Assemblymember Salas is joined by Assembly Speaker John Perez and Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal and Connie Conway in honoring Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce President Cynthia Pollard

Assemblymember Salas on the Assembly floor with Woman of the Year honoree Cynthia Pollard

32nd Assembly District Woman of the Year

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) today recognized Cynthia Pollard as the 32nd Assembly District Woman of the Year for 2014. As President / CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Pollard has significantly contributed to improving the quality of life in local communities. Assemblymember Salas recognized Pollard for her achievements during a special Assembly Floor ceremony during session.

BAKERSFIELD - Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) released the following statement today after the Fifth Appellate Court of Appeal issued a published opinion in favor of the Kern County District Attorney's office regarding Sweepstakes Gambling Cafes:

"Today's court opinion helps local government shut down these illegal gambling cafes. I will continue to work with law enforcement and local governments to bring clarity in state law and put the final nail in the coffin for illegal gambling sweepstakes cafés by enacting AB 1439 (Salas). Finally, I would like to commend the District Attorney's office and everyone who has been fighting in the courts to stop these illegal gambling operations. Today's court opinion is a step towards a final victory for small businesses and the public safety of our communities."

Central Valley hearings lead to increased funding for storage; Salas calls for more

SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) joined Assemblymember Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), Chair of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, when Assemblymember Rendon announced the increase of funding for above and below ground storage from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion in AB 1331, the Clean and Safe Drinking Water Act of 2014. Rendon credited today’s announcement of increased funding to the efforts of Central Valley legislators, specifically Assemblymember Salas, who continually advocated for more investment in storage and water infrastructure.

“The additional funding for more water storage in AB 1331 is a step toward a more comprehensive statewide solution,” said Assemblymember Salas. “An essential piece of the puzzle is making sure that in November the voters have a complete water bond that provides enough funding to give our communities access to clean drinking water and protects our agricultural industry.”

Assemblymember calls for water bond, more storage and water delivery infrastructure

SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) voted today in support of critical drought relief legislation for the Central Valley region and the state as a whole.

“These emergency bills will provide immediate drought relief for the hardest hit communities,” said Salas. “Specifically, it provides more than $16 Million for the Tulare/Kern region to ensure access to emergency drinking water supplies and food assistance, employment training for drought affected workers and resources to support farmers who switch over to the more water efficient drip irrigation systems.”

Leads statewide effort to save funding by introducing Assembly Bill 2033

BAKERSFIELD - Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) met with the California Future Farmers of America (FFA) student organization leaders and introduced a bill to address the critical need for the Agriculture Education Incentive Grant Program to continue. In addition to introducing AB 2033, Salas is launching a statewide effort to urge continued funding of $4.1 million for the Agriculture Education Incentive Grant Program. The Governor’s proposed budget removed this funding and as a result, California’s 315 agriculture programs could be terminated.

“These dynamic programs give students and teachers the technical skills needed to meet local industry demands through welding, husbandry, agriscience, mechanics, and a variety of other vocational programs,” said Assemblymember Salas. “In my district, we have seen the partnership between these students and local businesses produce mechanized hydraulic trailers or even trained service dogs for the blind.”

BAKERSFIELD – Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) released the following statement today in response to the President’s visit to the Central Valley:

“I want to thank President Obama for coming to visit the Central Valley. The millions of dollars in federal drought assistance will truly help our families and our farmers who are suffering. This relief will mitigate for the drought’s agro-economic impact as well as give our communities access to funds that can help provide clean drinking water. The President’s visit along with the Governor’s drought declaration highlight why it is so important that we work toward long term solutions to address the water needs of the Central Valley and the entire state. This means coming together to provide immediate drought relief and investing in California’s water infrastructure to help store and convey water throughout the system.”

Assemblymember Salas represents part of the City of Bakersfield, the cities of Arvin, Avenal, Corcoran, Delano, Hanford, Lemoore, McFarland, Shafter, Wasco, and the communities of Armona, Buttonwillow, Home Garden, Kettleman City, Lamont, Lost Hills, Stratford and Weedpatch.

Solution requires a bipartisan bond reflective of regional needs

BAKERSFIELD - Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) this evening called for increased storage and access to clean drinking water at a hearing of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. Salas hosted the hearing and its chair, Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to give local residents a chance to both learn about the proposed 2014 California Water Bond and offer input on its contents.