Representing the 7th District

Sacramento – Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on today’s vote by the NBA board of governors to keep the Kings in Sacramento:

“I am delighted by the Board’s affirmative decision to keep the Kings in Sacramento. The City of Sacramento, our entire region, its leaders, and the supportive fans of the team have proven that they will stand by and fight for the Kings through thick and thin. I am hopeful that the Maloofs and the Ranadive investor group will agree on an acceptable deal and there will be a successful conclusion for Sacramento which will keep the Kings here for years to come.”

Sacramento – Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on today’s vote by the Senate to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with a bipartisan vote:

“Following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Sacramento was identified as the second most flood-prone community in the country, second only to New Orleans. For nearly 17 years as a Sacramento County Supervisor, I worked on a bipartisan basis to increase the level of flood protection for the people of Sacramento.

Today’s vote is promising news for the Sacramento area. The Natomas Levee Improvement Project will provide critical levee upgrades and relieve Natomas residents of undue risk to life and property. The WRDA is indispensable to completing the Project. Senator Boxer and Congresswoman Matsui have been strong leaders on this issue in Washington and I am confident they will do everything possible to ensure the bill succeeds. It is imperative that the bill passes through the House and is signed by the President.”

Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), member of the Assembly Budget Committee and Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services released the following statement on the May Revise:

“The Governor’s May Revise budget proposal is another encouraging indication that budget stability appears to have returned to California after years of financial struggle and education will receive desperately-needed additional funding. However, the May Revise continues to shortchange the most vulnerable in our state—such as those who need health care, child care, access to justice, or essential support services to escape poverty. By adopting a balanced budget, making prudent investments to help those in need and rebuild our economy, and protecting the state from future economic downtowns, we can continue to restore our Golden State.”

AB 187 Proceeds used for Public Safety Programs in Communities Experiencing High Levels of Gun Violence and for Mental Healthcare Programs for Children

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee approved an ammunition tax measure, AB 187, authored by Assemblymembers Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento). AB 187 provides a critical new source of revenue to assist communities facing high levels of gun violence and fund important mental healthcare services for California’s children.

Assemblymember Dickinson said he was proud to jointly author AB 187. “Screening young children for signs of mental illness and addressing any issues early on is the key to a healthier and more productive adult life. A limited tax on ammunition is a small price to pay for better mental healthcare for kids, reduced crime, and safer communities statewide,” concluded Dickinson.

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(Sacramento) -- There are 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and California is home to the greatest number of them. California State Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) co-authored Assembly Joint Resolution 3, to urge Congress and the President to take humane action in beginning the task of fixing our broken immigration system. Learn more about AJR 3 in this Assembly Access Video.

Sacramento – Today, Assembly Bill 169 authored by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) was approved on a 43-27 vote by the California State Assembly. The bill would close the loophole in law that currently allows the private party transfer of “unsafe handguns” to individuals not eligible to buy them. It further closes a loophole that presently allows some buyers to purchase an unsafe handgun if that handgun was previously modified to be a single shot weapon.

“AB 169 will keep non-rostered, unsafe handguns out of the hands of people who don't have a legitimate and lawful reason to own them. By limiting the guns available for sale we can further protect our families and our communities from gun violence,” said Dickinson.

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Sacramento – Assembly Bill 996 authored by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) was approved today by the Assembly Agriculture Committee on a unanimous vote. In an effort to protect consumers, the bill clarifies standards regarding false and misleading advertising, direct marketing registration, food safety self-certification, inspection and enforcement at certified farmers markets.

“Californians are fortunate to have the highest concentration of farmers markets in the nation,” said Dickinson. “AB 996 will increase consumer protections and accountability at our certified farmers markets, protect local farmers, and help this growing sector of the economy continue to thrive,” said Dickinson.

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Sacramento – Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) released the following statement on today’s unanimous vote by the NBA ownership committee to block the pending sale and relocation of the Kings to Seattle:

“Today's vote is wonderful news for Sacramento. The Committee made a statement that it is not interested in relocating teams when there is a viable option to keep the team where it has been historically successful. Sacramento has proven its fan loyalty and the commitment of civic and governmental leadership. We have delivered a strong financing plan and a solid ownership group. I am hopeful that the NBA’s board of Governors votes to keep the Kings where they belong – here in Sacramento.”

Sacramento – Today, Assembly Bill 786 authored by Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) was unanimously approved by the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee. The bill would reform the California Money Transmission Act and provide clarity for existing licensees and assist with removing market entry barriers to start-up payment technology companies.

“Technological innovation within the money transmission and payments industry has skyrocketed in the last few years, yet California's regulatory framework has lagged behind this innovation,” said Dickinson, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance. “Providing clarity to existing companies and new start-ups on licensing requirements will ensure a vibrant money transmission market place that is fair for business while protecting consumers,” he added.

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) released the following statement regarding comments made by California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Director Jerry Meral about the future of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP):

“In light of current circumstances, I am concerned about a rush to implement the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) which may not be the best alternative to meet the co-equal goals of water reliability and Delta restoration. The process for considering alternatives should be thorough, careful, and complete in order to identify the best course.”