By Emma Mayerson, Development Assistant
We are thrilled that Governor Brown just signed SB 897 into law. The Women’s Policy Institute’s Aging Justice Team advocated tirelessly for this critical bill, sponsored by Mark Leno. The bill will require nursing homes and residential care facilities for the elderly to give notice of any possible foreclosures to residents and their families. Believe it or not, in some foreclosure cases, residents had no idea they were being evicted until sheriffs arrived and forcibly removed them. Passage of this bill will mean that residents and their families will now have more time to find safe, affordable housing.
“We could not have done it without the guidance of our mentors,” said WPI fellow Ann Warren. WPI mentors are experts in policy advocacy who partner with the fellows during the one-year training. In the case of SB 897, WPI fellows worked under the guidance and mentorship of Frances Chacon, California Assembly Human Services Committee Consultant for State Assemblymember Jim Beall; London Biggs, Senior Legislative Assistant to Senator Mark Leno and Karla Rodriquez, Program Officer for the Women’s Foundation of California. Both the mentors and the fellows felt that this partnership was critical to their victory.
“I was really impressed by the quality of the fellows. I could rely on them to help me staff this bill,” said WPI mentor London Briggs.
This is the third Aging Justice Team for the WPI fellowship and the first victory! The passing of SB897 is a beautiful example of what fierce perseverance and true teamwork can accomplish. Congratulations!