WASHINGTON
Thompson Releases Statement on Passage of Republican Funding Bill
Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement on the on the passage of the Republican Funding Bill:
“Congress’ job isn’t to write a blank check to the President. Our job is to pass a bill that directs the President to fund the services and priorities that matter most to the American people.
“Today, Republicans voted to hand the President and Elon Musk a blank check, freeing them to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits,” said Thompson.
“Republican’s partisan funding bill is dangerous,” he added. “I voted no to protect the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and veterans benefits on which millions of Americans rely.”
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SACRAMENTO
Healdsburg City Councilmember Ariel Kelley to be North Central Coast Region local government representative on the California Coastal Commission
The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate Leader Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), has appointed Healdsburg City Councilmember Ariel Kelley to be the North Central Coast Region local government representative on the California Coastal Commission, and Marin County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni to serve as her alternate.
“Councilmember Kelley and Supervisor Rodoni are true leaders who serve their communities with passion, dedication and a ton of hard work,” Pro Tem McGuire said. “These two leaders have an authentic devotion to protecting California’s coast, increasing public access, and helping rural coastal economies grow and thrive. They’ll be valued members of the California Coastal Commission for years to come.”
Ariel Kelley, of Healdsburg, is a land use attorney and nonprofit leader who is currently serving a second term on the Healdsburg City Council. She serves on the Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, FireSafe Sonoma, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Board of Directors, and Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority.
“As Californians, we are beyond lucky to live in a state with incredible natural beauty and vibrant seaside communities,” Councilmember Ariel Kelley said. “I’m excited to get to work and truly grateful to Pro Tem McGuire for placing his faith in me to improve coastal economies, support sensible workforce housing, and safeguard our precious shoreline. We must balance growth with conservation to ensure California’s coastline remains a natural treasure for future generations to enjoy.”
The Senate Rules Committee also appointed Marin County Supervisor Dennis Rodoni, of Olema, as Kelley’s alternate on the Commission. Representing the 4th District, Rodoni has served on the Marin County Board of Supervisors since 2016 and he also serves on a number of local and regional boards. He holds a general contractor license and previously owned a successful construction firm. In addition to his duties on the Board of Supervisors, Rodoni is also a member of the Sierra Club, Marin Conservation League, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, and Marin Audubon Society, among many others.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of the California Coastal Commission to preserve the beauty and ecosystems that make our state unique but I also know we need to do more to help rural coastal communities grow and meet the needs of local residents,” Supervisor Dennis Rodoni said. “I’m thankful to Pro Tem McGuire and the Senate Rules Committee for giving me this opportunity to work on behalf of our amazing coast and millions who call this special place home.”
The California Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and later made permanent by the Legislature through adoption of the California Coastal Act of 1976. In partnership with coastal cities and counties, The Coastal Commission plans and regulates the use of land and water in the coastal zone.
Kelley and Rodoni’s terms on the California Coastal Commission end on May 20, 2027.
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WASHINGTON, D.C
Padilla Statement on House Republicans’ Reckless Spending Bill
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives narrowly passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September, which did not include the disaster relief funding California needs:
“The House Republican spending bill completely shortchanges California and other disaster-stricken states on disaster relief. We cannot leave communities in our states behind as they continue to rebuild and recover from devastating recent disasters. Despite the House vote today, I still believe the best path forward is for Congress to instead pass a 30-day funding bill to keep the government open while we continue negotiations for the remainder of the fiscal year in a way that properly funds disaster relief and doesn’t cede more power to Trump and Elon Musk.”
Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Schiff led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Last week, Padilla, Schiff, and Representatives Ken Calvert (R-Calif.-41) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) led the entire bipartisan California Congressional delegation in urging Senior Congressional leadership to provide additional disaster relief funding and resources to help Los Angeles County communities rebuild.
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