District Update

Thursday, February 15, 2018 - 06:30

Assemblymember Cooper in committee

The legislative session is once again under way at the State Capitol and we are beginning the second year of the 2017-2018 Legislative Session.

I am very proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished in the first year of this legislative session and look forward to the year ahead. Last year, we passed meaningful legislation for hard-working families across California, including passing legislation to protect California’s undocumented immigrants and fixing California’s roads.

Additionally, several of my bills were signed by the Governor, including Assembly Bill (AB) 46 which will help close the wage gap and ensure women and minorities receive equal pay. Furthermore, the Governor also signed two bills; AB 615 and AB 630 that I authored to combat poor air quality in disadvantaged communities.

In the upcoming year, I will continue fighting for equal pay for women, funding education and after-school programs, and protecting the public through meaningful public safety measures that will strengthen our communities.

Sincerely,

Jim Cooper
Assemblymember, 9th District

Thursday, May 11, 2017 - 00:00

Dear Friend,

It’s been a very busy legislative session here at the State Capitol. Thousands of bills have been introduced and this month I’d like to spotlight my priority bill, AB 16, which would allow the collection of DNA upon conviction of only crimes that were previously felonies but are now misdemeanors. DNA evidence is an essential tool for law enforcement to convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. It is indisputable that lesser public offenses of fraud, property crime and drug possession are linked to the more serious violent crimes of rape and murder. Bottom-line, AB 16 will help protect women, solve cold cases and protect the innocent.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - 00:00

Dear Friend,

It's that time of year again, a time for friends and family to get together to reflect and to give thanks.

However, this holiday season let us not forget about the less fortunate who may not be able to fully afford to celebrate this time of year.

While our economy is improving and many people are back to work, thousands are still struggling to get by. That's why this year; we hosted our second annual Thanksgiving Healthy Family and Turkey Giveaway. Thousands of people braved chilly temperatures at Luther Burbank High School in South Sacramento to take part in our event and to receive free turkeys, flu shots, health and dental screenings, and haircuts.

I am committed to helping underserved communities and this holiday season I encourage you to take the time to volunteer in your community to help those truly in need. Your generosity can make a difference in the lives of our friends and our neighbors. Check out our photos below:

Monday, September 19, 2016 - 00:00


Dear Friend,

Last month, I wrapped up my first term representing AD 9. It was an exciting and busy first term, carefully examining and voting on thousands of bills. I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to write or call my office with input on legislation. While we may not always agree on a particular issue, I sincerely value and appreciate your feedback.

In my first term in the Assembly, my colleagues and I championed a $380 million state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that will help over 2 million Californians. We increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour, we increased funding to the Cal WORKS Housing Support Program to help families transition from homelessness, and we made additional investments in early childhood education and higher education.

Additionally, several of my bills, including helping victims of sexual assault were signed into law by the governor.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - 00:00

Dear Friend,

In February, I introduced Assembly Bill 2663 because I believe every child, regardless of their socio-economics, race, or gender should have an opportunity to attain a quality education and succeed in life. My bill, AB 2663, will help California's youth by providing essential and meaningful academic and enrichment activities for students, while keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble.

AB 2663 will increase funding to California's After School Education and Safety (ASES) program for low-income children to offset the costs of recent minimum wage increases and, for the first time, will provide ASES with a statutory cost-of-living adjustment similar to other state programs.

Friday, April 22, 2016 - 00:00


Dear Friend,

We are in our fourth month of the legislative session and several of my priority bills have passed committee and are making their way through the legislative process, including:

AB 2663 - The bill will increase state funding for afterschool programs in disadvantaged communities. The bill unanimously passed the Assembly Education Committee and will next be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

AB 1744 - The bill will establish a statewide standardized sexual assault examination evidence kit "rape kits" for use by all California law enforcement agencies. Currently, there are over 12 different rape kits used throughout the state, which increases the chance for errors.

Friday, March 4, 2016 - 00:00


Dear Friend,

We are in our third month of the legislative session and we are busy here at the State Capitol. I have introduced over a dozen bills and they're moving through the legislative process. If you have thoughts on any bills in the legislature, I encourage you to please contact me, I would love to hear from you.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 - 00:00


Dear Friend,

The legislative session is now under way at the State Capitol. Late last month, I introduced my first bill of the 2016 legislative session, Assembly Bill 1681. The bill would allow law enforcement, with a court ordered search warrant, to access evidence from an encrypted smartphone or tablet of suspected criminals and criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and other serious crimes.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 00:00

Keeping Up with Assemblymember Cooper – December Issue

Dear Friend,

While our economy is improving and many people are back to work, thousands are still struggling to get by. That's why this year my office sponsored our first inaugural Thanksgiving Healthy Family and Turkey Giveaway. Thousands of people braved the rain at Luther Burbank High School in South Sacramento to take part in our event and to receive free turkeys, flu shots, health screenings, dental kits, and vouchers for eye exams.

I am committed to helping underserved communities and this holiday season I encourage you to take the time to volunteer in your community to help those in need. Your generosity can make a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors and community.

Friday, November 6, 2015 - 00:00


Dear Friend,

Last month, AB 776 - my legislation to address recent concerns involving the Grape Escape - was signed into law by Governor Brown. The bill saved Sacramento’s annual Grape Escape, a not-for-profit fundraising event that brings wine, beer, and food lovers together every June in downtown Sacramento.

Last year, Grape Escape organizers had to cancel the event after a successful 15-year run due to a lack of participation of wineries. These wineries were fearful of participating in the event because of fines levied against eight wineries at the previous year’s event for violating “tied-house” laws. These laws prohibit alcohol producers such as wineries and breweries from advertising an event using a retailer’s name.

Events like the Grape Escape are a tourism boost for the region and showcase our talented local vintners and craft brewers. AB 776 will permit manufactures and retailers to participate together in sponsoring and promoting non-profit fundraising events across the state.

District Events

I hope that teenagers and young adults can join me for my upcoming free Financial Literacy Workshop. Come learn how to get more out of your money. Experts will provide information relating to budgeting and establishing credit.

When: Monday, November 30 from 4-6pm

Where: Sam and Bonnie Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento

For more information on this and other upcoming events, check my website or call (916) 670-7888.

Mobile District Offices

Please join us for a Mobile District Office coming up in your neighborhood. My staff can help you work with state agencies and connect you with the numerous resources in our community:

  • Lodi Public Library: 201 West Locust Street, Lodi
    Second Tuesday of every month, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Galt Market: 610 Chabolla Ave., Galt
    Second Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
    CLOSED ON 11/11/15 FOR VETERANS DAY
  • Belle Cooledge Library: 5600 S. Land Park Dr., Sacramento
    Second Friday of the month, 1 - 3 p.m.
  • Pocket-Greenhaven Robbie Waters Library: 7335 Gloria Dr., Sacramento
    Third Wednesday of the month, 5 - 7 p.m. (with Councilmember Rick Jennings)
  • Sam and Bonnie Pannell Community Center: 2450 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento Second Monday of the month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.