The School Year Is Here, and Team Rivas Wants to Help!
Friends and Neighbors,
The start of the school year can be exciting and stressful. You know this. Your family knows this. And my wife and I understand and can relate. New clothes, new supplies, figuring out lunches - it can be a lot.
Every first day of school is an important milestone for a family. As a father, I am always amazed at how much my daughter has grown up when looking through first-day-of-school photos through the years.
I know many parents can relate. I wish you and your family a successful school year ahead.
Sincerely,
Speaker Robert Rivas
Assemblymember, District 29
Five Public Resources to Help Your Family Prepare for the First Day of School
- Food Assistance: It's no secret: Students learn best when they have healthy meals to nourish their development. Families can receive financial assistance from CalFresh to help pay for groceries and put healthy food on their tables. In addition, CalWORKs may be able to provide support to pay for food as well as housing, medical care, and other essential costs.
- Child Care: Many parents and families require safe, quality, and affordable child care, but don't know where to start looking. ChildCare.gov makes the process of finding a child care provider easier.
- Health Care: Back-to-school is the perfect time to explore comprehensive health care coverage options for your children and family. California offers many affordable and low-cost health insurance plans. Find out if your family is eligible at InsureKidsNow.gov.
- Youth Mental Health Resources: The California Health & Human Services Agency has compiled an online list of mental health support resources for children, young adults, and their families to utilize.
- Start Saving For Education Early: It's never too early to start saving for your student's education! CalKIDS will provide each child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, and eligible low-income public school students with up to $1,500 for college education and career training!
District Events and Resources
Nonprofit of the Year
Team Rivas was proud to announce the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 29: Rebekah Children's Services! Founded in 1897 in Gilroy, RCS provides a continuum of social and educational services to 14,000 children and families every year.
Backpack Drives Throughout the District
Team Rivas helped distribute thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies throughout the county ahead of the start of school. Thank you to the United Way of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, United for San Benito, Nueva Vida, and the many community organizations and individuals who helped make this happen!
Young Leaders
Our community's Youth and Leadership Program was a success! High-school participants from across the district were able to meet with local, regional, and state leaders, including during a visit to the State Capitol in Sacramento.
San Benito 150th Anniversary
It was an honor to celebrate the 150th San Benito County Anniversary! I am always grateful to have grown up and to continue to live in such a beautiful community.
As always, our district office is committed to delivering quality public services. Knowing who to call for quick, accurate information can save you time and energy. If you are experiencing an issue involving state government, please call our office at (831) 759-8676. The district office staff can assist you with any state-related program or issue, such as:
- Consumer complaints
- Veteran benefits and programs
- Unemployment and disability insurance
- State taxes
- Driver licensing and car registration
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Professional conduct or licensing complaints