September 2024 Newsletter
As the State Legislature has concluded our 2024 business, I am happy to report back to the community on our work, including bills that address every aspect of life in California and respond to existing and emerging needs and challenges. This includes balancing a difficult State Budget – championing our District’s needs -- while continuing to make investments in climate resilience, affordable housing, and public education now and for future generations.
This year, I have been fortunate to have several bills approved that are now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Below is a summary of some of those bills set to modernize and update programs and approaches to contemporary challenges, including paid family leave, green energy and women’s health. Among the most significant wins for San Mateo County is the return of funds derived from Vehicle License Fees (VLF) paid by local residents and owed to San Mateo County and our local cities that were approved as part of the California State Budget.
The VLF revenue, at about $70 million in this budget year, accounts for 18%—or approximately $41 million—of San Mateo County’s operating funds and is essential for supporting a variety of public services as it does for local cities. These services range from shelter operations and housing subsidies to school-based health clinics and gun violence prevention programs. The exclusion of these funds from previous budget proposals had placed these vital programs at risk. I am grateful to my colleagues and all stakeholders who advocated to bring these dollars back home.
As the legislative session is now concluded, I am looking forward to spending time in the district holding office hours, attending community events and meeting with constituents to hear their concerns and interests.
See you around!
| In The District |
Pictured: Assemblymember Diane Papan standing in the doorway of a new Caltrain car as part of the electrified train sets now serving the rail line.
Caltrain Electrification Service Launch
In August, I joined local, state and national leaders and many community members to celebrate the launch of the initial electric train sets for Caltrain. Fully electrified services have been rolling out ever since with full electric service to be completed the weekend of September 21, 2024. This is a significant achievement and represents the third act of Caltrain -- from steam to diesel and now electrification. Caltrain is now a faster, quieter and cleaner service. Get onboard!
Pictured Left to Right: State Senator Josh Becker, Nicole Fernandez, district director for Senator Becker, Detective Dustin Lorensen of the San Mateo Police Department, Virginia Kroger of Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP), Kyra Hall of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and Assemblymember Diane Papan kicking of the presentation of the Senior Scam Stopper Seminar.
Senior Scam Stopper
In July, I teamed up with Senator Josh Becker to host a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar. The seminar featured expert speakers from the Contractors State License Board, HICAP of San Mateo (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program), and the San Mateo Police Department to discuss how seniors can recognize and protect themselves from a variety of common scams. The event was a great success and attended by well over 120 seniors.
Pictured: Assemblymember Diane Papan speaks at the Rally for Reproductive Rights on the second anniversary of the Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization decision by the United States Supreme Court.
Rally for Reproductive Rights
On June 24, 2024, I partnered with San Mateo County Supervisors Dave Pine and Warren Slocum to hold a Rally for Reproductive Rights on the second anniversary of the United States Supreme Court in the Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization case overturning Roe v. Wade. The rally was a call to action to protect reproductive rights and to highlight the ongoing work at the local and state levels.
| Legislative Update |
The State Legislative session has now concluded. I am glad to report that ten of my bills have been approved and now on the Governor's desk with one already signed into law.
Assembly Bill 2515 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 1359 will streamline the development of geothermal energy projects by eliminating outdated provisions that have hindered geothermal exploration. Under current law, the drilling of exploratory wells for geothermal projects is treated as a separate project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) designated as the lead agency. However, due to CalGEM's resource constraints and backlog, geothermal exploration projects have faced multi-year delays, stalling the development of advanced geothermal power across the state. This bill allows counties to assume this role, aligning geothermal exploration with the CEQA process for other renewable energy projects. This change will enable geothermal developers to proceed more efficiently, facilitating the exploration and development of geothermal resources essential for California's clean energy future.
Lastly, I co-authored legislation to place a climate resiliency bond on the November 2024 General Election Ballot. The bond is designed to address the top climate resiliency concerns of Californians including mitigating fire risks, providing flood protection and preparing for drought by expanding water storage, conservation and groundwater recharging among many areas of investment. This will appear on the ballot as Proposition 4.
| In The News |
San Mateo County legislators prioritize money and climate bond
The California Legislature has adjourned for its summer recess after passing the 2024-25 state budget — with vehicle license fee reimbursement and an upcoming $10 billion climate bond highlighted as standout achievements of the session for local lawmakers.
Rally for Reproductive Rights held in Redwood City on Dobbs decision anniversary
A group of community leaders and public officials gathered at Courthouse Square on Monday to rally for reproductive rights, marking the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the right to an abortion.
Budget plan may aid San Mateo County
A funding proposal based on a complicated vehicle license fee reimbursement formula tied to local school funding that could mean a loss of $70 million from last fiscal year for San Mateo County may have a fix in the joint legislative budget agreement plan released May 29.
| District Office Internship Program |
We are currently seeking applicants for the Fall and Winter to participate in our District Office Internship Program. The ideal candidate will have an interest in state and local policy, communications, public relations, and other related fields. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the following:
- Written and oral communication skills
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Critical thinking and creative problem solving
- Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines
Interns will gain valuable education and work experience by fully participating in agreed-upon work hours. All internship work is voluntary and students will not receive any monetary compensation. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week for three months.
| Fall in California |
Do you have a new fourth grade public school student in the house? California State Parks offers the California State Park Adventure Pass, which provides free entry for fourth graders and their families at 54 amazing state parks throughout the state. Learn more about the California State Park Adventure Pass.
| 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