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Press Releases

Statement by Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs

I am outraged that Soldiers and their families who innocently relied on enlistment promises the Guard made to them have been told to repay that money. Later today I will sign a joint letter from both the Assembly and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committees urging Congress to act on this matter. However, I am greatly concerned that relief, even once Congress acts, will come too late for Soldiers who have already complied with orders to repay.  I have asked the Guard for an accounting of how many such soldiers are affected.  I want to make sure that those innocent soldiers who complied quickly are also taken into account in any solution. It is important to note,  the California National Guard established the Soldier Incentive and Assistance Center (SIAC) to advocate for affected soldiers and support their appeals. Through this process, the California National Guard has helped about 4,500 soldiers retain approximately $40 million in bonus money. We will update you as we work to resolve this important issue.


California Veteran’s Committees Letter to Congress
Regarding National Guard Bonuses

Read Joint Letter

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Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin Applauds Passage of Job-Creation Bill That Will Bring UC Research and Innovations to Market

SACRAMENTO – A far-reaching bill, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), aimed at creating jobs and helping to reverse the recent decline of successful start-up companies in California, has been passed by the Legislature and now awaits Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature to become law. Assembly Bill 2664 provides $22 million to the University of California system that will help convert research and science done at the UCs to products that benefit society.  The California Chamber of Commerce has labeled this bill as a “job creator.” 

Bill Aimed at Massive Child Identity Theft Problem Sent to Governor

SACRAMENTO – The California State Legislature today took a huge stride toward protecting children, who are 50 times more likely to have their identities stolen than adults, from cyber thieves, including those who commit so-called “friendly fraud.”