(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Yesterday was another banner day for Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s (D- Coachella) legislative initiatives. Over a handful of Garcia’s authored and coauthored bills met positive outcomes on the Assembly floor.
Once again Garcia champions measures covering a broad scope of issues to help improve the lives of Californians across the board.
AB 755, Museums: California Museums for All (E. Garcia, 2017)
This bill seeks to expand access to museums for low income individuals by creating a California version of the national Museums for All program.
“AB 755 will increase our state’s ability to provide access to museums for those who could otherwise not afford it. Unfortunately for many children these types of educational opportunities only exist through trips organized by schools or perhaps none at all,” explained Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. “This program will help empower Californian families while opening up whole new world exploration, culture and art for those with limited means.”
Under this legislation the California Cultural and Historical Endowment would come together to establish the California Museums for All grant program requiring them to offer free or low-cost admission to individuals presenting an EBT card and a valid form of photo ID.
AB 755 is supported by the California Association of Museums along with a diverse array of museums and associations throughout the State.
The Riverside Art Museum is a current participant in the National Museums for All program. Their Executive Director, Drew Oberjuerge commended the Assemblymember on his leadership authoring this measure, “we understand the positive impact this bill could have on other museums and California communities. We regularly welcome families who use the card to access our current exhibitions.”
“The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert has participated in the Museums for All initiative started by the Association of Children’s Museums for almost two years now. Museums for All visitors make up over 11% of the museum’s annual visitors, at a significant revenue loss for our small organization. Our goal in instituting this initiative was in recognizing that families who have EBT cards are the one who are most positively affected by our organization as we provide a first experience into hands-on exploration, culture and a safe place for children to explore. This bill will allow us to continue to be a museum for all children, not just the ones who are able to afford the cost of admission to the museum,” stated Carol E. Scott, CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in a letter of support.
AB 1361, Veterans’ Homes: Services (Garcia, 2017)
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.
“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. “The ability to render these services is critical to allowing our veterans to lead lives with the dignity they deserve.”
Bill 1127, Baby Diaper Changing Stations (Calderon/E. Garcia, 2017)
AB 1127 introduced by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia and Majority Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whittier) will necessitate that baby diaper changing stations be installed in both men’s and women’s restrooms in restaurants, department stores and other frequently visited public buildings and businesses in California.
“As a father this strikes me as a logical and essential measure that aligns with our state’s inclusive values. I am proud to join new daddy, Majority Leader Ian Calderon to help rectify these inequalities and make it easier for parents pulling diaper duty,” professed Assemblymember Garcia. “This measure recognizes that the family unit is changing. We must ensure our public health polices evolve to support the varying array of needs for all Californians and their families.”
AB 227, CalWORKs: Education Incentives (Mayes/ E. Garcia 2017)
This legislation would create an Educational Opportunity and Attainment Program to provide education incentive grants to CalWORKs recipients. The program would support additional work-study slots and support services.
“I am proud to join my regional colleague, Minority Leader Mayes with this measure to help provide struggling parents the support and resources they need to pursue the educational opportunities necessary to achieve their career aspirations and improve their lives,” said Assemblymember Garcia.
Assemblymember Garcia lent his support to the following measures. They were approved in yesterday’s Assembly session:
AB 503, Parking Violations: Registration Renewal (Lackey, 2017)
Throughout the state numerous low income residents, lacking the funds to settle unpaid parking tickets, are unable to register their vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). AB 503 seeks to amend the vehicle code, unjustly affecting the poor by requiring cities to offer monthly payment programs and reduced fines for low-income drivers before the DMV is allowed to withhold their car registration. Once on this payment plan drivers will be allowed to register their vehicle.
AB 557, CalWORKs: Victim of Abuse (Rubio, 2017)
This measure will help survivors of domestic violence who are applicants or recipients of CalWORKs assistance by providing waivers for certain requirements, currently preventing them from receiving much needed aid.
AB 1268, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Fund (Reyes, 2017)
AB 1268 allocates funds to the California Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Fund to support innovative prevention strategies that incorporate cross-movement collaborations and community-informed approaches to integrate diverse cultural beliefs and practices that foster healthy relationships and interactions.
AB 1406, Homeless Youth Housing Program (Gloria, 2017)
This legislation would establish a Homeless Youth Housing Program to be administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and Office of Emergency Services (OES). These vital services will help reduce the number of California youth experiencing homelessness, and provide this vulnerable population with the resources to achieve long-term economic security and self-sufficiency.
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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
