MORE JOBS

"To strengthen California’s economy and create new jobs, we need to focus on industries that will grow in the future. That’s why I’ve devoted so much effort to creating green jobs."

• Tax incentives for green manufacturing. To encourage investment in manufacturing and job creation in California, Padilla’s law exempts California green businesses from sales and use taxes when they buy new manufacturing equipment. (SB 71)
• Making it easier to build solar power plants. Because of Alex’s clean energy law, California can expedite the building of solar power plants – creating thousands of new jobs, and protecting our communities from the harmful pollutants released by traditional power plants. (SB 8X 34)
• Increased funding for broadband deployment. Padilla’s bill created the $125 million California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), to build out high speed internet in underserved areas across the state. It also helps California leverage federal stimulus funds, and has already provided hundreds of million dollars for broadband adoption, digital literacy, and computer center projects in the state. (SB 1040)

BETTER SCHOOLS

"My dad was a short-order cook and my mom cleaned houses. With their support, I graduated from MIT with a degree in engineering. I know firsthand the opportunities that come from a good education."

• Making it easier for Community College students to transfer to four-year universities. Padilla’s landmark Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act creates a clear pathway for Community College students to transfer into the CSU system, saving students time and money. (SB 1440)
• Allowing retired teachers to return to work. To help reduce the teacher shortage facing public schools, Alex passed a law making it easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom. (SB 901)
• Helping community colleges get access to high-speed internet. Padilla’s 2008 law allows community colleges to receive discounts on broadband and other telecommunications services. This law gives thousands of students better access to the jobs of tomorrow. (SB 1437)

SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS

"Nothing is more important than making sure our neighborhoods are safe. To be tough on crime, we a so need to be smart on crime."

• Banning cell phones in state prisons. When imprisoned gang leaders have cell phones, they can stay in contact with the street – ordering murders, kidnappings, and drug deals. Padilla’s bipartisan bill will criminalize the smuggling of a cell phone while in prison. (SB 525)
• Protecting law enforcement from criminals wearing body armor. Because criminals wearing armor are especially dangerous to police officers, Padilla’s law prohibits violent felons from purchasing, owning, or possessing bullet-proof vests and other body armor. (SB 408)
• Better access to ballistics evidence. Similar to fingerprints, ballistics evidence can help solve crimes and convict criminals. Padilla’s law enhances the coordination and sharing of ballistics evidence, giving law enforcement new tools to keep our neighborhoods safe. (SB 248)

CLEANER AIR AND WATER

"We don’t need to trade clean air and water for economic growth. In fact, clean air and water are critical to the economic future of our state."

• Requiring utilities to increase their use of renewable energy. Padilla’s bill will require California’s utilities to use solar, wind, and other renewable sources for one-third of the energy they deliver. (SB 14)
• Protecting our clean air. Padilla’s 2008 law ensures polluters pay when they violate the law, and uses the fines collected for a clean fuel program. He also passed a law giving the California Air Resources Board the authority to punish polluters. (SB 1646, SB 1028)
• Increasing energy efficiency. Padilla’s 2009 “Smart Grid” law made California the first state in the nation to adopt a smart grid policy. Smart Grid technology improves the efficiency of the electric power grid, reducing the need for additional power plants. (SB 17)
• Conserving water. To advance water conservation throughout the state, Padilla’s law will require all commercial and residential buildings sold in California to meet high efficiency water use standards. (SB 407)

HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

"Obesity has overtaken tobacco use as the top threat to Americans’ health. Unless we act, our children will have a shorter life expectancy than we do."

• Providing nutritional information on menus. In 2008, Padilla received national acclaim for his law requiring chain restaurants to provide calorie information on menus, so families can make smart choices when dining out. (SB 1420)
• Removing sweetened sports drinks from schools. Some sweetened sports drinks have as much sugar as soda, and have become a major contributor to childhood obesity. Padilla’s 2010 legislation would ban the sale of these drinks on campus. (SB 1255)
• Protecting patients from radiation overdoses. In response to reports of widespread overdoses during CT scans, Padilla’s bill establishes safeguards to protect patients from being exposed to excess radiation. (SB 1237)
• Improving food safety. To reduce food-borne illnesses and hospitalizations, Padilla passed a law requiring all restaurant employees to be trained and certified in proper food handling. (SB 602)