Politics & Government

Legislative Wrap-Up: Bills, Arts and Awards

Some of things East Bay elected officials were working on this past week

Here are some of the things that were happening this past week in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.

A bill by state Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) that would close a tax loophole involving tobacco manufacturers was approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

The bill, SB 680, would close a loophole that allows some tobacco manufacturers to avoid paying excise taxes for cigarettes sold unlawfully through unlicensed distributors and channels.

“This practice not only fuels the sale of cheap cigarettes, which harm the public health, but robs the state of funds intended to pay for the medical care for Californians with smoke-related illness, and it also gives certain tobacco manufacturers an unfair cost advantage over other manufacturers that comply with the intent of the law,” said Wolk.

Another bill by Wolk, who represents Martinez and Pleasant Hill, was approved by the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care.

The bill, SB 609, would increase penalties for long-term care providers that hinder investigations by California’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) is asking the House of Representatives to approve H.R. 1433, legislation that he co-authored that would freeze the current 3.4 percent interest rate on Stafford student loans for two years.

Thompson, who represents northern Contra Costa County, said without this bill interest rates on student loans would double.

“Students and the thousands of hardworking families across our district and nation already carry $1 trillion in student loan debt,” said Thompson. “Allowing these rates to double undermines our economy, weakens our middle class, and puts college out of reach for millions of students. Congress needs to act now. Time is running out.”

Rep. George Miller (D-Concord) announced the winner of the 11th District Congressional Art Competition this week.

Emily LaRoche of Lafayette was selected for her work, "Welcome Home to Paradise." The Bentley student will attend a reception this summer in Washington, D.C., with other winners from across the country.

State Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan (D-San Ramon) recognized a Livermore woman as the 16th District's 2013 Veteran of the Year.

U.S. Army Specialist Belia Martinez was honored for her military service and her dedication to improving educational programs in the region.

State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) recognized a Pittsburg man as the Veteran of the Year from her district.

Wilfred Scott was honored for his years of service in the U.S. Navy and at the Concord Naval Weapons Station.





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