SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today recognized Kathy Long, Ventura County Supervisor, as the Woman of the Year for the 44th Assembly District.

“It is an honor to recognize Kathy Long for her 35 year policymaking career. Kathy Long is a remarkable woman who has made a profound and positive difference in the lives of the people she represents,” Irwin said. She is well known for creating alliances for the benefit of the health, welfare and public safety of Ventura County residents.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 930 and Assembly Bill 931, two bills which aim to improve employment opportunities for California’s veteran population. AB 930, a bill joint-authored by Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), will codify and expand the successful Work for Warriors program currently operated by the California Military Department. AB 931 will broaden the group of veterans eligible for the new hiring tax credit created in 2013.

“As Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I am mindful of the challenges faced by Veterans in securing gainful employment once their service has concluded,” said Assemblywoman Irwin. “AB 930 will expand Work for Warriors to all current and former members of the Armed Services, as well as their spouses and dependents. This bill will also facilitate a partnership with the Employment Development Department to provide continued efficiency in helping connect unemployed veterans with jobs.” Work for Warriors is the most efficient Veteran job placement program in the country with a per placement cost of less than $650 and has placed nearly 4000 veterans to in less than three years.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 556 to uphold consumer confidence in charitable giving. The measure is sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. Specifically, the bill closes a loophole in the law regarding commercial fundraisers who raise money on behalf of nonprofit organizations and extends a 10-year statute of limitations to include commercial fundraisers and other third parties who aid and abet charity misconduct.

“As a city councilmember and board member of local nonprofits in Ventura County, I saw the enormous positive impact that charities have on our communities,” said Assemblywoman Irwin. “AB 556 will help keep bad behavior by a few from undermining the confidence that Californians have in the more than 70,000 active nonprofit organizations doing great work in California. I commend Attorney General Kamala Harris for her work on this issue and look forward to working with her on AB 556.”

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 449 to help people with disabilities save for the future. AB 449, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, allows people with disabilities to open special accounts where they can save without risking eligibility for Social Security and other government programs. ABLE accounts are similar to the widely used 529 education savings plan but would be used for disability related expenses.

“AB 449 provides people with disabilities a path to employment and greater independence and dignity,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “The costs of caring and providing for someone with disabilities can be enormous. This bill will give families and individuals a tool to save money to support the needs of people with disabilities.”

Will Examine California’s Role in Addressing Cybersecurity Threats

Sacramento—Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) has been appointed by Speaker Toni G. Atkins as chair of the Select Committee on Cybersecurity. The committee was created in light of recent cyber security threats that have left millions of Americans at risk of identity theft. As chair of the committee, Irwin recently joined President Obama and other national leaders at the White House’s Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection to address California’s role in preventing and responding to security threats.

“Cybersecurity is an issue of rapidly growing importance and I believe the State bears a responsibility to address the rising threat of cyber-attacks,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “In light of the recent attacks on Sony and Anthem, it is clear that this issue affects all citizens and will continue to be a matter of public safety.”

Assemblymember also set to serve on State Public Works Board, Inter-Agency Council on Vets, Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today announced her appointment to the State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.  Irwin was appointed by Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins to the Commission, a nonpartisan state agency that works to promote equality and justice for all women and girls in California

“Women have clearly come a long way, but there is still much work to be done,” said Assemblymember Irwin.  “It is an honor to serve on this Commission as an advocate for economic justice, educational equality, access to health care and many other critical issues affecting women and girls.”