AB 1555 Will Help Save Lives and Enhance Driver Safety

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) has introduced a bill to make drivers think twice about picking up their cell phones while driving. Assembly Bill 1555 will increase penalties for drivers who kill or cause a person bodily harm while talking or texting without a hands free setup.

“I care about safety,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “If a driver knowingly commits an illegal act that results in the death or injury of another person, that driver should face the consequences.”

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) earned Summa Cum Laude Honors in the 2013 Legislative Honor Roll released by California Small Business Association (CSBA) and California Small Business Roundtable (CSBR).

“As someone who owned and operated a business for over 20 years, I understand the challenges that small businesses face,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I will continue to be a strong advocate for the small business community, and I look forward to revitalizing our state’s economy through sound policies that foster the innovation and ambition of our small business owners.”

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) released the following statement today in response to Governor Brown's State of the State address:

Governor Brown's State of the State address struck an important balance between acknowledging the fiscal challenges faced by our state while also maintaining a long-term focus on improving education and job creation in California. I applaud the Governor for addressing the need for responsible, prudent spending while also emphasizing the importance of continued investment to a solid rainy day fund.

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) released the following statement today regarding Governor Jerry Brown’s 2014-15 Budget Proposal:

I commend the Governor for his commitment to a sustainable budget plan that keeps California on the road to financial stability and prosperity.  I’m also pleased to see that our schools and several health-related programs such as in-home supportive services and mental health services will see an increase in much-needed funding.

Assemblymember Frazier to Host Four-Day Event to Remember and Honor the Service, Efforts and Sacrifices of Our Nation’s Vietnam Veterans

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) is proud to announce The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., will be on display at California’s State Capitol in Sacramento  from Thursday, February 27, 2014 to Sunday, March 2, 2014.

“On designated holidays, our nation pauses to remember those who gave their lives in service with ceremonies and parades, but that honor and respect must extend further,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “One way to honor the fallen and reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in Vietnam is to visit The Wall That Heals. It is my honor and privilege to host this event in Sacramento and to share it with the community.”

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) released the following statement today regarding the Assembly Democrats 2014-15 Blueprint for a Responsible Budget:

I commend Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), Budget Committee Chair Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and the Assembly Democratic Caucus for their ongoing commitment to California’s fiscal responsibility.

Survey Aims to Improve Services to the Women Who Served Our Nation

Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) in conjunction with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the California Research Bureau (CRB) of the California State Library are currently administering a survey to assess the needs and challenges of women veterans.

The purpose of the survey is to document and track the status and experiences of California women who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is the most extensive statewide effort to gather this information, which is used by policymakers, state agencies and service providers to update policies and improve services for women veterans and their families. The survey is also designed to encourage women veterans to connect to services available through CalVet and other state and federal departments and local organizations.

Assembly Bill 1336 Will Improve Working Conditions for Both Employers and Employees

Sacramento, CA – A bill to ensure employees are paid wages owed was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. Assembly Bill 1336, authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley), is part of a unified effort to protect workers from a form of wage theft that affects thousands of well-trained construction workers. “I am proud to partner with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California on this significant piece of legislation,” said Assemblymember Frazier.

This new law provides additional tools that the State of California may use to pursue employers that fail to pay their workers the proper wages. This bill also assists Labor Management Cooperation Committees that are established to improve the communication and the working relationship between labor and management, by providing additional payroll information in order to follow up with employees and confirm that they are being adequately paid.

AB 417 Will Significantly Improve Bicycle Transportation in Cities and Counties

Sacramento, CA - Today Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 417 authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) that streamlines the CEQA process for bicycle transportation plans. “AB 417 is a common sense approach to a much needed change,” said Assemblymember Frazier.

AB 417 will provide a narrow exemption for bicycle transportation plans in urbanized areas and will ensure public participation and address traffic and safety impacts. “This bill corrects the unanticipated consequences of CEQA,” said Dave Snyder from the California Bicycle Coalition, “and will allow cities to calm their traffic, install bicycle lanes, and improve bike parking and signage without enduring millions of dollars in expense and incurring years of delay.”

Latest in Series of Oversight Hearings Focuses on Fraud Reported by CNN and Center for Investigative Reporting

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, a joint hearing of the California Assembly’s Accountability and Administrative Review Committee and Health Committee brought together administrators responsible for the state’s Drug Medi-Cal program to get to the bottom of fraud allegations at rehabilitation centers that take taxpayer dollars from the low-income drug rehabilitation program.

Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley), Chair of the Assembly Accountability and Administrative Committee, and Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, sought answers to questions regarding the lack of oversight by agencies responsible for administering the Drug Medi-Cal program.