Senate District 20 Legislative Update, News & Pride Month!

Happy Pride Month! Pride cultivates inclusion, respect, and unity among neighbors. Pride events are an opportunity for everyone to learn about the history, struggles, and achievements of LGBTQ+ folks. The celebrations have already begun across California, and on June 24 we’re marching, united with our LGBTQ+ communities, at San Fernando Valley Pride in Van Nuys!

As your State Senator, I’m working towards a thriving future for Burbank and the San Fernando Valley and all Californians. This is why I’m excited to update you on the 20th District’s legislative accomplishments following the House of Origin deadline! View the video update HERE.

These 14 bills have been approved by the Senate and sent to my colleagues in the Assembly:

• SB 11- CSU Mental Health Services

• SB 223- Child Welfare & Attendance Certification

• SB 260- Menstrual Equity Act

• SB 372- Respect for Names Act

• SB 373- Address Protection

• SB 456- Housing for Vulnerable Youth

• SB 457- Vision Care

• SB 499- Cool Schools

• SB 541- The YHES Act

• SB 600- CalFresh Benefits

• SB 611- Tenant Junk Fees

• SB 635- Let California Kids Hear Act

• SB 729- Infertility Treatment Health Coverage

• SB 732- State Bat of California

I need your help. Please reach out to your Assemblymember to express support for the bills which are now in their hands. Find bill updates HERE or follow me on social media for the latest.

Additionally, in my first year as Chair of Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health and Human Services, I engaged in meaningful budget conversations built from an oversight approach. Our state has been facing social services crises; the behavioral and mental health crisis, lack of access to affordable health care, and our depleted workforce in these sectors. I was vocal about priorities centered on furthering investments for youth and families, and ensuring California protects our critical health and human services programs.

I had the privilege of addressing Police Academy Magnet students during their commencement, just 16 years after my own graduation from Reseda Police Academy Magnet! The PAM program instills confidence and discipline in youth which will guide them throughout their lives. My experience as a PAM led me to serve our country in the Marine Corps and inspires me as I fight for change for 40 million people as a State Senator.

It was an honor to participate in the Memorial Day events across our district as a Marine Corps veteran and newly elected State Senator. Not only did we commemorate our fallen heroes in Canoga Park, Sylmar, and the cities of San Fernando and Burbank, but the day before we also placed flags on gravesites at San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery. I was deeply moved by the profound respect our community showed for those who gave their lives defending our country and the principals of liberty and justice.

The volunteers at Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar train these furry friends to serve community members who qualify for assistance. Learn about their Veteran Support Program. Or volunteer to be a Puppy Raiser, providing the pups training and confidence during their first year.

Medi-Cal eligibility redeterminations are resuming. Take action to keep your coverage! Learn More.

Se están reanudando las redeterminaciones de elegibilidad de Medi-Cal. ¡Tome acción para mantener su cobertura! Aprenda más.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the first street-closure Pride March in the San Fernando Valley, followed by a Block Party for the history books! We’ll see you in Van Nuys on Saturday, June 24, starting at noon.

¡No olvide confirmar su asistencia a la primera Marcha del Orgullo de calle cerrada en el Valle de San Fernando, seguido de una Fiesta Vecinal para la historia! Nos vemos en Van Nuys el sábado 24 de junio a partir del mediodía.

The California LGBTQ Caucus Foundation Scholarship was established to help LGBTQ+ Californians achieve their dreams through higher education. Apply by June 30 HERE.

La Beca de la Fundación de la Bancada LGBTQ de California se estableció para ayudar a los californianos de la comunidad LGBTQ+ a alcanzar sus sueños a través de la educación superior. Solicite antes del 30 de junio AQUÍ.

CalKIDS helps children save for college or career training after high school. Children born in California, starting on July 1 2022, and eligible low-income public school students are awarded a CalKIDS college savings account with an initial deposit. Enrollment is automatic. Learn more.

CalKIDS ayuda a los niños a ahorrar para la universidad o la capacitación profesional después de la escuela secundaria. Los niños nacidos en California, a partir del 1° de julio de 2022, y los estudiantes elegibles de escuelas públicas de bajos ingresos reciben una cuenta de ahorros para la universidad con un depósito inicial de parte de CalKIDS. La inscripción es automática. Aprenda más.

James and Andrés supported Writers Guild of America members at Walt Disney Studios. The WGA is seeking fair compensation and increased job security for the people who write the movies and television shows that entertain us, opening our eyes to different people and places.

Andrés visited Stack Up in Van Nuys, an organization that supports veterans’ mental health through gaming. One of their most popular programs is Supply Crates, which sends veterans and deployed units video game care packages to raise morale, build camaraderie, combat PTSD, and fight the rising tide of veteran suicide. Learn more HERE or on Twitter @StackUpDotOrg.

Family Service Agency of Burbank provides quality mental health care and works to eliminate domestic violence, suicide, interpersonal violence, and homelessness among veterans. James joined Senator Portantino and Assemblymember Friedman in recognizing the volunteers who perform this outstanding work for our communities. Learn more.

The classic 1942 film Casablanca was shot in Burbank, with one exception. While many believe the airport used to film the iconic final scene is Burbank’s, it is actually Van Nuys Airport that can boast this claim to fame!

Thank you for reading the Senate District 20 June Newsletter!

May you and your families be well,

Senator Caroline Menjivar, MSW