A Busy Summer
The State Legislature is now past the midpoint in the 2024 session and the legislative package I’m advancing on behalf of constituents are working their way through the process from the Assembly and onto the Senate. More on that in my legislative update summary below.
As there is nothing more important than engaging and hearing from you, I am happy to report that in the past few weeks I have co-hosted community office hours with San Mateo Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash and will be co-hosting another community office hours with newly appointed Burlingame Councilmember Andrea Pappajohn on Saturday, June 29 at the Twelvemonth Restaurant Patio from 10 a.m. - Noon. For details or to RSVP please visit my website below. I am so thrilled and appreciative at the response we have received over the years at these community office hours – thank you. Please join us to add your voice.
| RSVP |
There is a great deal happening this summer in San Mateo County including many celebrations for Pride Month.
I am looking forward to the many community festivals, street fairs and events throughout the 21st Assembly District this summer celebrating our diverse and exemplary communities. The San Francisco Peninsula, our local travel & tourism bureau, has a great calendar site featuring the many offerings and celebrations happening in our communities available here.
I look forward to seeing you in the District while the legislature is in recess. Summer is a joyous, much welcomed, time to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors. See you around town!
| In The District |
Caltrain Electrification and 160th Anniversary
On May 11, 2024, I joined colleagues, local leaders and many community members to celebrate two significant milestones for Caltrain, including the arrival of the new train sets for the electrified corridor – moving us away from diesel-powered trains – and the 160th anniversary of the rail service on the Peninsula. Approximately 5,000 people came to see the trains and celebrate Caltrain for its years of service. Our proud tradition of innovation in transportation continues.
Pictured Left to Right: Danielle Cwirko-Godycki, Nicole Fernandez, Congressman Kevin Mullin, Assemblymember Diane Papan and San Mateo Deputy Mayor Rob Newsom.
In April, I had the pleasure of attending and participating in the City of San Mateo's Festival in the Park sponsored by the San Mateo Library Foundation. This included reading to kids at the Main Library along with colleagues and friends. This is a great annual event that I always look forward to – reading and encouraging expanding horizons is absolutely necessary for future generations. I am honored to contribute my part.
Hometown Days
One of the highlights of the spring in San Mateo County is the Hometown Days parade and festival in San Carlos. I had a wonderful time riding in the parade, getting to see the many classic cars carrying local leaders and community members and enjoying the festive atmosphere. A big thank you to the sponsors and volunteers for putting on this terrific event.
| Legislative Update |
The State Legislature is now in the thick of the legislative season. I am glad to report the following bills I’ve authored have been approved by my colleagues in the Assembly and are headed to the Senate for consideration.
They include Assembly Bill (AB) 2515 which will eliminate the adverse health impacts that toxic forever chemicals have on women, girls, and people who use menstrual products (otherwise known as “PFAS” chemicals).
Assembly Bill 2123 will remove unnecessary barriers for individuals seeking to access their paid family benefits. These changes will allow individuals to take care of their loved ones without first having to sacrifice two weeks of precious, earned vacation time – and is appropriately in line with 21st-century policy.
Assembly Bill 1827, also known as the Low-Water User Protection Act, will protect water consumers. This critical legislation ensures that water rates remain fair and proportional for all water users -- addressing the growing need to protect low-water users from bearing the financial burden of others that incur higher water usage costs built into water rates.
Lastly, as you may be aware, I have co-authored Assembly Bill 1567, a potential climate resiliency bond that, if passed by the Legislature, will appear on the November 2024 General Election Ballot. Along with Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), I am co-authoring Assembly Bill 1567 to address the top climate resiliency concerns of Californians. AB 1567 would enact the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Clean Energy, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2024. There remains a great deal of work in developing priorities for these investments but that work continues to be underway, including community input. Now is the time to work together and continue to address the current and coming public safety, health, and economic needs and concerns to protect San Mateo County. There is no time to wait.
| In The News |
Bill introduced by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, could increase paid family leave access
A bill introduced by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, could prohibit employers from compelling workers to use two weeks of paid vacation time before accessing paid family leave benefits.
After Newsom veto, California lawmakers try again to ban tampons with ‘forever chemicals’
A new bill could ban the sale of tampons and other menstrual products that contain potentially toxic chemicals in California, reigniting a push by women’s rights groups and environmentalists that Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected last year.
State representatives urge support of climate resilience plan
As we face escalating and ever-more uncertain climate-change challenges with dire consequences, the need for adaptation and resilience now and for future generations cannot be overstated. A climate resilience bond being considered for the November 2024 general election by the state Legislature represents the chance for California voters to take action.
| State Parks For The Summer |
California owns and operates one of the greatest public parks systems in the world. There is no better time to visit these natural wonders than in the summer months. These parks offer every landscape and opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation and camping.
One of the best ways to visit is with a California State Parks Pass. There are different versions of a pass to meet the needs of all Californians. Check out what our parks have to offer and get a parks pass that is right for you here.
| Until Next Time! |
If you are experiencing challenges or problems with a state agency, want to know more about state programs or services or to voice your opinion about pending state legislation, feel free to reach out to my office. I look forward to hearing from you. And you can always check out what I'm up to on X (aka Twitter) at @AsmDianePapan or Instagram @asmdianepapan.
Sincerely,
Diane Papan
Assemblymember, 21st District