Aug 20, 2010
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Blog SACRAMENTO – The California Legislature has passed Senate Bill 1431, authored by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), to help county governments cover the growing number of California children who lack health insurance. The bill, which unanimously passed the Assembly on Aug. 18, now moves to the Governor’s desk.
By changing income-based eligibility limits in state law, SB 1431 allows counties that provide children’s health insurance to obtain additional federal dollars and to expand coverage to more uninsured children. There is no additional cost to the state.
Read more on Joe's Senate website.
Jul 16, 2010
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Blog SACRAMENTO – Legislation to improve the Election Day experience at polling places, which began as an idea presented to State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) by two of his constituents, has been signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill, Senate Bill 1342, provides more flexibility in designating precincts and polling places, increasing the likelihood that voters will be able to cast a ballot at a polling place close to their home that is not overcrowded.
Read more on Joe's Senate website.
Jun 4, 2010
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Blog Nine years ago, as a freshman legislator in the State Assembly, I started hosting "sidewalk office hours" to help me stay in touch with folks from my district. This served two important purposes. You got to ask me questions and get a straight answer; and, I could take your ideas and concerns with me to Sacramento.
A lot's changed in the last nine years, but it's more important than ever for elected officials to listen to the folks they represent. To make that possible, I'm once again holding sidewalk office hours this year.
These informal conversations take place at local farmers' markets throughout the district. No appointment is needed, so you can just stop by and chat. You can view the full schedule on my Senate website.
I look forward to seeing you throughout the coming months.
May 18, 2010
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Blog SACRAMENTO – State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today his selection of Books Inc. as the 11th State Senate District Small Business of the Year.
“Books Inc. is the kind of business that leads by example,” said Simitian. “Not only are they providing a great service to Palo Alto and other Bay Area communities, they’re showing how independent bookstores can both survive and thrive.”
Books Inc. is descended from a small bookselling business started during the California gold rush in 1851. Today, the business features 12 stores and a staff of approximately 200 employees. Its Palo Alto store reopened last year at a new location in the Town and Country Village shopping center, close to Simitian’s own District office.
“As their numbers dwindle, we ought to take a moment to appreciate and support our independent neighborhood bookstores,” Simitian said. “When you walk into Books Inc., you can’t help but notice the care and attention these folks put into choosing their books. Each of their stores reflects the community it serves.”
Read more on Joe's Senate website...
May 12, 2010
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Blog You are invited to join me at the 11th Senate District 6th Annual Open House and Ice Cream Social to...
- Discuss issues of concern to our community
- Join the conversation on legislation that affects you
- Meet my District and Capitol staff
Thursday, May 27th
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Santa Cruz County Government Center
701 Ocean Street, Room 318A, Santa Cruz, California
Ice Cream by Marianne’s
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (831) 425-0401.
Apr 22, 2010
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Blog Every year, members of the state legislature have the privilege of naming a Woman of the Year for their district.
I'm pleased to announce that this year's honoree for the 11th State Senate District is Judy Chirco, the Vice Mayor of San Jose and a tireless advocate for the community.
When it comes to good works, Judy is the complete package. The breadth and depth of her service is just extraordinary - as a city leader, a school leader, a neighborhood activist, and a voice for social justice. She's both tough-minded and good-hearted, which is a wonderful combination. (You can read more about her work here.)
Mar 31, 2010
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Blog Each year, I invite folks to submit ideas to my "There Oughta Be A Law" contest. So far, 15 winning entries have been signed into law.
I'm always impressed with the diversity of applicants and ideas, and this year is no different - I received 426 proposals from every corner of my district and from across the state.
After reviewing each entry personally, I'm pleased to announce this year's winners, listed below. And for everyone who submitted suggestions, know that I take your concerns with me every time I set foot on the Senate floor.
2009-2010 "There Oughta Be A Law" Winners
Vera Gil of San Jose
During the last two years, San Jose resident Vera Gil received three tickets from "red light cameras" - for a car in Southern California she had never driven. Frustrated with her experience, Ms. Gil proposed a law to fix the system, and make it easier to challenge mistaken red light camera tickets.
Senate Bill 1362 would require that cities using red light cameras establish policies and procedures to better ensure that citations are properly and appropriately issued, and that motorists can effectively challenge incorrectly administered tickets.
Lynn Silton of Palo Alto & Dennis McBride of Redwood City
As the popularity of voting by mail increases, some voters find their polling places find their polling places virtually empty, others face long lines, and still others are told their polling place has been eliminated and they're required to vote by mail.
Ms. Silton requested a law giving more residents the option to vote quickly and conveniently in person. Senate Bill 1342 would give election officials the flexibility to adjust precinct size to reflect the actual number of election day voters, and allocate resources more efficiently. The change would also make polling places feasible in more neighborhoods, allowing voters to vote in person.
Chet Campanella of San Jose
During World War II, the United States government declared many Italian Americans "aliens" and forced 10,000 in California to leave their homes; some were placed in internment camps, others saw their civil liberties sharply curtailed. Mr. Campanella, a San Jose resident, proposed that the State of California issue an official apology to Italian Americans subjected to those hardships.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 would acknowledge and express regret for the State's role in the wartime treatment of Italian Americans. The Resolution aims to provide a long-due measure of recognition and respect to survivors and their descendents.
Dec 28, 2009
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Blog Join me at my upcoming Education Update meeting to discuss the education aspects of the state budget, Race to the Top funding, and current K-12 legislation.
Please click here to RSVP online.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Palo Alto Unified School District Office Board Room
25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (map)
This event is free and open to the public.
RSVP online or call my district office at (650) 688-6384, (408) 277-9460 or (831) 425-0401.
Dec 27, 2009
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Blog I will be co-hosting a State Senate informational hearing with State Senator Alan Lowenthal on high speed rail on January 21st in Palo Alto.
WHAT: State Senate Informational Hearing on High Speed Rail
WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Palo Alto City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
This event is open to the public. If you have any questions about the informational hearing, please call my Palo Alto office at (650) 688-6384 or (408) 277-9460.
Oct 7, 2009
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Blog Thank you for your interest in attending Joe's annual brunch. The event is nearing full capacity, so please call 650-289-9038 to check availability and RSVP.
You're invited you to join neighbors & friends for brunch & a lively discussion
CALIFORNIA’S BROKEN: HOW DO WE FIX IT?
FEATURING
Robert Hertzberg
Co-chair, California Forward & Former Speaker of the California State Assembly
Russell Hancock
President and CEO, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network
Kathay Feng
Executive Director, California Common Cause
IN SUPPORT OF STATE SENATOR JOE SIMITIAN
Sunday, October 25th, 2009 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lucie Stern Community Center | 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Honorary Host Committee: $250 | Tickets: Donor’s Choice $50/$100
For more information: (650) 289-9038 or info@joesimitian.com