TaxesTax Day ApproachesDuring my first term in office, I've seen more than my fair share of "bad bills" coming across my desk. Governor Brown and the Democrats seem to think that tax increases cure all that ails our once-Golden state. They forget that it's OUR money. We work and earn it by the sweat of our brow; they confiscate it and give it to those who don't. Last year I joined with fellow Republcians to kill the Governor's proposed 3-Year, $58 billion tax increase. Not surprisingly, the Governor is at it again. More taxes to fund more giveaways to illegals and welfare recipients are introduced by the Democrat majority every day. They have no concern for struggling American families. I will NEVER vote to increase your tax burden. They could put a .45 to my head and I would not vote to raise your taxes. The Tax Foundation found that Americans will spend more for taxes this year than for food, clothing and housing combined. Yet, Sacramento politicians seem to think that isn't enough. As tax day approaches and you gather your receipts, prepare your return and cross your fingers, you can rest asurred that I will continue the fight to kill these tax increases to keep your money where it belongs, in YOUR pocket. honoring youThank You for Your Courage, Service and SacrificeLast week I had the honor of attending Fort Irwin's third annual Vietnam Veterans "Welcome Home" ceremony where hundreds of Vietnam Veterans gathered and graciously allowed us to right a past wrong. The last of our troops left Vietnam on March 29, 1973 and returned home to a country far from grateful for their service and sacrifice. Upon their return, our brave soldiers were not welcomed with cheering crowds, brass bands or victory parades. Instead they were greeted by a war torn and bitter America. Almost forty years later we welcome our Vietnam Veterans home and honor their courage. As Americans, we have a moral obligation to treat the brave men and women who defend our right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" with dignity and respect.  crime victims weekTwo Public Safety Bills to be Re-consideredThis week, Crime Victims Week, reminds us how important it is to minimize crime and protect victims. Recently, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted down 2 important measures on a party-line vote. Now, the committee will have one more chance to hear these measures. AB 1528: HIDDEN CAMERA PENALTIES Following a local incident in which a man secretly filmed over 45 women in a Starbucks bathroom, the Glendora, California Police Department called for stiffer penalties for this springboard crime. Reacting to these calls, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, proposed AB 1528, a bill to increase the penalty for this form of voyeurism to a felony. Glendora Police Chief Robert Castro responded to the committee's first vote by saying, "Technology is improving and criminals are using it to their advantage; our laws need to catch up. This crime is incredibly invasive and since images and videos, once distributed, cannot be fully erased, people are victimized again and again." He continued, "I am very disappointed that the Public Safety Committee Members who are supposed to represent us do not seem to understand the gravity of these crimes, but I am grateful to Assemblyman Donnelly for his efforts to address this serious invasion of privacy." I introduced this bill to help law enforcement respond to human trafficking, which is now second only to drug trafficking in profitability. It is critical to protect our communities by keeping these repeat, violent career criminals off the streets. Shared Hope International recently rated the states according to their human trafficking laws. California, sadly, received an "F" rating. This is unacceptable. Vulnerable youth in our communities deserve better. I hope the Public Safety Committee Members will act on behalf of crime victims when they are given a second chance to hear these bills. You can contact the committee members to voice your opinion. The contact information can be found here. |
our veteransRepublicans Support California's Returning Veterans
Assemblyman Donnelly has joined fellow Republicans in introducing a package of bills to support California's veterans. He has also co-authored a SCR 82 to support private funding of a memorial in honor our Iraq and Afghanistan War Heroes. For more information, click here.
 my legislationThese Bills Will Be Heard Next WeekProtecting Business from Predatory Fines AB 1721 will require the California Air Resources Board and air quality management districts to issue warnings instead of fines for first time regulatory violations. Political Speech Protection AB 1881 will increase political speech protection by increasing the minimum reporting requirement, so those giving under $5,000 will not have their name and address made publicly available. Sales Tax Exemption on Manufacturing Equipment AB 1911 will create an exemption to draw manufacturers back to California and allow them to hire again. This bill has been designated by Cal Chamber as a JOB CREATOR bill. Equalized Interest Rate AB 2048 forces the government to play by its own rules by requiring it pay the same interest rate that is required of private individuals. Foreign Private Prison Commission AB 2083 creates the Foreign Private Prison Commission to house foreign nationals in a private prison in Mexico if they have been convicted of a deportable offense. Bureaucracy Realignment and Closure Act of 2012 AB 2213 creates the Bureaucracy Realignment and Closure Commission whose sole purpose is to shut down ineffective government agencies, saving the taxpayer billions of dollars. Border Security AB 2306 adds "border security" to the list of situations that will constitute a state of emergency. Only Citizens Can Vote AB 2479 mandates that people must prove their citizenship in order to register to vote. Teaching the Constitution AB 2546 will add into code that the framing of the Constitution, along with other founding documents and the California Constitution, must be taught in social science and history classes. In The DistrictHearing From YouAssemblyman Donnelly seeks input from local clergy on upcoming issues at the Capitol.  |
