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Tri-County Sentry
Friday
MARCH 28, 2014
State News Congresswoman Waters Urges Action Congresswoman Lee Stands with on Unemployment Insurance Workers to Protest Wage Theft
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) joined her Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition to extend unemployment insurance. This special congressional procedure allows a majority of members to bypass Speaker Boehner and force an up or down vote on the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3546). This bill would extend emergency unemployment insurance for nearly 5 million Americans looking for work through the end of the year. "Unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline for millions of families. In 2012, it kept 2.5 million people above the poverty line, including 600,000 children," said Congresswoman Waters. "Since Republi-
Congresswoman Maxine Waters cans let the program expire just three days after Christmas – more than 2 million Americans, including nearly 340,000 here in California, have been deprived of the support they need to get back on their feet." The number of people
who have lost their unemployment benefits as a result of the program’s Dec. 28th expiration surpassed two million last week, according to a new analysis from House Ways and Means Committee Democrats. Every week, 72,000 people, on average, are losing their unemployment benefits nationwide without an extension of the program. Despite the growing struggles, House Republicans have blocked multiple efforts by Democrats to bring up legislation to extend the program on the House floor. Last month a Senate measure to extend the program came one vote short of the 60 votes necessary to move the legislation forward. "Recently, I spoke at a WATERS, See page 12A
Assemblymember Rocky Chávez Named to Rules Committee
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Rocky Chávez (R-Oceanside) was appointed as a member of the Assembly Rules Committee today. He replaces Assemblymember Tim Donnelly who is running for Governor. The Assembly Rules Committee acts as the executive committee of the Assembly. Its most important function is to refer all bills and resolutions to the appropriate Committee. Rules Committee also grants rule waivers or suspensions and handles all personnel matters. Chávez serves as Vice-
Assemblymember Rocky Chávez Chair of the Assembly Higher Education and the Assembly Veterans Com-
mittee. He also serves on the Budget, Education, Health and Utilities and Commerce Committees. “I am excited to have the opportunity to take a role on this vital committee,” Chávez said. “I look forward to working with Assemblymember Gordon and the other members of the committee. By working with the members of the Committee, I hope to identify ways to streamline the bureaucracy of the Assembly and create a more efficient system that is responsive to the needs of Californians.”
Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined workers, community members, and faith leaders to protest wage theft in Oakland, CA. This protest was held days after the filing of classaction lawsuits claiming McDonald’s is deliberately and systematically infringing on their employees’ pay. The event is part of a nationwide series of actions calling on the fast food giant to stop this illegal wage theft and was held at the McDonald’s located at 2520 E 12th Street, Oakland, CA 94601. “I am proud to join workers in the fight against income
Congresswoman Barbara Lee inequality and wage theft in Oakland and across our nation," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Working fam-
ilies need equal protection of labor laws and as chair of the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, and as a co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Poverty and the Economy Task Force, I will continue to fight to ensure that hardworking Americans are earning and receiving fair wages.” The lawsuits filed in California, Michigan, and New York allege McDonald’s is forcing employees to work off the clock, shaving hours off their time cards, and not paying them overtime, among other practices.
Brownley Statement on NASA’s Final Environmental Impact Statement
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement on NASA’s final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL): “Cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory is a high public health and safety priority, and I have been working for years to ensure cleanup of the soil and groundwater contamination at the site. I am currently reviewing NASA’s Final EIS, and will continue to insist that NASA, and the other responsible parties, move forward with a cleanup that protects the public health and the environment in our community.” The FEIS on SSFL is available online at: http://
Congresswoman Julia Brownley ssfl.msfc.nasa.gov and http://www.nasa.gov/agency/nepa/news/SSFL.html. The FEIS on SSFL may also be reviewed in hard copy at the following locations:
• Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063, Website: http://simivalleylibrary.org/home/, Phone: (805) 526-1735 • Platt Library, 23600 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367, Website: http:// www.lapl.org/branches/platt, Phone: (818) 340-9386 • California State University, Northridge Oviatt Library, 18111 Nordhoff Street, 2nd Floor, Room 265, Northridge, CA 91330, Website: http://library.csun. edu, Phone: (818) 677-2285 • Department of Toxic Substances Control, 9211 Oakdale Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311, Website: http:// www.dtsc.ca.gov, Phone: (818) 717-6521
Runner Proposes Tax Help for Disabled Veterans
SACRAMENTO – George Runner announced today he is sponsoring legislation to enhance tax benefits for California’s disabled veterans. SB 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), will help ensure that disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays can still claim a key property tax exemption. “These brave men and women have sacrificed greatly for our country and should not be penalized by a slow bureaucratic process,” said Runner. “This legislation is necessary to give veterans better access to the full benefit offered to them by a grateful state.” Under California law, veterans who receive a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years. The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid. Unfortunately, due to VA backlogs, some veterans have had to wait more than four years to receive their disability rating certifications. As a result, they’ve missed out on thousands of dollars
George Runner in property tax refunds to which they were entitled and anticipated receiving. SB 1113 would increase the availability of refunds on taxes previously paid from four years to eight years, allowing veterans to receive the full benefit of their exemption, even if the rating process takes more than four years to complete. “Veterans wounded in the defense of our country have earned more than our appreciation and respect,” said Knight. “I am proud to author SB 1113 to ensure they have access to the tax benefits they deserve.” SB 1113, currently sponsored by Runner, will be considered for sponsorship by the full Board of Equalization at its March 25 hearing.