This past Fourth of July may have felt different for many of our families. While I hope everyone was able to enjoy a summer weekend filled with friends, family, and festivities. Many of us could not shake the feelings tied to what's happening across the country. Our symbols of national identity are under attack. The Statue of Liberty feels incompatible with the inhumane ICE raids happening up and down California, the Constitution is being put into the White House shredder, and we question if the flag still stands for We The People... These times are tough, but our communities are resilient. I know we will continue to stand up for our vulnerable community members despite how the federal administration targets them. Immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, working-class people, Black, Brown, Native, AAPI communities, union members, children, and seniors all are integral to the fabric of America. I still believe in liberty and justice for all, and I know you do too.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In Assembly District 18, we closed out Pride Month this June with a convening of regional LGBTQ+ organizations, service providers and advocates to discuss the impact of recent federal actions and how California, and the East Bay can show up for residents impacted by attacks on LGBTQ+ adults and young people in school, higher education, health care, and at work.
As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I’ve been working closely with my colleagues to protect critical health services in the state budget, especially funding for the Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex (TGI) Wellness and Equity Fund, which invests $5 million annually for three years in HIV prevention and care for TGI individuals living with or at risk of HIV.
This funding is included within $75 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Rebate Fund, which funds HIV treatment and prevention service providers and will backfill federal cuts to these programs. While California has been clear in our vigorous defense of state and civil rights in our nation’s courts, it's clear there is still work that remains here at home to;
- Defend the right to Medical bodily autonomy
- Address how federal health cuts are impacting prevention efforts, particularly for those affected by HIV and AIDS, mental health
- Ensure public safety efforts include protecting all community members, informed by data and trust in lived community experience and emphasizing strong anti-discrimination policies
- Ensure schools remain safe spaces and places of refuge for all students
Thank you to our partners in-district, including the Oakland LGBTQ+ Center, Alameda Pride, California Legislative LBGTQ Caucus, and the City of Refuge United Church of Christ.
Do you support the Affordable Care Act?
Nearly 2 million Californians rely on care provided through Covered California, our state's insurance market established through the ACA, also known as Obamacare. With Republicans in Washington DC preparing to gut the Affordable Care Act through their big bad billionaire's bill, California must continue to fight back to protect our healthcare. Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the mandate requiring insurance companies to cover preventive health services, making cancer screenings, colonoscopies, and HIV prevention drugs remain available at no cost. This provision of the ACA had been codified into state law in recent years. However, we know attacks on the ACA will continue, and I’m committed to having California work to protect and expand upon its requirements.
Did you catch that we’re running legislation to prohibit AI systems from misrepresenting themselves as licensed health professionals? You should know if you’re getting advice from your trusted provider or speaking to an artificial bot. The bill recently passed the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.
Do you work for a non-profit? Are you concerned that the federal administration may target your organization? My bill, AB 1318, would protect non-profits from politically motivated targeting. Non-profits are the heartbeat of our community, and I know how real the threats this president has made against them have felt for our community. I invite you to weigh in on this bill HERE.
Our office is excited to announce the addition of a new member of Team Bonta, Field Representative Benicio De Palm!
“Hello everyone, my name is Benicio De Palm and I am the new Field Representative for the District Office of Assembly Member Mia Bonta. I am a recent graduate from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Public Service.
Being raised in Oakland, I have always considered District 18 my one and only home.
My love for the district and all it has to offer has inspired me to pursue a career in public service, starting last year as an intern for Assembly Member Bonta and now as a full time member of the team. I’m excited to work with and serve all of you, as we show what makes the D18 community one of the best in the world.”
Stealing Day Laborers’ Wages Could Worsen Due to ICE Raids, Researchers Warn - KQED
Targeting workers is growing the power imbalance between the employer and workers, and allowing the employer to abuse threats to call ICE. Even though we have worker protections in place for this, this threat is increasingly intense right now, and many workers may choose not to file a claim for wage theft out of fear of ICE.
Recent reports of wage theft and economic abuses in our district have only underscored the divisive impacts of targeting workers, driving hard-working Californians out of the labor force and into unsafe and abusive systems.
If you or someone you know, are experiencing workplace discrimination or wage theft, you can file a Wage Claim with the Department of Industrial Relations by clicking here or calling (510) 286-7087 or you can contact my office directly.
Innovation Island Excellence Awards Announce Inaugural Winners
Congratulations to the Winners of Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance’s Innovation Island Excellence Awards, proudly recognizing new developments in science, arts, sports, and technology happening right here in Assembly District 18.
Learn More: Courage in Chaos: LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Town Hall, Emeryville ‘Rotten City Cultural district’ Artist residency and banner design activities, One year anniversary celebration of Oakland-Alameda Water Shuttle!
THANK YOU FOR READING!
My office remains committed to helping you navigate any State resources or individualized questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for any assistance or support with your questions.