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Political Roundup

… Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin's, D-Thousand Oaks, Assembly Bill 449 that set up a state-run savings program. The bills allow California to participate in a new program, the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, signed by President Barack Obama in December. On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Brown signed into law Irwin's Assembly Bill 670, which mandates that a minimum number of yearly cybersecurity risk assessments be performed on state networks.

Assemblymember Irwin Highlights Key Legislative Victories

SACRAMENTO- Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) is pleased to announce several district legislative priorities have been signed into law by Governor Brown. Highlights include bills allowing Californians with disabilities to save for the future, strengthening our state cybersecurity infrastructure, and key budget allocations to improve community college success rates and bring in much needed funding to our Community Veteran’s Service Officers.

AAUW fundraiser aims to put more women elected to public office

If the American Association of University Women has anything to say about it, there will be a more equitable balance of women in public office in generations to come.

On Sunday, Larry Janss, a descendant of one of the founding families of Thousand Oaks, opened his home so the AAUW could hold a fundraiser — Fun Raise Her: Supporting Tomorrow's Leaders — to raise money for their program Elect Her, which encourages and trains college-age women to run for student government and future political office.

This Year's Legislative Wrap Up

Governor Brown has wrapped up this year's 30-day marathon signing and vetoing season, taking action on more than 800 bills sent to his desk by the legislature. While our Legislation Tracker is always up to date with the latest status, we thought you'd appreciate a short narrative round up of the year.

Helping kids safely navigate the information superhighway

The digital age is here, and many parents may feel overwhelmed by the number of social media sites their kids seem addicted to. Parents often find themselves standing on one side of the Information Superhighway, cut off from their children as they cruise along the other side.

Tracy Bennett, a clinical psychologist in Camarillo and creator of the program GetKidsInternet- Safe, will speak about smartphone and computer safety at Rancho Rosal Elementary School on Tuesday to provide parents with information on how to help their kids safely navigate the information age.

Yes or no? That is the question. COMMENTARY Dispatches from Sacramento

With the legislative session ending a month ago, it's been great to be home in Ventura County. I've been able to meet with constituents, catch up with old friends, and pick up some of my favorite fall traditions. I've also been invited to speak with a number of community groups and organizations across the district to give an update on my first year in Sacramento.

These meetings have given me a face-to-face opportunity to answer questions from civic-minded folks and discuss ideas for policies they'd like to see me advance during the next session, which begins Dec. 5.

Announcing Our Nationwide AMBER Alert Program

"I would like to applaud the partnership announced today between Uber and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The innovation that is creating new economies can also provide solutions to difficult public safety challenges and crisis situations, and this partnership provides an example of positive steps companies can take to support the safety and well-being of Californians across the state." — Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, District 44

California ABLE Act Signed

Bi-Partisan Bill to Create Tax-Free Savings for Californians with Disabilities

SACRAMENTO – This weekend Governor Brown signed two bills implementing the California ABLE Act. Starting January 1st, 2016, individuals with disabilities and their families will be able to save money tax free, and without fear of losing eligibility to a variety of public assistance programs.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) introduced Assembly Bill 449 and Senate Bill 324 to help people with disabilities save for the future. Together the bills create the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which 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.