(SALINAS, CA) - On March 18, 2020, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) applauded critical legislative action taken to combat COVID 19, including a special appropriation for up to $1 billion. These budgetary measures were taken to protect the health and safety of Californians.
“On Monday, to address the State’s most urgent needs related to COVID-19, the Legislature voted on two emergency budget items to ensure the health and safety of California residents,” said Rivas. “These include a $500 million appropriation from the General Fund, and authorization for up to $1 billion as needed, to support the Governor’s executive orders from March 4th. Additionally, we are appropriating
$100 million to the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure the safety of school sites.”
“To protect health and safety in and around the Capitol—including for staff, visitors, and our own families—we are also beginning a temporary legislative recess. Through April 17th, our work will proceed and we will continue to be available to our constituents, but hearings and floor proceedings in Sacramento have been cancelled. If required, we will return to the Capitol for special sessions or emergency legislation. As members of the Legislature, we must continue to address critical issues as a functioning body for all 40 million Californians.”
According to Rivas, “Monday’s budgetary votes demonstrate that the Legislature is working closely with the administration as it exercises its executive power and responsibility to provide California residents with essential state services. We will continue to advise and consent, supporting Governor Newsom as he aggressively combats this pandemic.”
“Please keep me informed of your needs and questions,” said Rivas. “As your Assemblymember, I am here to serve you and will continue to work hard for all the residents of District 30.”
The most efficient way to share your concerns is through Assemblymember Rivas’ website: https://speaker.asmdc.org/contact where your issues can be precisely documented, and the office will then seek to address them.
According to Rivas, “As we all continue to work together to slow the spread of the virus, it is imperative to follow the California Health Department’s guidance.” Those recommendations include the following:
- Wash your hands often, for 20-seconds each time with soap and water
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often
- When in public, keep at least arms-length distance from others.
- Keep at least 6-feet away from people who are ill
- Stay home if you do not feel well
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, coughing, or shortness of breath, please call your healthcare provider immediately.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, including local school closures and county recommendations that may be more restrictive than state guidelines, please stay informed at:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
- California Department of Public Health – www.cdph.ca.gov
- Santa Clara County Department of Public Health – sccgov.org/sites/phd/pages/phd.aspx
- Monterey County Department of Health – www.mtyhd.org/2019ncov
- San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency – https://hhsa.cosb.us/publichealth/
- Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency – www.santacruzhealth.org
- Monterey County Office of Education https://www.montereycoe.org/
- Santa Clara County Office of Education https://www.sccoe.org/
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education https://santacruzcoe.org/superintendent/health-and- wellness/coronavirus/
- San Benito County Office of Education https://www.sbcoe.org/
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Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) represents California’s 30th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of the cities and towns of Aromas, Big Sur, Chualar, Gilroy, Greenfield, Gonzales, Hollister, King City, Morgan Hill, Salinas, San Martin, San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Spreckels, and Watsonville.