Other Cooper Bills Advance

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1422, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), was unanimously approved today by the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. AB 1422 would require Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar to enroll in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice Program.

“The DMV Pull Notice program helps businesses and government agencies ensure that unsafe drivers are taken off the road quickly. AB 1422 would improve safety on our roads, particularly for passengers utilizing Uber and other similar transportation services,” said Cooper.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) released the following statement on today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on marriage equality:

“What a momentous day for our nation! Just two months ago, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday - the historic day when hundreds of courageous Foot Soldiers marched from Selma to Montgomery in peaceful protest of the denial of African-Americans’ right to vote. Today will go down in history as the day that love and equality won. I am overjoyed by how far our nation has come. Today, I applaud the Supreme Court for standing for justice and the rights of all Americans.”

Assemblymember Jim Cooper with the 9th Assembly District’s 2015 Veteran of the Year Honoree Danny Mander in the Assembly Chambers.

SACRAMENTO – In a ceremony this week, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) honored Elk Grove resident and former Winston Churchill body guard, Danny Mander as the 9th Assembly District’s Veteran of the Year. Mander was recently featured in a Sacramento Bee profile, detailing anecdotes of his historic time in military service.

“This week, the Assembly honored our most highly decorated veterans and I am proud to recognize a resident from my district with such a unique role in military history,” said Cooper.

Sacramento –Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) partnered with Google and the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce to host a Small Business Workshop at the Wackford Community Center in Elk Grove this Thursday. The goal of the workshop was to help businesses increase their visibility online

“California's 3.4 million small businesses are critical to the state's recovering economy,” said Cooper. “That is why I plan to keep offering opportunities to help small businesses grow and thrive in our community.”

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 989, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), was unanimously approved today by the Senate Public Safety Committee. AB 989 would assist juvenile offenders on their path to becoming productive members of society by allowing probation departments to determine the most appropriate and effective course of assistance and support.

“In order to achieve the best outcomes for juvenile offenders, it is important that probation departments have access to critical information to make the most effective case plan to best address the treatment needs of minors,” said Cooper. “More personalized treatment will lead to better outcomes and more successful futures for these juveniles,” he added.

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1042, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), was unanimously approved today by the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. AB 1042 would further professionalize the security guard industry and protect the public.

Recent violent incidents involving bouncers in San Diego, concert security in Sacramento, and an NBC San Diego exposé, shined a light on why training and licensing of security guards is critical to the public safety.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), member of the Assembly Budget Committee and Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, released the following statement on the State Budget passed today by the Legislature:

“I am proud that the budget passed today puts education at the forefront – our kids deserve it. Investing in child care, preschool, and K-12 education results in lower drop-out rates, reduced crime, and academic success.

Cooper Public Safety Legislation also Moves Forward

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 869, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), was approved today by the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on a unanimous bipartisan vote. The bill would allow Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) and other transit agencies to first use an administrative process to address the issue of fare evasion and, if unsuccessful, then switch to a criminal process.

“With no ‘teeth’ behind their current process to address fare evasion, RT is unable to properly enforce payment and admonish violators,” said Cooper. “This bill will ensure that RT has recourse against repeat violators and can recover fines,” he added.

Sacramento - Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), member of the Assembly Budget Committee and Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, released the following statement on the State Budget: