BLOCK'S BILLS ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE

July 24, 2009 (Sacramento) – Keyl measures introduced by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) have moved forward in the California Legislature.  His bills include education measures aimed at preventing high school drop-outs, helping cash-strapped after-school programs, and establishing a feasibility study for a future California State University campus in the South Bay. Others address health issues, including safety of human egg donations and access to dental fluoride treatments for children. Additionally, a resolution by Block calls on Congress to close loopholes for corporations that offshore assets to avoid taxation.

AB 24 calls for a feasibility study for a San Diego State University satellite program and future CSU campus in the City of Chula Vista. The bill passed the Assembly by a unanimous vote and now awaits Senate action.
 

AB 374 would require public schools to obtain written consent from students and their parents or guardians if the student intends to drop out from high school. It would also require informing students and parents of the negative consequences of not finishing high school. The measure is also being considered in the Senate.
 

AB 434 eases the fundraising burdens on local after-school programs. It passed the Senate Education Committee and is headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
 

AB 667 increases opportunities for children to obtain fluoride varnish treatments. The bill has passed both houses, winning unanimous approval in the Senate, and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.
 

AB 1317 will require a warning in all advertisements for egg donation to inform patients of potential health risks associated with human egg donation. The bill is headed to the full Senate for a vote.
 

AJR 12 would urge Congress to close the Cayman Islands corporate tax loophole, which currently allows large corporations to stash money overseas in tax haven shelters to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. This resolution passed the Assembly and will be considered next by the California State Senate.