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ASSEMBLYMEMBER WIECKOWSKI APPLAUDS Fremont – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), a strong-supporter of reforms to reduce student-loan debt, today said he supports the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s lawsuit against Corinthian Colleges and its effort to eliminate over half a billion dollars in outstanding private debt held by students. “For too long, some irresponsible institutions in the for-profit higher education industry have ripped off taxpayers and loaded enormous amounts of debt on some of our most vulnerable students and their co-signers,” Wieckowski said. “These institutions benefit from a disproportionate level of loans given the amount of students they serve and they often provide far too little educational value in return. The students and their families are left heavily in debt and it’s a debt that will burden them financially for decades. This adversely affects our economy and benefits no one except the individual companies and their shareholders. I applaud the bureau’s action and the steps it is taking to protect consumers and taxpayers.” The CFPB alleges that Corinthian lured tens of thousands of students to take out private loans to cover expensive tuition costs by advertising bogus job prospects and career services. It also alleges the use of illegal debt collection tactics to get students to pay back loans while still in school. The bureau is demanding the school forgive more than $500 million in private loans. Wieckowski has battled for-profit colleges in the past, seeking to tighten eligibility requirements on higher education institutions that receive Cal Grant funds. Tougher eligibility standards were adopted through the state budget process by Governor Brown and have improved accountability of Cal Grant funds, ensuring that students are using them at higher-performing institutions. The Assemblymember also authored AB 233 to prohibit the garnishment of student wages on private loans. The bill passed the Assembly, but was defeated in the Senate last month in the final days of session. The Associated Students of University of California, Davis and the Children’s Advocacy Institute of the University of San Diego School of Law named him Legislator of the Year for his work on student debt issues. |
Los Angeles – Members of three California State Assembly Committees held an informational hearing today to examine the legal and policy implications of expanded drone use in California. The hearing was titled, “Drones in our Future: Opportunity and Privacy Considerations,” and was held at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) faculty center. |
Sacramento – Governor Brown signed a bill today authored by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to authorize the California Educational Facilities Authority (CEFA) to offer direct or private placement loans to private, non-profit colleges and universities in California for campus expansion and construction projects. The bill, AB 1668, will enable the higher education institutions to get better financing to meet their growth and modernization needs. It contains an urgency clause and takes effect immediately. “Rather than turning away non-profit colleges and universities because it didn’t have the authority to provide these loans, CEFA can now work with them and maintain long-time relationships that have been built over years,” Wieckowski said. “This allows CEFA to adapt to market changes. It also will help lower costs, generate construction jobs and result in new or improved facilities for students at the institutions that prefer to go through CEFA for this financing.” CEFA was created in the early 1970s to issue revenue bonds at low costs to assist the colleges and universities in expanding and constructing their facilities. The Great Recession, however, reduced the low cost financing avenues available in the municipal bond market. Many of the universities then began using private or direct placement loans because of lower costs. The loans do not have the bond insurance fees or underwriter services and the borrowers can choose their own investors. Many private California universities and colleges have worked with CEFA in the past to acquire tax exempt financing on bonds for their projects, but CEFA did not have statutory authority to issue direct or private placement loans. As a result, CEFA turned away 12 higher education institutions that have approached it over the past year seeking to use CEFA for conduit financing. AB 1668 grants CEFA the statutory authority it needs. CEFA is under the jurisdiction of the state Treasurer’s Office and Treasurer Bill Lockyer supports AB 1668. The bill is also supported by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. The association includes Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Stanford, Palo Alto University, Notre Dame de Namur University, St. Mary’s College, Holy Names University, University of the Pacific and over 65 other Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited higher education institutions. The association’s members employ about 88,000 Californians and educate over 328,000 students. Assemblymember Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. |
DA O’MALLEY AND CONGRESSMAN HONDA WHAT: Congressman Mike Honda (D-San Jose) and Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley will host a press conference in Oakland, CA on August 12, 2014 at 10:00am to update the public on the status of their efforts to eliminate the backlog of rape kits locally and in the country. Congressman Honda, a senior member of the House Appropriations committee, has been a leader in securing necessary funding for testing rape kits nationwide. He is also working with FBI Director Robert Mueller on this issue. “The fact that there are 500,000 rape kits nationally that have yet to be tested is unacceptable,” Congressman Honda said. “We are obligated to put forth the resources needed to test all evidence and pursue all leads in solving cases of rape.” District Attorney O’Malley has been fighting to decrease the backlog in untested rape kits for years. "It is vitally important that the issue of the backlog of rape kits be addressed at a local and national level. In Alameda County, we are beginning to see the success of our efforts to address the nearly 2,000 backlogged rape kits located in police agencies county-wide," states District Attorney O'Malley. "Congressman Honda's work to secure federal funding for this work is critical to eliminate backlogged kits in counties throughout the nation and to ensure future timely testing of all kits in Alameda County, statewide and nationwide." WHO: Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley WHEN: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 WHERE: Alameda County District Attorney's Office Contact: ADA Teresa Drenick |
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Governor Brown signs Wieckowski bill AB 1668 authorizes state Educational Facilities Authority to offer better financing for campus construction projects |
Press
note released by Jeff Barbosa July 21, 2014 |
Sacramento – Governor Brown signed a bill today authored by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to authorize the California Educational Facilities Authority (CEFA) to offer direct or private placement loans to private, non-profit colleges and universities in California for campus expansion and construction projects. The bill, AB 1668, will enable the higher education institutions to get better financing to meet their growth and modernization needs. It contains an urgency clause and takes effect immediately.
“Rather than turning away non-profit colleges and universities because it didn’t have the authority to provide these loans, CEFA can now work with them and maintain long-time relationships that have been built over years,” Wieckowski said. “This allows CEFA to adapt to market changes. It also will help lower costs, generate construction jobs and result in new or improved facilities for students at the institutions that prefer to go through CEFA for this financing.”
CEFA was created in the early 1970s to issue revenue bonds at low costs to assist the colleges and universities in expanding and constructing their facilities. The Great Recession, however, reduced the low cost financing avenues available in the municipal bond market. Many of the universities then began using private or direct placement loans because of lower costs. The loans do not have the bond insurance fees or underwriter services and the borrowers can choose their own investors.
Many private California universities and colleges have worked with CEFA in the past to acquire tax exempt financing on bonds for their projects, but CEFA did not have statutory authority to issue direct or private placement loans. As a result, CEFA turned away 12 higher education institutions that have approached it over the past year seeking to use CEFA for conduit financing. AB 1668 grants CEFA the statutory authority it needs.
CEFA is under the jurisdiction of the state Treasurer’s Office and Treasurer Bill Lockyer supports AB 1668. The bill is also supported by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. The association includes Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Stanford, Palo Alto University, Notre Dame de Namur University, St. Mary’s College, Holy Names University, University of the Pacific and over 65 other Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited higher education institutions. The association’s members employ about 88,000 Californians and educate over 328,000 students.
Assemblymember Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara.
Posted www.ambedkartimes.com on July 22, 2014
Sacramento – The California State Assembly passed a bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) today to establish a Bill of Rights for residents in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly. AB 2171, the centerpiece of a number of residential care reform bills introduced this year, passed 42-20 and now advances to the Senate. “In 2012, the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program received over 4,000 complaints from elderly residents in residential care facilities,” Wieckowski said. “These complaints included verbal or physical abuse of elderly residents and in many occasions there was little or no action by state regulators. This bill will put a Bill of Rights into statute and give residents the ability to enforce their rights.” The Bill of Rights includes rights covering quality of care and services; personal property and financial affairs; visitors, privacy and confidentiality; freedom from retaliation; enforcement and other areas. It also establishes a private right of action to prevent mistreatment and to stop ongoing violations of the Bill of Rights. Damages for these actions would be capped at $500. AB 2171 also includes a 30-day cure period that allows facilities up to 30 days to correct a violation following notice by a resident of a violation. “As our population ages, these facilities are becoming more common for our mothers, fathers and other relatives,” Wieckowski said. “Unfortunately when standards are not maintained and enforced, seniors spend their remaining years in deplorable conditions where their complaints are ignored.” A large coalition of senior and consumer organizations are supporting Wieckowski’s bill. Those organizations include the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, the California Commission on Aging, AARP, Elder Abuse Task Force of Santa Clara County, Consumer Attorneys of California, the Consumer Advocates for RCFE Reform and several more senior advocacy organizations from throughout the state. |
SACRAMENTO - Saying that Californians are concerned and seeking information about potential health risks caused by contaminated water coming to the state from the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, Assembly member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) is urging the state’s Department of Public Health to post updated information on the issue to its homepage. “With newspaper reports, on-line videos and a number of stories about the possible radiation dangers to our beaches, residents are concerned and seeking information from a source they can trust,” Wieckowski said. “I think a lot of people’s questions can be answered if the department would conduct a study or post the results of other studies and monitoring that are already completed to its homepage. The difficulty of finding accurate, current information about the science and the level of risk involved has exacerbated confusion and worry among some in the public.” Wieckowski said the federal government has suggested Fukushima’s problems pose no risks to California’s coastal and estuarine lands. However, online speculation about contaminated water traveling to California and higher than normal radioactivity levels on a California beach have increased the public’s concerns. “Tourism, fishing, agriculture and outdoor recreation are among our most important assets,” Wieckowski said. “Millions of Californians live in communities that are directly impacted by contamination in the ocean. That’s why I think it’s important for the state Department of Public Health to put what information it has in layman’s terms onto its homepage so the public can see it and understand what, if any, risks or concerns are out there.” Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Fremont and Newark. |
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Sacramento – A bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) that would eliminate a long-standing delay for patients seeking physical therapy was approved 32-0 today by the state Senate. AB 1000 now heads back to the Assembly for a final vote before going to Governor Jerry Brown for his consideration. “This is a great victory for health care consumers in California,” Wieckowski said. “Patients will no longer need a diagnosis from a physician before beginning treatment from a physical therapist. We are on the verge of joining 46 states and the District of Columbia in allowing patients to self-refer to physical therapists. This bill helps streamline health care delivery in California and will help patients get the access they need rather than losing valuable time with unnecessary and costly delays.” The current barrier to direct access is caused by a 47-year-old state Attorney General opinion that any person seeking the treatment of a physical therapist must first obtain a diagnosis from a medical doctor. The California Physical Therapy Association and the California Medical Association both support the bill. Assemblymember Wieckowski represents the 25th District, which includes Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , September 14, 2013 |
AB 714 now heads to the Governor Sacramento – The state Senate today unanimously approved a bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to fund the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Program administered at the University of California, Irvine. The bill, AB 714, passed 39-0 and now goes to Governor Brown. The Governor has until Oct. 13 to take action on the bill. “This bill has enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the Legislature because it promotes state of the art research into spinal cord injuries and helps leverage additional funding from the National Institutes of Health and foundations,” Wieckowski said. AB 714 directs $1 million from the general fund to restore funding to the program, which was created by the state Legislature in 2000. Budget cuts eliminated state funding during the recession. Over the years, the program has attracted roughly $5 in federal funds for every $1 spent in state funds. Researchers, primarily from public and private universities in California, apply for Roman Reed research grants. Discoveries through this research have resulted in new robotic devices to help patients recover movement, and advancement of new drugs to pre-clinical trials. The discoveries made through this research also inform our understanding and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and many more. The program is named after Fremont Planning Commissioner Roman Reed, who was paralyzed in a Chabot College football game. He is now a spinal cord research advocate who has helped increase research funding in states across the country. In the past three years top researchers from the state’s universities, as well as biotech organizations such as BayBio and the California Healthcare Institute, have expressed their support for Wieckowski’s efforts to refund the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. Assemblymember Wieckowski’s district includes San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Fremont and Newark. |
Sacramento – The state Senate Appropriations Committee today approved five bills by Assembly member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), including one to fund the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Program administered at the University of California, Irvine. The bills now move to the Senate floor where they will be considered in the final two weeks of the legislative session. “I am pleased by the committee’s decision to support AB 714, which will provide crucial seed funding for state-of-the-art research into spinal cord injuries,” Wieckowski said. “This program enables our state to attract grants from foundations and the National Institutes of Health and that leverages the state funding.” AB 714 directs $1 million from the general fund to restore funding to the program. Budget cuts eliminated funding during the recession. Researchers, primarily from public and private universities in California, apply for Roman Reed research grants. Over the years, the program has attracted roughly $5 in federal funds for every $1 spent in state funds. It is named after Fremont Planning Commissioner Roman Reed, who was paralyzed in a Chabot College football game. He is now a spinal cord research advocate who has helped increase research funding in states across the country. Other Wieckowski bills approved by the committee include AB 1000, which allows patients to directly access physical therapy services for a limited time before being seen by a physician, and AB 125, which will give the California State Teachers Retirement Service Board the authority to recruit from external sources to gain access to a larger pool of highly-qualified candidates for some positions. The committee also passed AB 1405, an Assembly Judiciary Committee family law omnibus bill and AB 566 regarding court contracts. |
Sacramento – The state Assembly this Monday is expected to pass a resolution by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to designate November as California Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 25 is being voted on early to avoid the legislative crush of bills that is coming to the floor before session ends on Sept. 13. The state is home to an estimated 250,000 Sikhs, roughly 40 percent of the nation’s Sikh population. Sikh Americans have served as mayors in cities such as El Centro, Livingston, Lathrop and Yuba City. Others have served as council members. Yuba City is referred to by some as “Mini-Punjab” because of its larger Sikh population. The Yuba City Sikh Parade, held on the first Sunday of November attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Earlier this year, the Legislature approved ACR 20 to recognize the need for the inclusion of Sikhism in world religions and eastern religions in California postsecondary institutions. It is the fifth-largest religion in the world and has Gurdwaras in 65 nations. By promoting better understanding and mutual respect, hate crimes against Sikhs, might be reduced. Assemblymember Wieckowski’s district includes San Jose, Santa Clara, Fremont, Newark and Milpitas. |
Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s comprehensive public disclosure bill to regulate fracking in California was defeated in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee today on a 3-0 vote, two short of the five-vote majority needed for approval. The bill, AB 7, was rejected even though Wieckowski took several amendments requested by committee members and pledged to continue discussions on six other points raised by the committee. “I have worked for two-and-a-half years with environmentalists, the industry, legislators, staff and the Division of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources to provide more public disclosure on hydraulic fracturing in California because I believe the public has a right to know about this process and we need to make sure our environment and the public health are protected,” Wieckowski said. “Unfortunately, in the end, the goal posts kept on moving and there was a never-ending demand to take more amendments.” AB 7 would have required all oil operators to provide: · A complete list of every chemical used in fracking · The maximum concentration · The purpose for the chemical · Separate justification for each trade secret claim · How much water is used · The type of water used · The disposition of the fluid once the fracking is complete · Baseline groundwater monitoring before and after fracking · Pre-notification to the Division of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources · Pre-notification to property owners and neighboring landowners who live within 1,500 feet from the wellhead prior to the commencing of fracking. · A wastewater discharge report filed with the regional water quality control board prior to drilling. “We all saw some fracking bills defeated on the floor of the Assembly,” Wieckowski said. “I agreed to take two amendments that I thought would strengthen the bill without jeopardizing its chances of passage, but once it went to committee everyone wanted another bite at the apple. |
ALAMEDA, CONTRA COSTA COUNTIES WOULD BE ABLE TO PUT MEASURES ON THEIR LOCAL BALLOTS Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont) bill to allow Alameda and Contra Costa counties to seek transportation sales tax measures to improve their infrastructure was approved this morning by the state Senate’s Governance and Finance Committee. AB 210 passed 5 to 2 and will next be considered by the full Senate. “It’s obvious that our aging infrastructure is in need of repair,” Wieckowski said. “This bill will enable these two counties to reach out to their residents and develop plans that reduce congestion, improve our roads and provide transportation alternatives. With the voters’ support, we can make the upgrades that are critical to the East Bay region.” AB 210 would authorize the counties to exceed the 2 percent local sales tax cap if voters approve a transportation ballot measure by Dec. 31, 2020. The two counties cannot put a measure on the ballot that would exceed the limit without first getting an exemption from the state Legislature. The American Society of Civil Engineers in its Report Card on America’s Infrastructure gave California a C- for the quality of its transportation infrastructure. Over the next three decades, California counties are projected to pump $95 billion into their aging transportation systems. The Contra Costa County Transportation Authority, Alameda County Transportation Commission, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, AC Transit, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority and East Bay Regional Park District are among the supporters of AB 210. Assemblymember Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes parts of Fremont and San Jose, and all of Newark, Milpitas and Santa Clara. |
“I can think of no better use for this site than a desperately needed new campus to educate the next generation of students,” Wieckowski said. The property falls within the SCUSD boundaries and district officials working collaboratively with San Jose have sought for years to purchase the site. SCUSD Superintendent Bobbi Plough said the proposed campus would serve 2,800 students, who otherwise would need to be bused to other schools. District officials have said the site is the only one in north San Jose suitable for such a campus. However, efforts to reach a purchase agreement with the state Department of General Services have so far been unsuccessful. District officials approached Wieckowski for assistance earlier this year. AB 503 would require DGS to transfer title to SCUSD for educational purposes at fair market value. It also calls for the value of the property to be reduced to less than fair market value if a portion is zoned for parks or open space purposes. DGS recently expressed a willingness to re-open talks with Santa Clara Unified and San Jose. The San Jose City Council unanimously voted last month to support AB 503 and direct its city manager to pursue a zoning designation that allows the future development of the K-12 campus. SCUSD voters approved a bond measure in 2010 that included $45 million for the purchase of a school site. (It has offered up to $64 million for the property). The district approved an EIR and the proposed campus is part of the North San Jose Neighborhood Plan, approved by the San Jose City Council in 2009. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , May 1, 2013 |
Sacramento – A bill by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) to give students a better understanding of the obligations tied to private student loans was approved today by the state Assembly Higher Education Committee by a 8 to 4 vote. The bill, AB 534, now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. “It’s critical that today’s higher education students are well aware of the financial obligations and risks involved when pursuing student loans,” Wieckowski said. “Reports have shown that loans from private lenders often do not include the consumer safeguards our students need in today’s economy. Unfortunately, though, a majority of undergraduates who take out private loans have not used the maximum amount available in safer federal student loans. This demonstrates that improved counseling is needed.” Nationally, the total student loan debt has surpassed $1 trillion, more than personal credit card debt. More than half of California’s graduates have debt when they pick up their degrees. Private student loans now account for 20 percent of the total student debt. AB 534 requires entrance and exit loan counseling for students receiving private loans. This counseling will be comparable to counseling that is already required anytime a student receives federal student loans. The bill requires a California educational institution to certify to the lender that the student has received counseling before the loan may be finalized. Supporters include State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, State Controller John Chiang, Consumers Union, California Student Aid Commission, California Counsel on Economic Education, University of California Student Association, California State Student Association and many other organizations. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , April 23, 2013 |
Wieckowski said more than 50,000 signatures were collected in support of last year’s resolution approved by the Legislature in July. Sacramento
– California State Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski
(D-Fremont) has introduced legislation to give California voters
an opportunity to instruct Congress to write a Constitutional
amendment overturning the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens
United ruling and allowing limits on political contributions
and spending. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , February 21, 2013 |
“I am honoring four leaders from the 25th Assembly District whose leadership and community service stretch over decades and who continue to have a positive influence in our area today,” Wieckowski said. “Each of these leaders has a strong commitment to education and helping families and children in their communities.” Wieckowski is honoring Rev. Horacio Jones of the Family Bible Fellowship in Newark; Jean Ficklin, founder of the Afro-American Cultural and Historical Society; Rev. Jethroe Moore, president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP; and Will Ector, superintendent of the Berryessa Union School District. Ficklin was one of the first African American teachers in the Newark Unified School District and has helped create programs celebrating diversity and social equality. Rev. Jones began his work in the ministry at the age of 21. He mentors other pastors and church leaders on a variety of subjects, including ministry growth and expansion. In addition to his work with the NAACP, Rev. Moore is also past Co-Chair of the Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet in Santa Clara County and served on the Santa Clara Valley Water District Redistricting Advisory Committee. Superintendent Ector joined Berryessa after working over three decades in the Evergreen School District in San Jose, where he worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of human resources. People wishing to attend the event can RSVP to Assemblymember Wieckowski’s district office at 510-440-9030. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , February 20, 2013 |
Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) introduced legislation today to prevent a tax loophole that allows companies to take a tax deduction when a court holds them liable for punitive damages. “No corporation should get a tax deduction after a court has found it liable for committing an egregious act,” said Wieckowski, chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. “The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the worst behavior by irresponsible corporations. This bill will make sure we don’t give out tax breaks for violating the law.” Currently, California’s tax code allows businesses to take a tax deduction when a court holds them liable for punitive damages. Allowing punitive damage payments to be deducted on taxes undermines the very purpose of penalizing companies who committed egregious misconduct and have been proven by clear and convincing evidence in court to be in the wrong. “You don’t reward a child for bad behavior,” Wieckowski said. “Why should we reward the worst kind of wrongdoing? Common sense says this practice must be eliminated.” A similar bill was introduced in the last session, but failed to receive the necessary two-thirds vote for approval despite overwhelming support from Democrats. Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Fremont and Newark. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , February 19, 2013 |
“We have all seen the coverage of these huge fires that rage out of control, destroying wildlife habitat, polluting the air and costing a fortune to control and extinguish,” Wieckowski said. “This bill is a common sense approach that will strengthen forest thinning projects and help us cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions across the state.” Assemblymember Bigelow said the legislation is a positive step toward reducing the harm caused by the fires. “This bill will assist and encourage landowners to engage in forest thinning projects that reduce the threat and intensity of wildfires throughout California,” Bigelow said. “Our legislation is a responsible solution for the environment and California’s forestry industry.” Assembly Bill 350 would increase the diameter of trees that qualify to be cleared under the state’s Forest Fire Prevention Exemption law to 28 inches and 34 inches in special circumstances, up from the current 18 and 24 inches. The Legislature created the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption in response to devastating wildfires that swept across Southern California in 2003. However, over the last 10 years the program has not achieved its goal of adequate forest thinning. Since its passage, thinning on private forest lands has dropped to fewer than a thousand acres annually. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that 550,000 acres of private timberland is overstocked and in need of thinning. “I am looking forward to working with environmentalists and industry to reduce the vast amount of greenhouse gas emissions and thinning our forest land in a responsible way,” Wieckowski said. “This is a bipartisan issue. If we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases caused by these fires, it will be the equivalent of taking millions of cars off our roads for a year. “ Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , February 15, 2013 |
Assemblymember
Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) will chair a special informational
hearing of the Assembly Judiciary Committee to examine the serious
challenges facing the state's judicial system in light of the
economic recession and recent budget changes. |
Sacramento
– Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) has
announced his opposition to a Franchise Tax Board staff decision
to retroactively deny benefits dating back to 2008 for Qualified
Small Business (QSB) tax exclusions. The FTB’s decision
will stick some California entrepreneurs and start-up investors
with huge retroactive tax bills. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com , February 06, 2013 |
November’s Measure B1 showed overwhelming support for infrastructure improvements Sacramento
– California State Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski
(D-Fremont) has introduced legislation to allow Alameda County
to seek approval from voters for a transportation sales tax
measure to fund a variety of infrastructure projects throughout
the county. |
Fremont, CA—Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) announced today that he is once again unveiling his annual “There Ought to be a Law” contest for citizens of the 25th Assembly District. The contest invites community members to submit ideas and proposals for new state legislation with the goal of improving neighborhoods and communities throughout the state of California. “I am excited to hear from the people of the 25th Assembly District and to listen to their ideas for ways we can make a positive change in the community,” Assemblymember Wieckowski said. “This is a way to promote civic engagement and give people the opportunity to see the inner workings of the Capitol and the legislative process up close.” The contest is open to residents of the 25th Assembly District and people of all ages are encouraged to enter, especially students and youth. . The contest winner will have the opportunity to travel to Sacramento, testify before an Assembly Committee on the merits of the bill, receive a commendation, and have lunch with the Assemblymember. Constituents can submit an idea and find more information at http://asmdc.org/members/a25/there-ought-to-be-a-law. Submissions will be accepted by e-mail, mail, or fax. The deadline for entries is Friday, February 15th, 2013. Assemblymember Wieckowski’s 2012 “There Ought to be a Law” contest winner was Dirk Lorenz, owner of Fremont Flowers. His idea was introduced as Assembly Bill 1581 and was signed by Governor Brown. The bill sought to assist local florists by combating consumer deception by large non-local companies who use local numbers and names in their advertisements. The new law requires floral retailers who use local phone numbers or a local name to include their address and notice of their place of business in their advertisements. Assemblymember Wieckowski represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com January 30, 2013 |
Sacramento
– The California Small Business Association and
California Small Business Roundtable gave Assemblymember Bob
Wieckowski (D-Fremont) its top designation, summa cum laude,
for his continued commitment to California’s small businesses
in 2012. The address
and their place of business in their advertisements. The law
now assists those customers who prefer to shop locally. |
Sacramento
– New laws authored by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski
(D-Fremont) aimed at protecting consumers, families struggling
through bankruptcies, the working poor, and California’s
environment will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013. Wieckowski got 15 bills signed into law in 2012. A partial list of the new laws includes: ·
AB 1534 – Used Car Fair Pricing – Protects
consumers from predatory pricing practices by simply requiring
disclosure of the reasonable market value of a vehicle at
“Buy Here, Pay Here” lots. A window sticker on
used cars must state a fair market value and which nationally
accepted valuation service was used. |
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Boehringer Ingelheim, Inc., 6701 Kaiser Drive, Fremont. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring a children’s toy and to call Wieckowski’s District Office at 510-440-9030 to reserve a free ticket. Space is limited. Wieckowski will begin the program by providing a legislative overview of his first term in office and his agenda for his second term in the state Assembly. The remainder of the program will focus on the contributions made by the local heroes and organizations. “This has become a wonderful tradition each December,” Wieckowski said. “The individuals and organizations to be honored have devoted an enormous amount of time to our community and this event gives me an opportunity to publicly recognize their work.” The honorees include: Brannin Dorsey – 2012 Champion for Education, Finelite – Small Business of the Year, The Kids Breakfast Club – Non-profit of the Year, Hayward and Fremont Firefighters – Community Partners of the Year, South Bay Labor Council – Advocate of the Year, Tejinder Dhami – 2012 Unity Award Recipient, Don and Roman Reed – Fremont Local Hero, Darien Poon – Union City Local Hero, Viola Blythe Community Services – Newark Local Hero, Gays and Lesbians Organized for Betterment and Equality – Hayward Local Hero, David Ashton – Castro Valley Local Hero, Campus Alliance for Economic Justice (Café J) – San Jose Local Hero, Aldyth Parle – Santa Clara Local Hero, Milpitas Food Pantry – Milpitas Local Hero Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (Dated December 10, 2012) |
“The public has a right to know the type of chemicals that are being pumped underground in case there is a leak or contamination,” Wieckowski said. “Our state has done a poor job of collecting this important information and the public is demanding answers.” Under Wieckowski’s AB 7, companies would be required to disclose a complete list of names, chemical numbers and maximum concentrations of each chemical used in the fracking process. Some of the bill’s requirements include: • The trade name • The supplier • A brief description of the intended purpose of each additive contained in the hydraulic fracturing fluid • The total volume of carrier fluid used during hydraulic fracturing • The source, volume and disposition of all water used during the process • A comprehensive report from the Division of Oil and Gas to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2016. More Last year, Wieckowski’s fracking bill was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. But the controversy surrounding the lack of information at the state level helped push the Division of Oil and Gas to begin drafting regulations on hydraulic fracturing. “I intend to craft this legislation to work in conjunction with the Division’s regulations,” Wieckowski said. “Californians deserve a disclosure bill on fracking that is worthy of our state’s strong history of environmental protection.” Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (Dated December 5, 2012) |
Fremont – A leading statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for seniors has given Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) a perfect 100 percent score for his work in the state Legislature on behalf of seniors. The Congress of California Seniors, founded in 1977, rated legislators based on their votes on key issues such as health care, long-term care, senior community interest housing developments, affordable housing, nursing home services and other bills. On its website, CCS State President Hank Lacayo said the scorecard allows CCS to inform “seniors and their families about what legislators actually did, not just what they said.” “I am proud to receive a 100 percent score from the Congress of California Seniors,” Wieckowski said. “It is a terrific organization that stands up for seniors and provides key testimony and advocacy on the issues that are critical to seniors.” Wieckowski’s
AB 2273, a bill signed by Governor Brown, was one of the bills
on the organization’s list. It requires the transfer of
an interest in a common interest development contained in any
deed of trust or mortgage to be recorded within 30 days of the
sale. It also expedites the time frame in which that person
would be required to mail a copy of the trustee’s deed
to a homeowners’ association. The bill ensures that those
who gain title to foreclosed property in common interest developments
alert the homeowners’ association, pay the fees they are
required to pay and thereby prevent the kind of blight in the
development that drives down the quality of life and property
values. Currently, many purchases through foreclosure are not
recorded for months and the new owners, often financial institutions,
avoid paying their dues. Wieckowski represents the 20th Assembly
District, which covers parts of Pleasanton, Castro Valley, Hayward,
and San Jose, and all of Union City, Newark, Fremont and Milpitas.
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Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont) bill to require “Buy Here, Pay Here” lots to have window stickers disclosing the reasonable market value on their vehicles was signed by Governor Jerry Brown today. “Buy Here, Pay Here” lots comprise a growing segment of the used car industry, focusing on high interest loans for people with poor credit. The industry has been accused of predatory lending and pricing practices with harsh default terms and swift repossession practices. Customers often end up with exorbitant interest rates and overpriced cars. “When
people consider purchasing a car, it is one of the largest transactions
they will make,” Wieckowski said. “That’s
why it is important that we protect consumers in the process.
Many low-income Californians and our veterans are often preyed
upon in transactions with high interest rates. This bill (AB
1534) will not dictate the sale price asked by the dealer, but
it will help level the playing field by requiring the sticker.” New car dealers have displayed the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price on all new cars since 1958 with the passage of the federal Automobile Information Act. Consumer
groups strongly supported AB 1534 to increase oversight of the
“Buy Here, Pay Here” lots. Wieckowski’s bill
was one of three authored by legislators. AB 1534 is supported
by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, Consumer Federation
of California, California State Commanders Veterans Association,
Consumer Action, the Center for Responsible Lending and the
Auto Fraud Legal Center. Assemblymember Wieckowski represents
the 20th Assembly District, which includes all of Fremont, Newark,
Union City and Milpitas, as well as parts of Castro Valley,
Hayward, Pleasanton and San Jose. |
Sacramento – Governor Jerry Brown signed two bills by Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) today to help people in bankruptcy recover from financial insolvency and to combat misleading advertising that hurts local floral shops. The mortgage meltdown and the Great Recession that followed over the past few years have sent many Californians into bankruptcy. However, the current level of debtor exemptions available to them is insufficient. That is why Wieckowski authored AB 929. “I applaud the Governor for recognizing the need to help people who are struggling with bankruptcy to get back on their feet,” Wieckowski said. “These debtor exemptions exist to help people protect their tools of the trade, to help them get a fresh start. By increasing the level of exemptions to better reflect the reality of today’s marketplace, thousands of Californians in dire financial straits will benefit.” For example,
the debtor’s exemption for a vehicle increases from $2,775
to $4,800. The exemption for the debtor’s aggregate interest
in tools, instruments, materials, equipment and other tools
of the trade used by the debtor or their spouse in their respective
professions increases by $1,750. The Governor also signed AB 1581, a bill to crack down on misleading advertising by large floral companies. It is widely supported by small floral companies throughout California. “This bill says a company may not misrepresent the geographical location of a business selling flowers or floral arrangements,” Wieckowski said. “It requires floral retailers who use local phone numbers or a local name to include their address and notice of their place of business in their advertisements. It provides more information for consumers who want to buy from local businesses.” The bill was this year’s selection in Assemblymember Wieckowski’s “There Ought to be a Law” constituent contest. It was proposed by Dirk Lorenz, the owner of Fremont Flowers. AB 1581
is supported by the California State Floral Association, the
Society of American Florists and small businesses across the
state. Chambers of Commerce in Fremont, Hayward, Milpitas and
Simi Valley also supports the bill. The Governor has signed
nine Wieckowski bills in 2012. Five more Wieckowski bills remain
on his desk. |
Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont) two environmental protection bills regarding storage tanks were signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today. Working with local environmental health administrators across the state, Wieckowski pushed through the Legislature three bills – AB 1566, AB 1620 and AB 1701 - to increase environmental protection by closing gaps in regulatory programs. The Governor signed AB 1566 and AB 1701 today. AB 1620 was signed on August 27. “These
laws will bring regulatory clarity by eliminating dual standards
and different sets of rules,” Wieckowski said. “By
applying a consistent set of standards and designating a lead
agency, we can strengthen enforcement throughout the state.” AB 1566
designates the Office of the State Fire Marshall as the lead
agency for APSA, which establishes a single point of contact
for government, environmental groups and the business community.
It exempts facilities already regulated under a standardized
permit by the Department of Toxics Substances Control from compliance
with UST laws. It also adds a criminal misdemeanor for knowingly
violating APSA. Wieckowski,
the former chairman of the Assembly’s Environmental Safety
and Toxic Materials Committee, has authored more than half a
dozen bills on issues such as paint recycling collection programs,
underground and above ground storage tank clean-up efforts and
comprehensive regulatory reform of hazardous materials. He was
recently named “Legislator of the Year” by the California
Association of Environmental Health Administrators. Assembly
Speaker John A. Pérez named him chairman of the Assembly
Judiciary Committee last month. Wieckowski is wrapping up his
first term in the state Assembly. His district includes all
of Fremont, Milpitas, Newark and Union City, and parts of San
Jose, Pleasanton, Castro Valley and Hayward. He graduated from
UC Berkeley and earned a law degree from Santa Clara University.
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Fremont
- Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) will host
the 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Leadership
Awards Ceremony at 12 noon on Thursday, September 20, 2012 in
the Holly Center Senior Room, 31600 Alvarado Boulevard in Union
City. The event is free and open to the public, but a limited
number of RSVPs will be accepted. Wieckowski will honor individuals
from the APIA community who work or reside within the 20th Assembly
District. To attend the event, please call Andrae Macapinlac
of Wieckowski’s district office at 510-440-9030. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com (September 13, 2012) |
Sacramento
– Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont)
bill to require “Buy Here, Pay Here” lots to have
window stickers disclosing the reasonable market value on their
vehicles passed the state Assembly this afternoon 46-27 and
now goes before the Governor. Consumer
groups are in strong support of increased regulations over the
“Buy Here, Pay Here” lots. AB 1534 is supported
by Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, Consumer Federation
of California, California State Commanders Veterans Association,
Consumer Action, the Center for Responsible Lending and the
Auto Fraud Legal Center. |
“This is a great victory for Californians living with paralysis,” Wieckowski said. “By putting our best scientific minds to work in our universities, we can undertake state of the art research that will improve the quality of life for thousands of Californians. This bill not only gives hope to the disabled, it also sends a message that California’s elected leaders want to maintain our leadership in the biosciences.” The Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund was created in 2000. It is run out of the University of California and administered out of the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at UC Irvine. It was originally funded out of the state general fund, but years of budget cuts have eliminated its funding. Over the history of the program, for every $1 in state funds invested, $5 of federal funds were received. It is named after Fremont Planning Commissioner Roman Reed, who suffered a spinal cord injury in the 1990s. He has since become a nationally-known advocate for research. “Today’s terrific news of AB 1657 passing the Assembly (after passing the Senate last week) is clear affirmation that California intends to lead the way to paralysis cure,” Reed said. AB 1657 would fund the program through a $1 penalty on all moving traffic violations. Eight other states use a similar method to fund spinal cord research. “Traffic accidents are the No. 1 cause of spinal cord injuries in our country,” Wieckowski said. “By simply following the rules of the road, responsible drivers will avoid being charged this small penalty.” AB 1657 is supported by the University of California, Bay Bio, a biotech industry group with more than 1,200 members, the California Healthcare Institute, Boston Scientific and several medical researchers throughout California. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com August 28, 2012 |
Sacramento – Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski’s (D-Fremont) bill to secure funding for state of the art research into finding treatments for spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders passed the state Senate today by a vote of 22-14. The bill heads back to the Assembly for a concurrence vote. AB 1657 would fund
the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, named after
the Fremont Planning Commissioner and research advocate. Since
its creation in 2000, the program has generated about $84 million
in state funds and federal grants from the National Institutes
of Health and other sources. But funding from the state was
eliminated due to budget cuts. |
Sacramento
– The California State Assembly passed three bills by
Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) this morning, including
one to increase the amount of wages protected from garnishment.
All three bills are now headed to the Governor for his consideration. |
Sacramento – Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles) has appointed Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) the new chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The Speaker announced his new committee chairs this afternoon. “I am honored to take over as the new chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee,” Wieckowski said. “I have enjoyed serving with Chairman (Mike) Feuer on the committee as a member and look forward to working with the Judiciary consultants in this new position. I appreciate the Speaker giving me the opportunity to lead this important committee.” Speaker Perez announced his new leadership team and committee chairs as the legislative session prepares to wind down the 2011-2012 session on Aug. 31. “This group represents a diverse cross-section of California and offers an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise on the important issues impacting our state,” Speaker Perez said in a press release. Wieckowski was elected to the state Assembly in November 2010. He currently serves as chair of the Assembly’s Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. The new committee assignments take effect on Aug. 10. Wieckowski represents the 20th Assembly District, which includes all of Fremont, Newark, Union City, Milpitas and parts of Castro Valley, Pleasanton, Hayward, and San Jose. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and earned a law degree from Santa Clara University. He is a bankruptcy attorney in Fremont. Posted on www.ambedkartimes.com August 8, 2012 |
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