Measure Prioritizes Educational Opportunities for Underserved and At-Risk Students

SACRAMENTO—The Assembly has approved AB 988, legislation by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) and Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) that would provide education about the environment and outdoor recreation for California children, prioritizing opportunities for underserved and at-risk students. 

“In many underserved communities, outdoor environmental education and recreation programs are the only exposure kids have to nature and the environment,” said Stone. “Students have memorable real-world experiences with the environment, which increases interest in science and environmental stewardship.  I’m pleased that the Assembly has recognized the benefits that these programs can provide to California students.”

SACRAMENTO –The Assembly has passed legislation by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) that would create a framework for a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and would build upon the existing federal tax credit.  AB 43, which was passed with bipartisan support, addresses the lack of income gains for working Californians in the Post-Great Recession economic recovery and provides a much-needed economic stimulus in the most economically distressed communities.

“The federal earned income tax credit is one of the tools that has measurably reduced poverty amongst working California families.  It’s time for California to join the twenty-five states that already have a supplemental EITC to lift vulnerable low-wage workers and their families out of poverty,” said Stone.  “I applaud the Governor’s budget proposal to put in place an EITC that helps the state’s poorest working families, and I am pleased that the Assembly has passed legislation that would make it possible to expand a state EITC credit to more Californians in the future.”

AB 918 Provides Transparency about Use of Restraints for Residents and their Families

SACRAMENTO – The Assembly has approved with a bipartisan vote AB 918 by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay).  The measure would protect vulnerable Californians who live in community care facilities.  The measure

“With no public data available, family members have no way to know about how often seclusion and restraint techniques are used on their loved ones,” said Stone.  “This measure ensures that consumers have the information they need to make informed decisions on care facilities.”

SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) has issued a statement regarding Governor Brown’s proposal to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that would build upon the federal tax credit:

“I applaud Governor Brown for proposing to allocate $380 million to help our state’s poorest working families.  Building a statewide Earned Income Tax Credit into the budget is a significant step toward lifting Californians out of poverty. 

SACRAMENTO – Several California Assembly committees approved three bills by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) that help improve medical treatment for people with alcohol and drug addictions, help young people convicted of crimes to successfully reenter society, and ensure that incapacitated prisoners have appropriate legal representation.  The measures now move to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for a review of their fiscal impact to the state.

AB 848 Improves Care for People Working to Overcome Drug and Alcohol Addiction

The Assembly Business and Professions Committee approved Assembly Bill 848 with bipartisan support.  The measure would allow residential alcohol and drug recovery and treatment facilities to provide 24-hour medical services to their clients.

SACRAMENTO – A key policy committee has approved two bills by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) that would help promote small and local winemaking and beer brewing businesses in the Monterey Bay area.  Assembly Bill 394 requires that Monterey County wines are labeled to identify the region where they are produced, and Assembly Bill 893 streamlines bureaucratic processes for craft brewers to legally sell new products.

“Winemaking and craft brewing are important and unique sectors of our local economy.  They provide jobs, attract tourists, and create high-quality products that make our region special,” said Stone.  “It’s reasonable and necessary to help these small and locally owned businesses keep running successfully.”

SACRAMENTO – Late Tuesday afternoon several California Assembly policy committees approved three bills by Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) that would help reduce prison recidivism, improve access to higher education, and protect vulnerable Californians. 

SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) has awarded Seaside resident and community leader Helen Rucker with the 2015 Woman of the Year designation for the 29th Assembly District.

Ms. Rucker is a long-time civil rights activist, educator, and community leader in the city of Seaside. Since 1964, she has served the city of Seaside as a teacher, librarian, school board member, city councilmember, leader within the Monterey county NAACP, and founder of the Seaside Voter Education Center.