As we head into the final weeks of the year, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the past few weeks and the accomplishments we have made. Delivering results for the people of Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville never gets old, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished. From getting thirteen bills signed into law to securing millions for the East Bay and spending time with the community, #TeamBonta has been on a roll.
Scroll to see some of #TeamBonta’s recent highlights across the community.
As the legislative session came to a close, the Assembly worked through six long days of floor session, during which we sent hundreds of bills to the Governor’s desk. Governor Newsom signed thirteen bills from our office’s sweeping legislative package, including bills to support access to healthy food, housing, and healthcare.
Early in September, my office partnered with Oakland’s Native American Health Center and VSP Vision Care to provide over 75 Oaklanders with FREE vision exams and glasses for those in need.
From the elementary school student who could now see her classroom’s whiteboard to the elder who got his first pair of glasses through the event, our community vision clinic warmed my heart.
In the past few weeks alone our work has secured millions of dollars for the East Bay. First, I was ecstatic to learn that as a result of a bill I ran in 2022, over $70 million will be coming into our state from the federal government to help us achieve our Digital Equity Plan and bridge the digital divide.
Additionally, I led a letter from elected officials in the Bay Area to the federal government earlier this year calling for investments in our ports. The Biden-Harris administration responded by announcing $322 Million in funding to fast-track the Port of Oakland’s transition to zero emissions.
I also had the pleasure of getting an eye-opening tour of Children’s Choice Dental Care. I was so inspired by their commitment of providing care to children, regardless of their healthcare coverage status or background, and I truly believe they are providing a model for providers across the state.
Alameda Education Foundation’s Back 2 School BBQ was a blast, and it was such a treat to connect with the Alameda Educators who are doing the amazing work of creating safe spaces for our community’s youth both in and outside of the classroom.
I was so excited to attend the South Bay Street Ribbon-Cutting ceremony in Emeryville and I look forward to the revitalization this collaborative endeavor will bring to our local community.
I joined Alameda Mayor Ashcraft to visit the Alameda Point Collaborative and Alameda Food Bank to learn more about the city’s innovative, affordable housing projects and supportive services.
The Alameda County Psychological Association was kind enough to host me to discuss California’s growing need for psychologists and mental health professionals and what we can do to ensure our mental health providers are supported at all stages of their career. They even surprised me with an award!
One bill I was particularly proud to have signed into law this session was AB 2020, which will support survivors of Human Trafficking and works to end cycles of abuse and incarceration.
At a time when there are a lot of discussions in the media and across the country about the East Bay, I couldn’t be more proud to call this place home. From collaborating to provide our most in-need populations with access to vision care to growing the state’s economy and providing a blueprint for addressing some of the nation’s most relentless problems, it is clear that Assembly District 18 is leading the country.
Thank you for being a constituent, a neighbor, and an engaged member of our District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my District Office for support with a state agency or department.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
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