July 2016 Newsletter
Happy Fourth of July! A lot has been happening in the State Legislature and in our community, and in this newsletter, you'll find the latest updates from the Capitol, the district, and some great upcoming events – including what to do for the Fourth!
Sincerely,
Kevin McCarty
Assemblymember, 7th District
In This Issue:
The Legislature and governor have just wrapped up a final state budget that is responsible and thoughtful. The budget invests in state priorities like education, higher education, affordable housing, and sets aside $2 billion in our state's rainy day fund. Some highlights include:
- $400 million set-aside for affordable housing
- A historic minimum wage increase
- Continuation of the successful State Earned Income Tax Credit
- $8.5 billion in the state's reserves
- Funding for housing programs for the mentally ill
- $72 billion dollars to K-14 public education
- $530 million to early childhood education and childcare programs to improve quality and create an additional 9,000 preschool slots by 2019-20.
- $161 million to California State University which will increase enrollment by 5,200 students
The budget passed by the Legislature invests money where we need it most and plans for hard times.
Local Hero: Harold Cusick, WWII Vet
When Harold returned from WWII, the wait to get his service medals was long. Instead of waiting, he eagerly jumped a train to get back home to his family. His family worked hard to make sure Harold got the medals he earned serving our country, and recently at his 96th birthday celebration, I was humbled and honored to be able to personally present these medals to him.
The following five medals were awarded for his tours in the Western Theater of World War II by Assemblymember McCarty (displayed below Left to Right):
- The World War II Victory Medal
For service to the United States in the 2nd World War - The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
For service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations - The Good Conduct Medal
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in military service - The American Defense Service Medal
For active duty during WWII exceeding a year in length - The Honorable Service Lapel Button
For honorable service as a member of the Armed Forces
Sac State to Open New Downtown Campus!
On May 17, 2016, Sac State purchased a three-story building at 304 S Street which will house their planned School of Public Affairs. The expansion will help address the decline in on-time student graduation by bringing more classes and increased access for students. The campus is expected to open as early as this fall, with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for later this summer.
West Sacramento Dig-In! Dinner at the West Sacramento Farmer's Market
On Thursday, June 23, 2016, the delta breeze graced us with cooler weather for a fun-filled evening with local business and community leaders at the Raley's & West Sac Chamber Dig-In! Dinner. I was honored to host the dinner with renowned Chef Matt Masera, who is opening the new Saddle Rock restaurant in Midtown Sacramento and is known throughout the region. Proceeds from the Dig-In Dinner went to benefit the Yolo Basin Foundation, which offers environmental education programs related to the wetlands and wildlife. They even brought live bats for people to meet! The Dig-In Dinner is held this summer every third Thursday through August.
June 4, 2016 – Sacramento Pride Parade
This year marked the 32nd annual Pride Parade celebrating our LBGT community and commemorating the Stonewall Riots of New York in 1969 – a pivotal movement in civil rights history.
May 28, 2016 – Sacramento Rides!
Community Bike Ride & Bike Fair @ the Railyards
Recently, I hosted a community bike ride and bike fair in celebration of May is Bike Month. The ride started at the Mill Coffee Shop and ended at the Sacramento Rides! Bike Fair at the Railyards. Big thanks to our partners: Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, Kaiser Permanente, Teichert Construction, Councilmember Jeff Harris, and of course the Railyards for allowing us to take a sneak peek of the roads!
May 19, 2016 – Annual Graduation Ceremony @ the State Capitol
Senator Richard Pan, Assemblymembers Ken Cooley, Jim Cooper, and I were pleased to host the 2016 Annual Graduation Ceremony at the State Capitol where we honored 8th and 12th grade graduates for their achievements.
Fourth of July
- Fourth on the Field at Raley Field
- July Fourth Sacramento Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Cal Expo
- 40th Annual Fourth of July 5-miler
