Dear Friends,

This is my final year in the State Senate, but I'm not taking it easy because we have work to do. There is a lot going on in Sacramento and in our communities. Here are some important updates.

Budget

One of the most immediate challenges we face is the state's budget deficit. Depending on which analysis you look at, the shortfall could be as high as $73 billion. I want you to know that I am working to make sure our state's vital services and the needs of the most vulnerable Californians are prioritized. We must do everything in our power to maintain the critical programs that millions of Californians including our students, working families, and our seniors rely on. I've been in the Legislature a long time. I've seen good budget years and bad ones. Just as we did in years past when the budget was tight, we made the tough decisions and got through the budget challenge together.

Here's a list of the reparations bills I am authoring this year.

This year, I am working to pass legislation that would provide reparations for descendants of enslaved persons. Last month, we took an important step forward. The California State Senate voted for SCR 113 acknowledging the harms caused by slavery in California. This was a significant first step to begin to heal those harms and acknowledge our state's real history as documented by the Reparations Task Force. Here's a link to my comments from the Senate Floor.

Pictured L to R: Senator Steven Bradford, Dr. Shirley Weber, Lisa Holder, Esq., and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer

Despite our progress-- convening of the Reparations Task Force and the development of recommendation on how to address those who were harmed by the actions of the state, I want everyone to have realistic expectations. Obtaining Reparations will not be easy but I and my colleagues in the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) are committed to making it happen.

Here's a list of the reparations bills I am authoring this year.

• SB 490 now SB 1403 – This legislation that would create the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency. The bill has changed numbers and will move forward as SB 1403.
• SB 1007 Creates the Homeowner's Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons Program to make available grants to descendants of enslaved persons to purchase a home.
• SB 1013 Establishes the Property Tax Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons Program. The program would make grants available to persons who currently live in a formerly redlined neighborhood in the state and are descendants of a person enslaved in the United States.
• SB 1050 Establishes a process for the State of California to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation as a result of the racially-motivated use of eminent domain, and establishes a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner.
• SB 1331 Creates the Fund for Reparations and Restorative Justice in the state budget to fund reparations legislation approved by the Legislature and the Governor.

Legislation

This year, I continue to work to improve community safety, boost job opportunities and save Californians money by authoring the following legislation:

SB 50 – Pretext Traffic Stops – Protects drivers by limiting police traffic stops for low-level, non-safety violations.

SB 1008 – Obesity Treatment – The Obesity Treatment Parity Act would require health plans in California to include comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity, including coverage of at least one FDA-approved anti-obesity medication. We must treat obesity as we do any other medical condition.

SB 1020 – Race-neutral Shooting Targets – Prohibits the use of ethnic shooting targets by law enforcement agencies. This bill will begin to correct inherent racial bias that certain ethnic groups are more dangerous while preserving the ability of law enforcement officers to become more proficient with firearms through training.

SB 1059 – Cannabis Taxes –Eliminates the ability of local government to impose a tax on a tax for cannabis products and eliminates the state's ability to impose a 50 percent penalty on delinquent taxes.

SB 1075 – Overdraft Fees – Creates new protections for consumers by requiring state-chartered credit unions to allow a minimum of 5 business days before charging an overdraft or nonsufficient fund (NSF) fee. This bill would also prohibit a credit union from charging more than 3 of these fees per month.

SB 1292 – Utilities Fixed-rate Charge – Require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), by July 2027, to submit a report to the Legislature on electrical corporations' implementation of the Income Graduated Fixed Charge (IGFC).

SB 1348 – Black-serving Colleges and Universities – Creates a state-level designation recognizing institutions of higher education that excel in educating and serving Black students who are historically underrepresented on college campuses.

SB 1371 – Alcohol Sales – Creates an affirmative defense for retail licensees to include the use of both a government-issued ID and "biometrics" to verify the age of a consumer prior to admission at a venue where alcoholic beverages are sold.

SB 1383 – Broadband Internet – Enables grants to be awarded from the Public Housing Account in order to deploy services that can help improve existing broadband services in public housing.

Click here to see more of my legislation.

Ebony Alert

My recently-enacted legislation that created the first-in-the-nation Ebony Alert notification system has already helped to locate missing Black youth and young Black women in just the first couple of months of this year. I am so proud of what's been accomplished in such a short time. Research shows Black missing persons receive less attention than their white counterparts. SB 673 has given law enforcement an additional resource to help locate these missing persons. Going forward, we must make sure the new law is fully utilized. Here are some of the articles that have been published about the Ebony Alert.

Black History Month

During February's Black History Month, we celebrated the trailblazing leaders who have created greater social justice and equality under the law. With this year's theme of "African Americans and the Arts", we also paid special tribute to the countless artists of all genres who have created art and experiences for us all to enjoy. Many have deep connections to our very own communities in Los Angeles County. Watch my video on these artists! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE8JX9Gdc_s

El Camino College in Torrance hosted a variety of events for Black History Month. This year's theme was "Black Resilience: Honoring Legacy, Perseverance, and Beauty." One of the school's first events featured a discussion where I provided the students and the campus community with information on the findings of the California Reparations Task Force, including its recommendations for redressing the historic harms perpetrated against African American slaves in California. I encouraged everyone to be "JEDI" warriors who fight for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Important Community Information

Storm Damage – Tax Relief
In the wake of the recent winter storms, property owners who sustained damage may be eligible to receive tax relief. This relief is designed to provide financial support to those affected by natural disasters. To qualify, applicants must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820), with the Assessor's Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed and the loss must exceed $10,000 of the current market value. For more information, visit the Office of the LA County Assessor at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief

Get a Tax Credit
This year, the income tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15. You may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit. It's a special, targeted tax credit for working families with low incomes. Eligible families may receive thousands back into their pockets! Check if you qualify https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/caleitc/index.html

College Financial Aid
You still have time to get financial aid for college. The deadline for Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship has been extended to May 2, 2024. The California Legislature passed this extension and it was signed by Governor Newsom. Complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by May 2 to be considered for Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship in the 2024-25 academic year. Please remember that some colleges do have earlier deadlines.

https://www.csac.ca.gov/

Financial aid is also available for foster youth. Qualifying students may be awarded up to $5,000 per year for college or technical training through the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth. Learn more and apply using the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application today. http://csac.ca.gov/how-apply

African American Leaders for Tomorrow (AALT)
The 2024 AALT application period for rising high school 10th, 11th & 12th graders is now open. AALT is a valuable summer conference organized by the California Legislative Black Caucus and hosted on the campus of CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson from July 17th - 20^th. Whether you're passionate about politics, community service, or making a difference, AALT is the perfect platform to hone your skills and amplify your voice.

Participants will benefit from:

• Leadership development
• Networking
• College campus experience
• Unforgettable memories!

The AALT application deadline is April 30th. Apply at https://bit.ly/AALT2024RegisterToday

Earning Money Through Service
The State of California is recruiting 10,000 paid California Service Corps Members to help their communities, provide economic opportunities, tackle our state's most pressing challenges and address the crisis of social isolation and division. Service members help communities by taking climate action, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services. Learn more here.

Youth Internships
The Marathon Summer Youth Internship Program is now accepting applications from local high school juniors and seniors who would like to explore diverse career pathways. The program covers a select list of schools including Cabrillo High School, Carson High School, Rancho Dominguez Prep, and Harbor Teacher Prep Academy. The program offers hands-on opportunities to discover your passion, from engineering to pipefitting, IT, and more. Prepare for your future success, by applying before April 12 at https://lar-enroll.com/ and start exploring with us!

Tax Preparation Assistance (Taco's & Taxes)

Our free tax preparation event held in Gardena at the Nakaoka Community Center helped about 200 individuals complete their taxes and utilize tax credits to keep more money in their pockets. The event named "Tacos and Taxes" featured professional tax assistance in partnership with Golden State Opportunity for residents. In addition, participants were treated to free tacos. The volunteers helped our residents receive a combined total of $147,923 in tax refunds including tax credits. Thanks to Golden State Opportunity, the volunteers from the Eastmont Community Center and the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, along with my staff for making this annual event so successful. For more information on California tax credits, visit https://www.goldenstateopportunity.org/ or https://www.caleitc4me.org/

Unsung Hero

CSU Dominguez Hill's President Dr. Thomas A. Parham was recognized as Senate District 35's Unsung Hero and celebrated on the Floor of the State Senate. President Parham is a visionary leader who has been instrumental in growing the university and serving its diverse student body. I was especially honored to have President Parham's family come up to Sacramento to participate in the ceremony.

On February 3rd, the Wilmington Community joined Port of Los Angeles today to celebrate the grand opening of the $77.3 million Wilmington Waterfront Promenade. This project was 30 years in the making and a result of the Port's investment to give back to the community. Attendees included: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblyman Mike Gipson, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Councilman Tim McOsker, Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard, Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, and LADWP General Manager Marty Adams.

Click here to see more community events.

Thank you for allowing me to share these updates and accomplishments with you. It's an honor and privilege to represent California's 35^th Senate District in Los Angeles County. Please feel free to contact my office if my staff or I can be of assistance. Here is a link to the services our office provides.

Sincerely,

Senator Steven Bradford