Eleven additional Assemblymember Garcia bills clear Appropriations Committee
(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Today, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D- Coachella) ushered eleven measures out of the Assembly Committee on Appropriations’ suspense file including AB 1361, legislation to help house veterans with mental health needs.
“California is home to nearly 1.8 million veterans, more than any other state in the country. Meaning we have an increased responsibility to secure sufficient resources to support their basic needs. I have introduced legislation that will help the Department of Veteran Affairs assess and develop a plan to administer housing for veterans with complex mental health and behavioral needs,” stated Assemblymember Garcia.
This measure will require the Department of Veteran Affairs to conduct a survey to ascertain the ability of veterans’ homes to serve veterans with complex mental and behavioral health needs and develop a plan to implement better quality of care. This plan would address factors such as the need for increased staff, staffing ratios, budgeting and other resources to accommodate the unique needs of this underserved population.
“While we can never fully repay our veterans for their distinguished service and sacrifice to our great nation, we can work harder to provide for these valiant heroes here at home,” pledged Assemblymember Garcia. “Housing is essential. The ability to render these services is critical to allowing our veterans to lead lives with the dignity they deserve.”
Assemblymember Garcia was also pleased to see the following authored and coauthored bills released from Appropriations:
AB 398, Climate Change Report Card (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 474, Hazardous Waste: Spent Brine Solutions (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 571, Low-Income Housing Farmworker Housing Assistance (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 755, Museums for All (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 839, Native American Healthcare Access Act (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 891, California Communities Environmental Health Screening (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 1111, Breaking Barriers to Employment (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 1665, Internet for All Now Act of 2017 (E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 378, Climate Guidelines (C. Garcia/E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 1127, Baby Diaper Changing Stations (Calderon/E. Garcia, 2017)
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Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland
