District Update

Friday, February 15, 2019 - 15:30

A California Appellate judge recently ruled that a man originally sentenced to 35 years-to-life for stabbing his girlfriend and sexually assaulting two teenagers is now eligible for early release under Proposition 57, the California Parole for Nonviolent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative.  While Proposition 57 promised to keep violent offenders in prison, the list of crimes considered as non-violent are unimaginable – including child sex trafficking, domestic violence, and the sexual assault of an unconscious or disabled person.

Monday, November 19, 2018 - 11:00

Last month, I wrapped up my fourth legislative session representing Assembly District 9. It was an exciting and busy year and 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.

I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I have accomplished since 2014. We have made great progress, increasing investments in education, health, human services, transportation and so much more. We quadrupled our State’s Rainy Day Fund which now has $8.5 billion saved away. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projects this to increase to almost $13 billion by 2018.

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.

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.