstate your license, you will be charged a $55 reinstatement fee by the DMV.
Where Can I Learn More?
http://www.courts.ca.gov/trafficamnesty.htm
District Office Update
Congratulations Deanna!
The San Diego Chamber of Commerce awarded my office the Never in One million Years Award because San Diego never thought in a million years that it would get a Speaker. I was glad to get the award but mostly because it put my brilliant staffer Deanna in the spotlight! Deanna Spehn is a wealth of information about San Diego and the State – to the point where I call her Dee-ann-ika Britannica. Congratulations Deanna!
Goodbye and Good Luck Rachel!
I’m sad to report that Rachel Gregg, who has worked as a field representative and scheduler in the 78th district office since just after I was elected to the Assembly, will leave us this month.
I want to thank Rachel for keeping my very complicated schedule, fielding requests from across the district and state and somehow keeping everything in balance – and always with a smile on her face.
She has been a great liaison to some of my communities, including Ocean Beach, University City and Little Italy, along with other constituents, including veterans groups and social service agencies.
She also showed a commitment to young people, managing our office’s intern program and taking time to act as a mentor to the participants, and serving as a strong advocate for organizations like Stand Up for Kids, which offers assistance and support to homeless youth.
We will miss her ability to juggle 1,000 things at once, but especially her amazing baking skills, signature red lipstick and absolute obsession with her favorite authors.
We wish Rachel every success in her future endeavors. Drop her a line before she goes at Rachel.gregg@asm.ca.gov.
Around the District
Clockwise: With the adorable supporters of my wildlife protection bill, AB 96, from Pasqual Union Elementary at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Standing with San Diego Attorneys to honor past leaders, while they continue providing support for the next generation honoring Earl B. Gilliam; I partnered with AT&T to provide a grant for my two favorite charities – Stand up for Kids and the Spay Neuter Action Project; One of my favorite things about being Speaker is being a CSU trustee and meeting dynamic student leaders; Here I am leaving my mark at the San Diego Ironworkers groundbreaking; It was a fabulous day for the Veterans’ Day parade. Rep. Scott Peters and City Councilmember Todd Gloria joined me to meet our local heroes.
To view the Speaker's calendar, please click the button below
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Toni G. Atkins
Speaker of the Assembly
78th Assembly District
Here I am with Sue Palmer at Big Kitchen, one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants and community gathering spots for their 35th Anniversary.
P.S. Social media is a great way to connect with my office! Use the icon below to like my page on Facebook.
Website: http://www.asmdc.org/speakerEmail: Speaker Toni G. Atkins
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, California 94249-0078, United States
Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178 District Office:
1350 Front Street, Room 6054
San Diego, California 92101, United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
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P.S. Social media is a great way to connect with my office! Use the icon below to like my page on Facebook.
Website: http://www.asmdc.org/speakerEmail: Speaker Toni G. Atkins
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, California 94249-0078, United States
Tel: (916) 319-2078
Fax: (916) 319-2178 District Office:
1350 Front Street, Room 6054
San Diego, California 92101, United States
Tel: (619) 645-3090
Fax: (619) 645-3094
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