Mid-Year Updates!
It's finally summer and I am looking forward to the next phase of the legislative session.
Foremost, the Legislature passed the State Budget on June 15, 2023 that addresses the State Budget deficit as detailed in the Governor's recently released May Budget Revision which proposes to close a projected $31.5 billion budget shortfall while protecting key investments in education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety, public transit and climate action.
The budget adopted by the State Legislature largely maintains a similar approach to that detailed in the Governor's May revise to cut or delay or "trigger cut" several billion dollars of recent years' budget investments. One key difference in the budget adopted by Legislature is a restoration of some funding for critical transit systems over the next three years to support local transit agencies through a very challenging time. The budget relies heavily on drawing from robust reserves sensibly built up over the past decade to help the state weather the financial challenge it's facing now. The foresight of my predecessors is greatly appreciated and will help all Californians through this volatile period.
The legislative session is now past the halfway mark and all bills are out of their respective houses of origin and going through the same process of review in the opposite house from which they were introduced.
For my part, I have introduced a wide range of legislation including bills to ensure that polluters pay the fines levied against them to clean-up affected communities; improve access to paid family leave; provide for equity in water rates; and remove toxic chemicals from everyday products that can be harmful to people and the climate.
Assembly District 21 is a dynamic, innovative, and exciting area to represent and I continue to spend time visiting the many communities and local organizations that define the district.
Sincerely,
Diane Papan
Assemblymember, 21st District
In the District
Walk A Day
I was honored to participate in the "Walk a Day" with a Child Care provider in my community organized by the Child Care Providers United California (CCPU) and United Domestic Workers of America (UDW) to learn about the challenges of providing this critical service. Thank you to Debora Banzuela Hernandez and her daughter for welcoming me.
Like most communities, San Mateo County has significant unmet needs for infant and toddler care, but preschool level care is improving in San Mateo County, according to a new report from the San Mateo County Office of Education. Despite the progress, much work remains to be done and we must continue to make investments. I applaud the efforts of local leaders such as the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for strategically investing millions of dollars into supporting childcare providers and facilities expansions.
We are also facing a shortage of childcare workers and an aging workforce that is retiring. Both state and local governments are working on a variety of strategies to help address this need. Childcare is critical infrastructure and I will support maintaining and expanding our workforce.
Pictured: Assemblymember Diane Papan and Debora Banzuela Hernandez
The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Now Fully Operational
On Saturday, April 15, federal, state and local partners gathered to recognize the completion of the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project. The construction of the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes was completed in two phases. The first phase from San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to Whipple Avenue opened last year in February 2022.
The fully operational express lanes are a new mobility option that will help reduce traffic congestion, provide more reliable travel times, encourage carpooling and transit use, and provides funding for equity programs for all users of U.S. 101 in San Mateo County.
The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes will operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and they are managed by dynamic pricing, meaning toll rates will be adjusted based on lane use for more reliable trips times for vehicles, including transit. The cost to access the lanes will be clearly displayed on electronic overhead signs so motorists will know the trip cost prior to entering the express lanes.
The project includes the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Community Transportation Benefits Program that helps cover transportation costs for qualifying individuals in San Mateo County. Participants can choose from a $100 transit credit on a Clipper Card or a $100 Toll Credit on a FasTrak transponder.
Pictured: Assemblymember Diane Papan
Pictured From Left to Right: Redwood City Councilmember Alicia Aguirre, Foster City Councilmember Stacy Jimenez, East Palo Alto Mayor Lisa Gauthier and Assemblymember Diane Papan
National Library Week
The San Mateo Public Library Foundation (SMPLF) hosted San Mateo Celebrates! -- a city-wide festival celebrating National Library Week (April 23-29).
Today's libraries offer myriad programs that support everything from homework help to addressing the digital divide that still exists for too many. Foundations like SMPLF support and promote these critical community hubs. During this National Library Week, varied events culminated with a grand finale on Saturday, April 29 at the College of San Mateo Farmers' Market with local leaders reading to kids and families visiting the market.
I was pleased to do my part by reading Hogwash by Karma Wilson while bubbles floated around.
A big thank you to the SMPLF for this opportunity and for all that the foundation does for our communities.
Pictured: Assemblymember Diane Papan
2023 Rotary Day of Service
Rotary clubs from throughout San Mateo County organized the annual Day of Service event Saturday, May 13th at Coyote Point Recreation Area.
The full day event included a trash clean up followed by a lunch and environmental fair.
The family fun event was well attended and reflects the new focus of Rotary on environmental issues.
Rotary is well known as an organization that truly lives up to its motto of "Service Above Self."
I want to thank all of the Rotary clubs for selecting Coyote Point as the site for the Day of Service.
Coyote Point Park was battered by the storms of the past winter but remains a local jewel. It is the premiere recreational venue in the area for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors, to gather together or take time alone to walk, run, bike or boat -- or simply take in the Bay.
Helping to keep this natural refuge clean and welcoming is a great gift to all those who use it - many of whom need it as their only back yard.
Pictured Left to Right: San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller and Assemblymember Diane Papan
Legislative Update
Assembly Bill 246: (Banning Harmful "Forever Chemicals" from Tampons) This bill will ban manufacturers of menstrual products from adding Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to their products. This bill was approved by the State Assembly and is now in the State Senate.
Assembly Bill 575: (Better Access to Paid Family Leave) This bill will remove cumbersome and outdated barriers for individuals looking to access their paid family benefits. This bill was approved by the State Assembly and is now in the State Senate.
I have introduced a package of four bills related to water quality, rate equity and conservation. Water is one of our most precious resources and I will continue to focus my legislative efforts on ensuring that all Californians have access to safe, reliable, clean and equitable supplies.
For more details on these pieces of legislation, please read my recent editorial in the San Mateo Daily Journal.
Summer in California State Parks
Summer is a great time to visit our incredible State Parks and many Californians are eligible for ways to visit our parks at no cost or a substantial discount..
Fourth graders can obtain a free California State Park Adventure Pass to explore 19 select state parks for free for a full school year. A family (up to three adults and other kids) and friends (everyone in your car) can enjoy all sorts of adventures at 19 state parks during a student's fourth grade year-and the summer, too. The Adventure Pass is valid for the one-year period during which a child is a 4th grader or 4th grade equivalent, from September 1 to August 31 of that year. Follow the links for details.
All Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. State Parks is providing free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks for check out to library-card holders. The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle.
Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units for free!
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 Twitter at @AsmDianePapan or Instagram @asmdianepapan.