Press Releases

(Sacramento, CA) – The series of high-profile cyberattacks on both private and public networks has demonstrated the growing risk to our most important societal systems, our critical infrastructure sectors. In the interests of public safety, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) convened a hearing that featured two panels: one to examine the actions being taken by State government, and one to weigh input from the private sector.  To start off the hearing Chairwoman Irwin made her intention clear, “This issue needs to become a priority so that it is a consideration in all policy discussions and not ignored in future state budgets.”

Panelists included officials from the Office of Emergency Services and the California Military Department; policy experts with federal backgrounds; and representatives from the electric utility and telecommunications sectors. “Currently in cybersecurity there tends to be an emphasis on simply responding to threats after the damage is already done,” said Davis Hake, a former cybersecurity advisor in the Obama Administration.

SACRAMENTO – Whether it’s picking pumpkins in the fall or strawberries in springtime, chances are that if you grew up in Ventura County you have made some lasting childhood memories at Underwood Family Farms. This is one of the reasons why Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today recognized Underwood Family Farms as the 44th Assembly District Small Business of the Year at the 2015 California Small Business Day in Sacramento.

Since 2000, the California State Assembly hosts “California Small Business Day” annually to honor the outstanding small businesses throughout California. “Families and agriculture are two of our top priorities in Ventura County,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “For decades, Underwood Family Farms has played an integral role in bringing the two together. A yearly visit to the farm was a family tradition when my children were young and I always look forward to my stops at the roadside stands on the weekends,” said Irwin. “I am proud to highlight Underwood Family Farms and their contribution to our community.”

SACRAMENTO- Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) is pleased to announce that several major district legislative priorities have passed through the Assembly with broad bipartisan support. Highlights include bills to help veterans rejoin the workforce and access key services, improve community college success rates, allow disabled persons to save for the future, and protect Californians against cybersecurity threats.

The expansion of the “Hire a Hero Tax Credit” through Assembly Bill (AB) 931 increases incentives for employers to connect veterans with quality, high-paying jobs. Restoring funding for county veterans services, AB 171 will help veterans get the federal benefits they have earned. “This not only benefits California veterans, it benefits the California economy. Over the past two years county veterans services officers’ work has generated $546 million in new or increased federal benefits for our veterans, a return of $98 for every $1 invested,” proclaimed Irwin.

Highlight Local and Statewide Issues in Early Childhood Education for Agricultural Families

Oxnard, CA – The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is a non-profit, community-based organization that was established in 1963 in order to serve disadvantaged individuals and families throughout California. This past Friday May 29th, Assemblymembers Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) visited the local center in Oxnard operated by the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation.

“Today I was able to witness first-hand the amazing early childhood education services MAOF provides to Oxnard families.” Said Assemblymember Irwin. “Investing in early childhood education has long-term positive results and cost savings for our State. I am grateful we have one of their preschools in our community and for their ongoing investment in our future generations.”

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today announced that her plan to allow more community college campuses to implement innovative basic skills programs to improve student success rates has been placed into the Governor’s revised budget.

“I am very pleased to see that Governor Brown has included $60 million from Prop 98 to fund basic skills innovation in today’s budget revision,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “California has a tremendous opportunity to make this targeted one-time investment in our community college system that will have a long-term impact on the lives and success of students.”

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today convened a joint hearing of two key Assembly Committees to examine the policy steps needed to ensure accountability and transparency by state government as it addresses the ongoing threat of cyber security.  The hearing of the Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection focused on tangible actions the state can take to secure its assets.

“Cybersecurity is a national priority with critical importance in California,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “This committee will continue to work to accelerate the steps being taken to protect California from these cyber threats, and look for new solutions in a way that could serve as an example to other states and the nation as a whole.”

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) today recognized Kathy Long, Ventura County Supervisor, as the Woman of the Year for the 44th Assembly District.

“It is an honor to recognize Kathy Long for her 35 year policymaking career. Kathy Long is a remarkable woman who has made a profound and positive difference in the lives of the people she represents,” Irwin said. She is well known for creating alliances for the benefit of the health, welfare and public safety of Ventura County residents.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 930 and Assembly Bill 931, two bills which aim to improve employment opportunities for California’s veteran population. AB 930, a bill joint-authored by Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), will codify and expand the successful Work for Warriors program currently operated by the California Military Department. AB 931 will broaden the group of veterans eligible for the new hiring tax credit created in 2013.

“As Chair of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I am mindful of the challenges faced by Veterans in securing gainful employment once their service has concluded,” said Assemblywoman Irwin. “AB 930 will expand Work for Warriors to all current and former members of the Armed Services, as well as their spouses and dependents. This bill will also facilitate a partnership with the Employment Development Department to provide continued efficiency in helping connect unemployed veterans with jobs.” Work for Warriors is the most efficient Veteran job placement program in the country with a per placement cost of less than $650 and has placed nearly 4000 veterans to in less than three years.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 556 to uphold consumer confidence in charitable giving. The measure is sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. Specifically, the bill closes a loophole in the law regarding commercial fundraisers who raise money on behalf of nonprofit organizations and extends a 10-year statute of limitations to include commercial fundraisers and other third parties who aid and abet charity misconduct.

“As a city councilmember and board member of local nonprofits in Ventura County, I saw the enormous positive impact that charities have on our communities,” said Assemblywoman Irwin. “AB 556 will help keep bad behavior by a few from undermining the confidence that Californians have in the more than 70,000 active nonprofit organizations doing great work in California. I commend Attorney General Kamala Harris for her work on this issue and look forward to working with her on AB 556.”