Press Releases

Statement On Governor Newsom’s May Revise Budget

I applaud the Governor’s continued focus on providing resources to struggling Californians affected by the pandemic. The fact that California has an historic budget surplus of $95.7 billion, at a time when a global pandemic caused serious disruption in the global economy, education, and public health and safety, places us in a unique position to support the needs of residents.

Statement on Deadly National Shootings

Buffalo, Milwaukee, Orange County, and Los Angeles. All had shootings this weekend. Each ended in deadly tragedy. Whether it is a White supremacist, or someone suffering from a different mental illness, the fact that they can acquire assault weapons, guns, and ammunition with ease is unacceptable. As my prayers are with those devastated by these senseless acts of violence, my resolve is to work on comprehensive gun control to protect us from further heartache.

New Anti-Theft Bill Provides Additional Tools to Law Enforcement

(Sacramento, California) – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) has introduced a bill that gives law enforcement additional tools to arrest individuals alleged to have committed an organized retail theft crime, also known as smash-and-grab, in-lieu of issuing a written notice or citation.

New ID Bill Would Bring Life Changing Access to Immigrant and Disabled Communities

(Sacramento, California) – Assemblymembers Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles), Assemblymember Mark Stone (Monterey Bay), Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), and Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), have jointly authored AB 1766 that will expand California Identification Card (CA ID) eligibility to all Californians, regardless of their immigration status.

Statement on the Retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer

The announcement by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer that he will retire at the end of the court’s session this year creates an historic opportunity for President Biden to fill the seat with a Black woman.

Several well qualified names are currently floating about, and each would be a great addition to the high court.

Statement on the Passing of Congressman (Ret.) Esteban E. Torres

Esteban E. Torres was an incredible individual. For those of who knew him the Congressman Torres’s passing is a painful loss. An iconic labor and community leader, he opened doors for a future generation of Latino leaders and was a mentor to an untold number of activists and elected officials. I offer my condolences to his friends and family.

Free College Bill Moves to Assembly Floor for a Vote

AB 295 Would Afford Californians Access to Higher Education

(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s (D-South Los Angeles) Assembly Bill (AB) 295, has passed through the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and now heads to the Assembly Floor for a full vote.

Prayer Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lord,

We gather in this chamber to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a warrior of love and truth. Dr. King, through his actions and life’s work, has shown us the essence of humanity – striving towards unconditional lov  e for one another, working to change unjust laws, and serving those most in need.

Legislative Leaders Seek to Make Juneteenth A Paid State Holiday

(Sacramento – January 14, 2022) – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1655 to establish June 19, also known as Juneteenth, as a paid state holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. This occurs on the same day that the California State Assembly honors the late civil rights pioneer and icon Reverend Dr.