Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to my first edition of Blanca's Bulletin. This is our new quarterly touchpoint to share news from Sacramento, invitations to district events and highlight resources or opportunities available to you.
As your Assemblywoman, serving the diverse needs of our district is my top priority. Whether I am advocating for vital legislation in the Capitol or celebrating the outstanding contributions of local organizations and leaders, this newsletter is our platform for staying informed, inspired and connected.
Together, we will build a strong and vibrant future for everyone who lives in Assembly District 64.
Warm regards,
Blanca Pacheco
Assemblymember, 64th District
The past few months have been a whirlwind of bill introductions and committee hearings, during which I authored 14 bills that address critical issues facing our community. Here’s a sampling of new laws that I’m working to enact in this legislative session:
AB 2156: The Identity Integrity Act
While diacritical marks such as accents, umlauts, tildes, cedillas and more are common in the many languages spoken in cosmopolitan California, they are not permitted on names in the state’s vital records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc. Our government should record the actual names of California residents, reflecting parental and individual preferences, preserving cultural and artistic identity as expressed in the correct spelling of names. This bill will allow the inclusion of diacritical marks on official documents, giving parents and individuals the right to have personal names spelled and pronounced accurately.
Read more about the bill in a recent LA Magazine article, here.
GET INVOLVED: Does your name include an accent, tilde or other diacritical mark? I invite you to join me to advocate for the bill on social media by 1) Taking a photo of yourself holding a piece of paper with your name written on it, 2) Posting the photo on social media with a caption about your support for the bill and include the hashtags #IdentityIntegrityAct and #PonleAcento. Don’t forget to tag me (@asmpacheco)!
AB 1912: Third Party Review of Electrical Power Mandated Programs
Californians are struggling with inflated costs of goods and services, with low-income customers especially burdened. My bill calls for a third party to conduct a special review of every legislative proposal that requires electric services and/or programs that increase costs for consumers.
AB 2024: Restraining Orders
Courts across California have different standards and requirements for issuing restraining orders. A judicial officer may not have an opportunity to review the merits if the petition is rejected due to minor errors. My bill will prohibit the denial of a restraining order prior to review by a judicial officer. The legislation will establish one standard across California courts.
AB 1160: Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act
The growing crisis of institutional student debt affects more than 750,000 Californians. The Protecting Students from Creditor Colleges Act will provide crucial protections to students. My legislation will prohibit educational institutions from barring enrollment or withholding degrees because of unpaid debts, provides safeguards against aggressive debt collection and mandates transparency in debt reporting.
A full list of my bills may be found here.
We’re looking for our 2024 Nonprofit of the Year!
Each year, I have the honor of recognizing outstanding nonprofit organizations for their invaluable contributions to the residents of Assembly District 64. These organizations play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and vitality of our community.
I invite you to nominate a nonprofit that deserves to be recognized for exceptional positive impact. We seek nominations for nonprofit organizations located in the following areas: Cudahy, Downey, East Whittier, La Mirada, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and La Habra.
Your nominations will help us shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by nonprofits in our district. Thank you for taking the time to recognize and celebrate these organizations!
Please submit your nomination here by 5pm on April 25.
| COMMUNITY CORNER – RESOURCES |
California Housing Finance Agency: First-Time Home Buyers Program
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) announced that it will be administering an additional round of applications for the California Dream For All (DFA) Shared Appreciation Loan Program.
The program provides first-time homebuyers with a loan of up to 20% of the home purchase price to be used as a down payment and/or closing costs assistance, up to $150,000.
A total of $220 million has been allocated for the current round of loans. CalHFA will be using a randomized selection process to issue DFA vouchers, which will be valid for 90 days. The registration portal will be available until April 29.
For eligibility criteria and application details, click here.
In March, I had the pleasure of recognizing 10 female leaders as the 2024 Women of the Year for Assembly District 64. I was thrilled to celebrate their remarkable contributions to our community and state. Thank you for being an inspiration!
Check out the highlight reel from the event:
Based out of my district office in Downey, I have a dedicated team committed to serving you. I'm proud to introduce these hardworking individuals, including our new District Director, Ari Ruiz. My district staff are your direct points of contact for any concerns, inquiries or assistance you may need. Meet the team!
We’re Hiring!
Join Our Team: Field Representative Position Available!
I’m seeking a Field Representative for my District Office in Downey. This opportunity involves being the liaison between constituents and our office, engaging with local organizations, elected officials, key stakeholders, and representing the office at community events. If you have excellent communication skills, a commitment to public service and bilingual in Spanish, we want to hear from you! Join our dynamic team and be a part of positive change in our community. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to nikki.johnson@asm.ca.gov.
Please enjoy this playful glimpse into the life of a freshman legislator. Follow along on Instagram for more!
As always, my door is open and my staff are available to assist you. Feel free to contact me through my website, or by calling one of my offices.
