Representing the 7th District

Dickinson, wearing an orange MS awareness tie, presenting ACR 22 on the Assembly floor, declaring this week Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in California.

Sacramento –Today, the State Assembly unanimously voted to approve Assemblymember Roger Dickinson's Assembly Concurrent Resolution 22. The resolution declares this week, March 11 through March 15, 2013, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in recognition of the importance of finding the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis and to express appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and its California chapters.

"ACR 22 will enhance knowledge throughout the state about the important issues impacting people living with MS and give a voice to all of those affected by this devastating disease," said Assemblymember Dickinson (D-Sacramento).

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans across the country, including more than 40,000 Californians, and nearly 200 new cases are diagnosed each week nationwide.

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Sacramento - For over a month, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), along with Sacramento City Councilmembers Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell, have been collecting books from the community to benefit Loaves and Fishes’ Mustard Seed School and Reading Partners. On Tuesday, March 5th, they donated more than 4-thousand books to the Mustard Seed School and read to students in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday and Read Across America Day (March 2). “If education is the great equalizer, then reading is the first step toward reaching equality. Thank you to all our book drive contributors for helping the future success of Sacramento youth,” said Assemblymember Dickinson. Here’s more in this Assembly Access video.

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, at his distribution event today, handing out over 4,000 books from this collection drive at Mustard Seed School in Sacramento.

Sacramento – Today, at the Mustard Seed School, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson distributed 4,085 children’s books to Sacramento youth. For over a month, Dickinson, along with Sacramento City Councilmembers Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell, have been collecting books from the community to benefit Loaves and Fishes’ Mustard Seed School and Reading Partners. On Tuesday, they donated the books and read to students in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday and Read Across America Day (March 2).

“If education is the great equalizer, then reading is the first step toward reaching equality. Thank you to all our book drive contributors for helping the future success of Sacramento youth,” said Assemblymember Dickinson (D-Sacramento).

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced introduction of AB 844 which would protect consumers’ personal information when making credit card purchases online. The bill is in response to the recent ruling by the California Supreme Court that online retailers can continue to require customers purchasing with credit cards to provide personal information.

“In today’s high-tech world, the privacy of online consumers is continually susceptible to being violated. The court’s decision will further impair the privacy of online consumers,” said Dickinson, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance.

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced introduction of AB 786 which would reform the California Money Transmission Act. The bill will provide clarity for existing licensees and assist with removing barriers to market entry 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) announced introduction of legislation which would help address the issue of gun violence in California. AB 760 would impose a five cent ($0.05) tax on each bullet sold in California. Further, the bill would dedicate the revenue collected to an existing program to screen young children for mild to moderate mental illness, and intervene with strategies to address their problems.

“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 children in our state,” said Dickinson.

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced introduction of Assembly Bill 515 which would establish CEQA Courts in Northern and Southern California to have exclusive jurisdiction over California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) litigation.

“AB 515 would expedite the cumbersome CEQA judicial review process,” said Dickinson. “The problems with the current review process need to be addressed so California can maintain the important environmental protections afforded by CEQA.”

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced introduction of Assembly Bill 420 which would take a large step towards fixing California’s broken school discipline practices. In California alone, over 750,000 students are suspended per year--more than the number who graduate. AB 420 would curb the excessive use of willful defiance as a reason to suspend and expel students.

“Kids who have been suspended or expelled are five times more likely to drop out and 11 times more likely to turn to crime,” said Dickinson, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development. “We must address behavioral issues with alternative means of correction so we can keep young people in school and on track to graduate, and out of the criminal justice system.”

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Sacramento – Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced introduction of AB 385 which would establish the Bank on California Program within the new Department of Business Oversight. The bill gives the program a permanent home and establishes it in statute indefinitely.

“This bill will ensure that the Bank on California Program will stand the test of time but more importantly, that more unbanked Californians join the financial mainstream by becoming banked,” said Dickinson, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance. “With a bank account, unbanked Californians can achieve financial security, start to save for the future, and establish a credit history,” he added.

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Announces Appointment to Search & Rescue Memorial Review Committee

Sacramento - Today, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) announced he has been named Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development by Speaker John Pérez. Dickinson also served as Chair during the 2011-12 legislative session.

"I look forward to Chairing the Select Committee once again. Focusing the state's efforts on building strong families and the health and welfare of youth is both the best short-term and long-term strategy to creating safer, healthier, and more economically-sustainable communities. I look forward to thought-provoking hearings on the topic this year," said Dickinson.

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