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Thank you for visiting my legislative website. Serving as your representative in the California Assembly is a true honor and privilege.
At this site, you'll be able to access useful information about my legislative assignments, agenda for the 2011-2012 session, and learn how my office can be of assistance to you.
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Mariko Yamada
Representing the 4th District
Recent News in the 4th District
Assemblymember Yamada Responds to the Governor’s May Revise
SACRAMENTO– Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D – Davis), Chair of the Assembly Aging & Long-Term Care Committee, made this statement today following the release of Governor Jerry Brown’s revised May budget:
“As expected, the Governor’s May Revise strikes a balance between the temporary revenues granted us by the voters and a focus on recovering the California economy.”
The Assembly will review the Governor’s proposals and work hard to deliver an on-time ‘3-R’ budget—one that is responsible, reasonable, and restrained.”
Yamada and Levine Convene Hearing Exploring Agriculture and Cap and Trade
SACRAMENTO– Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, and Assemblymember Marc Levine (D- San Rafael), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Agriculture and the Environment, will hold a joint informational hearing focusing on how California agriculture can help the state meet AB 32 goals.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2013 beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the State Capitol, room 126.
Yamada Convenes Hearing on CalPERS Long-Term Care Insurance Rate Hikes
SACRAMENTO – Responding to statewide constituent concerns, Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, Chair of the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee has scheduled an oversight hearing, “Paying the Price for a Long Life: What’s Next for Long-Term Care Insurance?” on Tuesday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m., State Capitol Room 127.
The hearing will address concerns related to the recent “sticker-shock” of an 85% rate increase for longtime CalPERS policy holders, and what steps are being taken to address the sustainability of long-term care insurance products in California. Panelists will include representatives of CalPERS as well as the long-term care insurance industry, policyholders and retired public employees.
Social Worker Title Protection Bill Advances
Protects public by ensuring those classified as social workers meet national educational standards
SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 252, jointly authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) and Assemblymember Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) - both professional social workers - passed the Assembly Business, Professions, and Consumer Protection Committee Tuesday with strong bipartisan support. AB 252 will ensure that individuals who are classified as social workers have earned a degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
“Today, there are still public and private agencies that classify employees as social workers who have not completed the coursework, supervised field instruction and ethical training required by a social work education,” Assemblymember Yamada stated. “With the growing complexity of service needs in our state, AB 252 seeks to protect consumers of social work services and the integrity of the profession, which is now 115 years old.”
Assembly Approves Voluntary Tax Check-Off Extension for Alzheimer’s Research
SACRAMENTO – The Assembly has approved AB 394, a bill authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) and Assemblymember Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), extending the sunset date for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Research Fund income tax check-off through 2020.
The bill passed from the Assembly Floor with strong bipartisan support.
Assemblymember Yamada, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, said the decision to jointly author the bill with Assemblymember Grove reflects their shared experience of caring for an aging parent.
Yamada's Home Care Services Act Advances
AB 322 Responds to an Industry Call for Regulation
SACRAMENTO – AB 322, the Home Care Services Act of 2013, authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), passed the Assembly Committee on Human Services on Tuesday. This bill would establish oversight and consumer safeguards for the currently unregulated private home care industry.
Yamada & Blumenfield Bill Reestablishing Community Adult Care Clears Assembly Health Committee
AB 518 Next Heard in Aging & Long-Term Care Committee
SACRAMENTO – Legislation that establishes the Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) program as a permanent Medi-Cal benefit in California passed the Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday, April 9th.
AB 518, authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D–Davis), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, and Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, received unanimous bipartisan support with a 19-0 vote.
Yamada Resolution Naming State Rest Area In Memory of Yolo County Deputy Tony Diaz Moves Forward
SACRAMENTO – Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 14, which will name the rest area located off I-5 in Dunnigan in honor of slain Yolo County Sheriff Deputy Jose "Tony" Diaz, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee today. The resolution, authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), passed unanimously.
Deputy Tony Diaz, 37, was fatally shot near the rest area on June 15, 2008 following a high-speed pursuit of a drunken driving suspect with a child in the vehicle. Marco Topete was convicted of Tony Diaz's murder and sentenced to death in February 2012.
Yamada Bill Advances to Help Youth Start Adulthood with Clean Slate
SACRAMENTO –The Assembly Public Safety Committee passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1006 today on a 6-0 bipartisan vote. Authored by Assemblymember Yamada, this legislation helps former juvenile offenders move into adulthood without the burden of juvenile records.
“Youth who have completed their court adjudicated ‘debts-to-society’ should have an opportunity to start over with a clean slate,” Assemblymember Yamada said. “Many former juvenile offenders are unaware that their records are unsealed until they are refused a job, credit or housing.”
Assemblymember Yamada Hosts Tax Assistance Workshop in Davis
SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada and the Yolo County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition are hosting a free tax assistance workshop from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 6 at the New Harmony Mutual Housing - Community Center, 3030 Cowell Blvd. in Davis.
Appointments are required. To RSVP or for more information, please call (530) 746-8042.
Yamada Bill Aimed at Transforming Unemployed into Entrepreneurs Clears Key Committee
SACRAMENTO—The Assembly Committee on Insurance passed legislation today that would create the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program in California and allow some unemployed workers to focus on creating a microbusiness while claiming jobless benefits.
The bill, AB 152, authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), passed from the committee on a 9-2 vote.
Yamada Bill and Select Committee to Address Safety at State Institutions
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) recently introduced AB 602, legislation requiring State Hospitals and Developmental Centers to report abuse, neglect, sexual assault and other serious incidents directly to outside law enforcement agencies.
“The current internal process to report and investigate these violations is inadequate,” Assemblymember Yamada said. “These matters should be investigated by local law enforcement agencies to ensure that state hospital and developmental center residents have access to the same protections as those who do not reside in state institutions.”
Yamada & Blumenfield Bill Reestablishes Alternative to Nursing Homes
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D–Davis), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging & Long-Term Care and Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, announced legislation today that would make the Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) program permanent.
The CBAS program, which replaced California’s Adult Day Health Care program (ADHC), offers seniors and persons with disabilities a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes by providing medical and support services in community-based settings.
Assemblymember Yamada Introduces the Home Care Services Act of 2013
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D–Davis), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging & Long-Term Care has introduced the Home Care Services Act of 2013. AB 322, co-authored by Senator Lou Correa (D–Santa Ana), establishes regulations for private home care agencies.
“California is aging, and is already home to the largest population of dependent adults in the nation,” Yamada said. “There should be clear standards for training and background checks for agency-based caregivers who wish to serve this vulnerable population.”
Assemblymembers Yamada and Eggman Introduce Social Work Title Protection Bill
Protects public by ensuring those classified as social workers meet educational standards
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) and Assemblymember Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) introduced AB 252 today to ensure that individuals who are classified as social workers have earned a degree in social work at an accredited college or university.
“Social work is both a calling and a profession,” Yamada said. “The title ‘social worker’ presumes a high standard of education, a solid grounding in professional ethics, and rigorous real-world training. A consumer has the right to assume that a person with the title meets a high standard of competency and integrity, which cannot be guaranteed when services are provided without a social work degree.”
Employers use the title “social worker” inconsistently to describe many types of workers with varying experience and training. This misrepresentation can be harmful to vulnerable citizens who believe they are receiving care and services delivered by a qualified social worker who can use his or her professional judgment in life-threatening situations, including protecting the elderly from abuse and neglect and intervening in situations posing a serious danger to children.
“The title ‘social worker’ invokes the shared history, training, ethics and practices of a 115-year-old profession,” said Assemblymember Eggman. “We need to ensure that anyone who uses the title meets those well-established standards. This is about truth in advertising.”
AB 252 will require employers to assign the title of “social worker” only to individuals who hold a degree in social work from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Individuals will be prohibited from identifying as a social worker without the appropriate educational qualifications.
CSWE accreditation ensures that all who graduate with a social work degree have had coursework grounded in professional ethics, best practices and cultural diversity supplemented by at least 400 hours of supervised field instruction. Additionally, social worker conduct is bound by a Code of Ethics.
Legislation protecting the professional title “social worker” has already been enacted in 37 other states.
Assemblymember Yamada Opens 4th Assembly District Office in Woodland
New District and Capitol Directors also announced
WOODLAND – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) announces the relocation of her primary District Office to 725 Main Street, Suite 206 in Woodland. She formerly served her constituents from a Vacaville office which is no longer in the 4th Assembly District.
“I welcome constituents to contact my District Office for assistance with state issues,” Assemblymember Yamada said. “We have mitigated over 1,000 constituent cases during my first four years in the Assembly, and constituent services continue to be a priority."
Assemblymember Yamada Commemorates Rosa Parks’ 100th Birthday
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Chair of the Assembly Aging and Long Term Care Committee and Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, presented House Resolution 5 today to honor Rosa Parks' 100th Birthday.
"Rosa Parks is my personal civil rights hero," said Assemblymember Mariko Yamada. "She raised neither a gun nor her voice, yet ignited the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement through her courageous act of peaceful defiance. As we begin statewide observances of Black History Month, I am honored to join Assemblymember Holly Mitchell in commemorating the 100th Birthday of Rosa Parks."
Assemblymember Yamada Hosts Series of FREE Tax Assistance Workshops
SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada and the Yolo County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition are hosting a series of free tax assistance workshops over the next three Saturdays.
Families earning up to $50,270 from wages or self-employment are eligible for free tax preparation assistance and may receive a maximum of $5,891 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Many people who haven't qualified in the past for the EITC may qualify this year because of a change in marital status, the addition of children or changes in their income, but eligible workers must specifically claim the EITC on their federal income tax returns in order to receive the credit.
Yamada Returns as a “Clean Water Champion”
One of only four lawmakers with perfect score
Assemblymember Yamada receives Clean Water Champion Award from CWA. Pictured from left to right: Andrew Grinberg, Consultant; Jennifer Clary, Policy Analyst; Lori Chen, Legislative Consultant; Assemblymember Mariko Yamada; Andria Ventura, Program Manager.
SACRAMENTO - Clean Water Action has awarded Assemblymember Yamada its “Clean Water Champion” award in recognition of her leadership on water and environmental issues in the recently completed 2011-2012 legislative session. She earned similar honors in 2009-2010.
Assemblymember Yamada was one of just 13 out of 120 legislators to earn this award.
Yamada Responds to State of the State
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) responded to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address today:
“After years of heart-wrenching budget cuts, California is poised to stage a real recovery. I share the Governor’s ‘less is more’ vision; we cannot squander this moment in our state’s history. Working together for the common good, we should address comprehensive—not piecemeal—reform, reviewing “penny-wise, pound-foolish” program reductions that will ultimately cost the State more money.”
Assemblymember Yamada, who represents California’s 4th District, chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and serves on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.
Yamada Bill Seeks to Boost the Unemployed into Entrepreneurs
SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada has introduced legislation to harness the entrepreneurial potential of California’s unemployed workers.
Assembly Bill 152 would create the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program in California, which would allow some unemployed workers to continue to claim jobless benefits while also accessing microbusiness development services.
Nine Yamada Bills Take Effect in the New Year
SACRAMENTO – Nine bills authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) in 2012, ranging in topic from religious freedom to reporting of elder abuse to pilot safety, become effective in 2013:
AB 1964-Workplace Religious Freedom
Prohibits employers from segregating an employee from coworkers or the public due to the employee's religious attire, grooming, or other observance.
AB 40-Criminal Physical Abuse of an Elder or Dependent Adult
Requires nursing home staff and other mandatory reporters to report directly to law enforcement any suspected incidents of abuse resulting in serious bodily injury.
Assemblymember Yamada, DAR Dedicate Wreath Commemorating Military Service Members
Wreath Laying Ceremony takes place this Saturday at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
SACRAMENTO – Flanked by members of the Patriot Color Guard on the steps of the State Capitol, Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) joined the Daughters of the American Revolution, veterans and their families in dedicating a wreath to commemorate the sacrifice of armed service members.
“From the smallest town to the National Cemetery at Arlington, it’s a time for the families and friends of those lost to come together in a very solemn and beautiful holiday testament to their service,” Yamada said.
Yamada Sworn in for Third Assembly Term
Looks forward to representing new district
Assemblymember Mariko Yamada takes oath of office today on the floor of the Assembly. Pictured from left to right, Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, her husband, Janlee Wong.
SACRAMENTO –At a ceremony in the State Capitol, Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) was sworn into office Monday as the Assemblymember for California’s newly-drawn 4th Assembly District.
Although this is Yamada’s third term, she will be representing a constituency that is 68% new following the statewide redistricting approved in 2011. The 4th District includes portions of her previous district in Solano and Yolo counties, but now includes all of Lake and Napa and parts of Colusa and Sonoma counties.
“I am honored to continue serving in the state legislature, and am ready to get-to-work on behalf of all our constituents in the big, beautiful new 4th District,” Yamada said.
Yamada Marks 1,000 Constituent Case Milestone
Hundreds of residents in Solano and Yolo Counties Assisted Since 2008
VACAVILLE, CA – Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) recognizes a significant milestone in her district office – the completion of over 1,000 constituent cases as her second term in the Assembly concludes. Constituents have contacted Assemblymember Yamada’s district office to request legislative information, ask for assistance with a state agency, or inquire about services available to them.
“As a public servant and a professional social worker, I have always been committed to providing high quality services to my constituents,” stated Assemblymember Yamada. “My staff and I take each case seriously and work hard to bring forward a fair resolution. In some instances, cases can lead to legislation.”
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Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0004
Tel: (916) 319-2004
Fax: (916) 319-2104
District Offices:
725 Main Street Suite 206
Woodland, CA 95695
Tel: (800) 965-6765
Fax: (530) 662-6370
4381 Broadway Street,
Suite 108
American Canyon, CA 94503
Tel: (707) 552-4405
Fax: (707) 552-4407
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