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Press Releases

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Assembly Bill 48 Will Provide Funds to Ensure Schools are Safe and Updated

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) has introduced Assembly Bill 48 to place a K-12 and community colleges school facilities bond on both the 2020 and 2022 ballots.

“The state has a responsibility to ensure that students are housed in safe facilities that meet educational needs.  AB 48 will continue the state’s partnership with local school and community college districts by providing state matching funds for construction,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “As a teacher, I know firsthand that the conditions of our schools affect student health, performance and motivation.” 

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Assembly Bill 235 will provide workforce training and job opportunities throughout the state.

(SACRAMENTO) – Governor Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill 235 by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach), which establishes a pathway for approving new state apprenticeship programs and establishes preapprenticeship programs.

“AB 235 will greatly expand apprenticeship programs throughout the state and in all industries.  State apprenticeship programs lead to well-paying permanent jobs and provide businesses with a skilled workforce,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell. “This bill will result in new job opportunities and meet industry needs.  I thank the Governor and the State Building and Construction Trades Council for working with me on this very important bill.” 

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Assembly Bill 3205 Requires Renovation of Schools to Include Locks That Lock from the Inside

(SACRAMENTO) – Assembly Bill 3205 by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach), which requires older classrooms to have locks that can be locked from the inside, has been signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

“This bill will protect students and teachers in the event of an immediate threat on a school campus,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “As a middle and high school teacher for many years, I have participated in many school lockdowns, and I know firsthand that our classrooms need doors that lock from the inside.  The shootings that took place in Florida and Texas schools earlier this year were tragic.  This bill will save lives.  I thank the Governor for signing AB 3205 into law.” 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

AB 1951 allows school districts to give 11th grade students a college entrance exam instead of state-required assessment

(SACRAMENTO) – Assembly Bill 1951, by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) to provide access to college admissions tests such as the SAT or ACT during the school day, passed the Legislature overwhelmingly and is on the way to the Governor’s desk.

AB 1951, The Pathways to College Act, would allow school districts to offer college admissions exams in lieu of the state-required 11th grade assessment. “AB 1951 is about opening the door to higher education for all California students,” Assemblymember O’Donnell said. “I urge the Governor to consider the strong support for the bill from students, school board members, superintendents and teachers and give school districts local control in offering a test that will increase the college going rate.”

Monday, June 18, 2018

Assemblymember O’Donnell responds to latest development in the effort to keep Community Hospital Long Beach operational 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

California budget includes funds for CSULB Shark Lab

 

(Sacramento) –The 2018-19 budget approved by the Legislature Thursday includes Assemblymember O’Donnell’s request for funding to research the increased number of shark sightings along the California coast.

The budget includes $3.75 million for the world-renowned California State University, Long Beach Shark Lab to conduct research of the rising number of shark sightings and incidents in local waters.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Chair of Assembly Education Committee is pleased that the state is living within its means while prioritizing funding for schools