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Press Releases

Monday, February 25, 2019

AB 1303 provides students with career options to meet California’s workforce needs

(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) has introduced AB 1303 to provide an additional $150 million to K-12 Vocational/Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.

“As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand how vocational programs engage students and guide them to success.  Vocational or career technical programs prepare our students for lasting careers and strengthen our California workforce,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

AB 1014 will provide communities earlier notice of hospital closure

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) introduced Assembly Bill 1014 Thursday, which will require hospitals to provide a 180-day public notice before closing or eliminating services. Current law only requires a 30-day notice before closing a hospital and 90 days before eliminating emergency services.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

New bill increases funding for removal of abandoned oil and gas facilities in Long Beach tidelands.

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) introduced AB 926 Wednesday to dedicate more state revenue to clean up abandoned oil wells within the Long Beach tidelands. The bill eliminates a $300 million limit on the Oil Trust Fund, a fund that saves revenue for cleaning-up oil wells on the tidelands when they cease operation.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Chair of Assembly Education Committee Reintroduces the Pathways to College Act

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach), reintroduced the Pathways to College Act (Assembly Bill 751), which passed through the State Legislature last year with no “no” votes. The bill works to open doors to higher education for students by allowing school districts to offer college admissions tests such as the SAT or ACT during the school day at no cost to students.

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.”