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Statement on Affordable Housing

The Assemblymembers listed below today issued the following statement on the effort to address California’s housing affordability crisis:

Bill Would Curb Massive Cadiz Desert Water Project

The battle over plans by a Los Angeles company to sell water pumped from aquifers underneath Mojave Desert conservation areas heated up again this week when state legislation was amended to require a new round of state reviews.

The legislation’s new language, by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, would stop major pumping until state land and wildlife officials determined that groundwater extractions would not harm wildlife or cultural resources.

The legislation is in response to the Cadiz desert water project that has been prioritized by the Trump administration.

California Bill Takes Aim at Mojave Desert Groundwater Project

A new bill in the state Legislature would require California to review the environmental impacts of a company's proposal to pump groundwater from beneath the Mojave Desert and sell it to Southern California cities — a controversial plan that was slowed down by President Obama, but which appears to have the backing of the Trump administration.

Friedman Unveils Bill to Protect the Mojave Desert

SACRAMENTO - California Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) today introduced Assembly Bill 1000, the California Desert Protection Act, in response to growing threats by the Trump Administration and the Cadiz water extraction project to the California desert.

Joint Assembly Co-author Statement on SB 562

Dear Californians,

As co-authors of SB 562, we strongly support the vision of a single-payer healthcare system.  While we were disappointed that SB 562 as passed by the Senate lacked critical details, we were ready to carry on the work necessary for responsible policymaking.

Friedman Names Silverlake Conservatory of Music “Nonprofit of the Year”

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) named Silverlake Conservatory of Music the 43rd Assembly District Nonprofit of the Year.  The Conservatory offers private music lessons on all orchestral and band instruments, as well as a variety of ensemble classes at a reasonable cost. One of their primary goals is to provide scholarships to children whose families would otherwise be unable to afford lessons.

Asm. Friedman Honors Mickey DePalo of Burbank as Veteran of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) named Mickey DePalo of Burbank as the 2017 Veteran of the Year for the 43rd Assembly District.  DePalo joined Friedman in the Capitol for the recognition and ceremony.

“Mickey has an outstanding record of service to his country, his community, and his fellow veterans across the region,” said Friedman.  “It’s an honor to recognize him and all that he has done for our veterans and their families.”

Friedman Honors Mickey DePalo of Burbank as Veteran of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) named Mickey DePalo of Burbank as the 2017 Veteran of the Year for the 43rd Assembly District.  DePalo joined Friedman in the Capitol for the recognition and ceremony.

California Legislature Passes Budget with $3 Million for Armenian Museum

SACRAMENTO -  California State Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, announces that the 2017-2018 California State Budget, which was passed by both the State Assembly and Senate on Thursday, June 15, includes $3 million in funding for the Armenian American Museum planned for Glendale.

Funding for the museum will be granted over a 3-year period.  In addition, a $5 million fund has been created to update current public school curricula and train teachers on the history of the Armenian Genocide.

“For months I’ve fought for funding in the budget for the museum,” said Friedman. “And I’m thrilled that the funding has come through for the museum, which will serve as a beacon of hope and understanding for the local Armenian community, and countless visitors from around the world.” 

Op-Ed: Grassroots Activism is Key for State to Remain a Global Leader on Environmental Issues

BURBANK - California has been a global leader on a number of issues. We’re home to innovators and engineers, cutting edge research, and pioneers across every industry.  We have a long history of meeting seemingly insurmountable challenges head-on, and time after time, we’ve not only succeeded, we’ve sparked growth in our economy and improved the quality of life for countless communities.