This Week: Demanding Action on the Fentanyl Crisis and More

Greetings‚

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you today with a sense of urgency regarding California’s fentanyl crisis‚ which has been claiming the lives of 500 Californians each month. This is a crisis that affects all of us‚ regardless of our political beliefs or backgrounds. It is a tragedy that we must address with both professionalism and care.
We all have a role to play in combating this crisis. Drug dealers and murderers must be held accountable for their actions‚ while victims and their families must receive justice. This is why I am reaching out to you to ask for your help in making a difference.

On Thursday‚ April 27th, the Assembly Public Safety Committee will hold a special hearing to consider several bipartisan bills aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. This is a critical moment‚ and we need your voice to be heard. If possible‚ I urge you to join us in Sacramento on Thursday as we fight to stop the fentanyl crisis.

If you cannot attend in person‚ there are still ways to make your voice heard. Please call the Public Safety Committee members and let them know that you support common-sense measures to combat the fentanyl crisis. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

Below is the contact information for the Public Safety Committee and its members:

Assembly Public Safety Committee (916) 319-3744

Chair: Asm. Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer (916) 319-2057

Vice-Chair: Asm. Juan Alanis (Already in Support) (916) 319-2022

Asm. Mia Bonta (916) 319-2018

Asm. Isaac Bryan (916) 319-2055

Asm. Tom Lackey (Already in Support) (916) 319-2034

Asm. Liz Ortega (916) 319-2020

Asm. Miguel Santiago (916) 319-2020

Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur (916) 319-2051

During the hearing‚ the Public Safety Committee will consider several bills aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. These bills include:

  • AB 33: This bill would establish a Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force.
  • AB 367: This bill would add a sentencing enhancement for fentanyl dealers who kill or seriously injure people they sell the drug to.
  • AB 474: This bill would prioritize cooperation between state and local law enforcement to disrupt fentanyl trafficking organizations.
  • AB 675: This bill would prohibit carrying a gun while in possession of fentanyl.
  • AB 955: This bill would increase penalties for fentanyl dealers who sell on social media.
  • AB 1058: This bill would increase penalties for those possessing large quantities of fentanyl.

Fentanyl overdose is the leading cause of death among 18-45 year olds in the US. If left unchecked‚ the fentanyl crisis will continue to claim the lives of mothers‚ fathers‚ and children in our state. We must act now to make a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. It is an honor to serve you in the Legislature, and I hope that you will join us in the fight against the fentanyl crisis. Follow my Facebook‚ Instagram‚ and Twitter pages for updates and information leading up to Thursday’s hearing.

Assemblywoman Megan Dahle

 


California School Based Health AllianceThis Week at the Capitol

This week in Sacramento‚ my staff and I met with several organizations to discuss issues that are important to the 1st Assembly District and the state of California.

One of my meetings was with the California School Based Health Alliance‚ where we talked about the importance of school health services. It was a productive conversation‚ and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their work and how we can collaborate to improve health outcomes for our students. I also met with the Association of California School Administrators‚ and it was a privilege to have three of the five members in attendance from the 1st Assembly District. We discussed various education-related issues and how we can work together to address them.

Another meeting I had was with the California Optometric Association‚ where we discussed the optometric scope of practice‚ Medi-Cal reimbursement rates‚ and other important topics related to eye care services. I attended the California State Universities Employees Union annual lobby day at the Capitol. It was a great opportunity to connect with state university employees and learn more about the challenges they face.

I also met with California Arts Advocates‚ where I had the pleasure of connecting with a group of arts leaders from my district. We had a meaningful discussion about policy and appropriations issues related to the arts‚ arts education‚ creative industries‚ cultural districts‚ and job creation strategies. I had a chance to meet with Take a Stand Stanislaus as well. We talked about AB 659 and how it impacts nurses who oppose it. I appreciated their insights and perspectives‚ which will be helpful as we continue to work together.

Finally‚ I met with First 5 to discuss critical policy issues to support children and families. It was a productive meeting‚ and I appreciate their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of our youngest Californians.

SB 268SB-268: Making Rape of an Unconscious Person a Violent Felony

Shockingly‚ under current law‚ raping an unconscious person is not considered a violent felony. This is an egregious oversight that we cannot allow to continue‚ which is why I am proud to be a co-author of SB 268‚ along with several other Senators and Assemblymembers.

This bipartisan effort aims to rectify this injustice and ensure that justice is served for victims of sexual assault. However‚ time is of the essence‚ and we need your support to help get this bill passed. SB 268 has already gained significant momentum and has garnered support from both sides of the political spectrum. But we cannot stop there. We need your help to ensure that this bill becomes law. By staying informed about the status of SB 268 and reaching out to your representatives to express your support‚ we can create real change and make California a safer place for all.

I recently had the opportunity to discuss this critical issue with ABC 10 in an interview‚ which you can access here. I urge you to watch this interview and learn more about this urgent issue.

Redding Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District's EventACID Event in Redding

Our team had the pleasure of attending Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District’s (ACID) first Landowner and Water User Appreciation Luncheon. It was a wonderful event‚ held at Diversion Dam in Redding‚ that marked a positive beginning to the 2023 irrigation season.

Water is essential to the agriculture community‚ and we are grateful for the additional rainfall we have received this year. As California continues to face ongoing drought‚ this rain has been a much-needed blessing for our communities and the agricultural industry. It provides us with hope for the future and reminds us of the importance of working together to protect our precious water resources.

We would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to attend ACID’s event and celebrate the start of a new irrigation season. Let us continue to work together to preserve and sustainably manage our water resources. Learn more about ACID here.

Dr. Sean Dugan and Kimberly Johnson, CEO of the Children's Legacy CenterLegislative Video Series

Recently‚ my staff members Alice Bennett and Katie Maung spent time filming Dr. Sean Dugan and Kimberly Johnson‚ CEO of the Children’s Legacy Center‚ for a series of videos highlighting legislation emerging from the district.

During the discussion‚ they talked about the impact of AB 925‚ a bill I authored two years ago‚ which focuses on funding forensic examinations for victims of sexual assault. Dr. Dugan and Ms. Johnson were both articulate and insightful in their explanations of the need for better solutions surrounding sexual assault. AB 925 represents only a small fraction of what needs to be done to address the lack of resources for sexual assault victims.

We are grateful for Dr. Dugan and Ms. Johnson’s willingness to share their insights and experiences with us‚ highlighting the impact of this legislation on the people of California. This year‚ I am working to pass AB 1402‚ which expands on AB 925 to include funding for child abuse forensic examinations. It is alarming to note that the rates of child abuse in Shasta County are three times higher than the state average for substantiated child abuse cases. This is unacceptable.

My team and I are committed to working with experts in this subject matter‚ such as Dr. Dugan and Ms. Johnson‚ to find solutions for our communities. We hope our legislative video series will shed light on important issues like this one and the work being done to address it. Stay tuned for the finished product‚ and thank you for your continued support. Learn more about the work being done by the Children’s Legacy Center here.

Middle Class Tax RefundMiddle Class Tax Refund

Our office has been receiving numerous inquiries regarding the Middle Class Tax Refund‚ with many individuals experiencing challenges related to card activation‚ misplaced cards‚ and the process for requesting a new card. While my staff members may not be subject matter experts on this matter‚ we are able to offer helpful resources from Money Network that can provide guidance on these topics.

It is important to note that the funds associated with the Middle Class Tax Refund card are not accessible until the card has been activated. In situations where the card has been misplaced or lost‚ there may be concerns that the funds are no longer available. However‚ it is crucial to understand that there are no funds on the card until it has been activated.

If you are unable to locate your card and require a replacement‚ it is necessary to address these concerns directly with Money Network.

To obtain further insight into this matter and to address any concerns you may have‚ we encourage you to review the frequently asked questions PDF provided here.

 

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Assemblywoman Dahle is Honored to Serve
Alpine County‚ Amador County‚ El Dorado County‚ Lassen County‚ Modoc County‚ Nevada County‚ Placer County‚ Plumas County‚ Shasta County‚ Sierra County‚ & Siskiyou County.