By Robyn Burleson, Intern, Women’s Foundation of California
Each year, the Women’s Foundation of California trains 30 women activists through our Women’s Policy Institute (WPI). The women collaborate in teams, learn how to negotiate the political maze of Sacramento and develop legislation.
You can take action and support two of our WPI teams on current bills:
The Aging Justice Team is working to pass SB 897 (Leno), a bill that 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. This bill would mean that residents and their families are informed of possible foreclosures and given the opportunity to find safe, affordable housing.
In May, SB 897 passed through the Senate, and then passed unanimously through the Assembly Human Services Committee on June 28! It’s currently sitting in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The hearing date is pending, but in the meantime, you can support this bill by submitting a letter of support (download the letter!).
The Economic Justice Team is doing all they can to get passage of AB 828 (Swanson), a bill to end California’s ban on CalFresh benefits (or Food Stamps) for formerly incarcerated people who were convicted of a drug felony. Research shows that Calfresh benefits are critical to helping people successfully re-enter their communities, build self-sufficiency and take care of their families. AB 828 has passed through the California Assembly and is currently in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Do you believe that people deserve a second chance? Then please support AB 828. Here’s how:
- Like the bill on Facebook
- Send a letter on behalf of your organization or yourself to Senator Kehoe in the Senate Appropriations Committee encouraging her to pass this bill. (Sample letter on Facebook!)
- Sign this petition supporting AB 828!
- Questions? Contact Gwendy Brown at Gwendy@opportunityfund.org