http://www.senatorsimitian.com/news/index/ en lisa.gardiner@sen.ca.gov Copyright 2012 2012-02-01T22:13:33+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/editorial_dont_cut_funding_for_kindergarten_preschool/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/editorial_dont_cut_funding_for_kindergarten_preschool/#When:22:13:33Z California's preschool and kindergarten set are targeted to take some of the biggest hits to funding in the state budget proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The governor should withdraw his plan before it undercuts the critical years of education for some of California's most vulnerable children. Almost one-fifth of the $4 billion in state program cuts Brown has proposed would come from early childhood education -- child care, preschool and the new transitional kindergarten scheduled to start in the fall. These programs should be among the state's highest priorities. Children are our most precious resource, and their success paves the way for California's economy to grow and prosper. Education, Contacts, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 30: Kindergarten Readiness Act Implementation, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1381: Kindergarten Age 2012-02-01T22:13:33+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/lets_work_together_to_help_prevent_elder_financial_abuse/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/lets_work_together_to_help_prevent_elder_financial_abuse/#When:01:09:26Z The financial exploitation of seniors can take many forms. Some scams involve persuading people to put up good faith money, or a spurious transaction fee to claim a lottery prize. Others are more menacing, where a perpetrator coerces an elder into signing over investments, real estate or other assets through the use of manipulation, intimidation or threats. Often, these scams raise the suspicions of bank employees who -- when given proper guidance and training -- are effective guards against financial abuse of elders. Since the passage in 2005 of the Financial Elder Abuse Reporting Act, authored by State Sen. Joe Simitian D-Palo Alto, bank employees have been required to notify authorities of incidents where elder financial abuse is suspected. Elder Protection, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 33: Financial Elder Abuse Sunset Elimination 2012-01-24T01:09:26+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/high-speed_rail_on_msnbc/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/high-speed_rail_on_msnbc/#When:02:15:52Z Joe in the News, Audio/Visual 2012-01-21T02:15:52+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/jerry_browns_budget_proposes_killing_transitional_kindergarten_funds/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/jerry_browns_budget_proposes_killing_transitional_kindergarten_funds/#When:18:36:39Z Before lawmakers approved the 2010 bill, a major concern was what would happen to children who no longer qualify for kindergarten, particularly those from low-income families that could not easily afford private pre-kindergarten programs. State leaders compromised by providing money for school districts to run the transitional program for those students, said Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto. "The governor is talking about depriving 125,000 kids a year an opportunity to go to school," Simitian said. "I think it's a non-starter." Education, Joe in the News, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1381: Kindergarten Age 2012-01-09T18:36:39+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/review_urges_delay_in_borrowing_billions_for_bullet_train/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/review_urges_delay_in_borrowing_billions_for_bullet_train/#When:21:41:53Z The panel includes private-sector financial experts, a University of California dean of engineering, a former Caltrans director and a local government representative. Their warnings are likely to weigh heavily on lawmakers as they consider the project in coming months, said Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), a longtime supporter of high-speed rail who has grown increasingly concerned about the project. Simitian has raised the possibility of putting the entire project on hold for a year to reevaluate the current plan. "We can't simply dismiss the legitimate concerns by a group of this caliber," Simitian said. "Denial is not going to move the project forward." Joe in the News, Print 2012-01-06T21:41:53+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/curbing_cough_medicine_abuse_target_of_calif._law/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/curbing_cough_medicine_abuse_target_of_calif._law/#When:00:50:53Z Starting Sunday, California will become the first state to try to curb the abuse of over-the-counter cold medicines containing a powerful cough suppressant by requiring consumers to show proof they're over age 18. The ingredient is dextromethorphan, or DXM, and it's found in popular medications such as Robitussin-DM, Mucinex-DM, Delsym, Coricidin and NyQuil. Some teenagers, and even younger kids, down the drug in excessive quantities to get a euphoric high, an act known as "robotripping," "skittling" or "dexing." The drug is sometimes referred to as "poor man's PCP" for its hallucinogenic effects. "By limiting the sale to minors, we hope to reduce the number of cases where there's misuse or abuse of over-the-counter cough medications containing DXM," said the bill's author, state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto. "This is really nasty stuff with very serious consequences." Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 514: Dextromethorphan: sale to minors ban 2011-12-30T00:50:53+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/op-ed_new_law_to_stop_robo-tripping_needs_a_village_to_make_it_work/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/op-ed_new_law_to_stop_robo-tripping_needs_a_village_to_make_it_work/#When:21:59:15Z When we were growing up, the drugs of choice for teenagers were beer and marijuana. So much has changed. Now, kids are into hard liquor and a variety of really dangerous drugs. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is one such drug. Taken as directed in products such as Robitussin and Coricidin, it is safe and effective. But when taken at higher doses, DXM can cause hallucinations, loss of motor control, vomiting, paranoia, numbness, lethargy, slurred speech and "out-of-body" sensations similar to PCP and LSD. But now, we fervently hope, the abuse of DXM will decrease. As of Jan. 1, a new law authored by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, prohibits the sale of cold and cough medicines containing DXM to minors. Joe in the News, Print, There Oughta Be A Law News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 514: Dextromethorphan: sale to minors ban, 2003-2004 Legislation, AB 1853: Dextromethorphan: sale to minors ban 2011-12-23T21:59:15+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/pge_restores_power_to_smartmeter_protesters/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/pge_restores_power_to_smartmeter_protesters/#When:20:59:38Z PG&E decided to restore power after hearing from customers and public officials. California Sen. Joe Simitian spoke with PG&E executives and urged them to "take a step back and take a deep breath," he said. "I don't have a problem with SmartMeters per se - I just thought this was over the top," said Simitian, D-Palo Alto. "It's inappropriate for a bill-paying customer to have their power cut off while there's an ongoing process at the CPUC. It's not like they can walk down the street and purchase power from another utility." Joe in the News, Print 2011-12-19T20:59:38+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/u.s._safety_board_urges_cellphone_ban_for_drivers/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/u.s._safety_board_urges_cellphone_ban_for_drivers/#When:21:03:53Z Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2007-2008 Legislation, SB 28: Texting while Driving Prohibition, SB 33: Teen Driver Cell Phone Safety 2011-12-15T21:03:53+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/ntsb_cell_phones_should_not_be_used_while_driving_read_more_http_www.sfgate/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/ntsb_cell_phones_should_not_be_used_while_driving_read_more_http_www.sfgate/#When:19:45:50Z Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-12-14T19:45:50+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/editorial_browns_veto_of_mammogram_disclosure_is_outrageous/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/editorial_browns_veto_of_mammogram_disclosure_is_outrageous/#When:01:25:53Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening, SB 791: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-10-14T01:25:53+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/op-ed_protect_the_environment_and_grow_the_economy/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/op-ed_protect_the_environment_and_grow_the_economy/#When:18:06:24Z Environment, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 226: CEQA 2011-09-27T18:06:24+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/nbc_editorial_too_quick_to_veto/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/nbc_editorial_too_quick_to_veto/#When:22:30:22Z Public Safety, Joe in the News, Audio/Visual, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-09-21T22:30:22+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/simitian_opts_for_patience_over_force_on_mammogram_bill/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/simitian_opts_for_patience_over_force_on_mammogram_bill/#When:17:41:45Z No, Sen. Joe Simitian isn't even thinking about trying to override Gov. Jerry Brown's veto of his bill that would have required doctors to inform women with high breast density that they have the condition -- which can mask tumors during mammograms. Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, There Oughta Be A Law News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening, SB 791: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-09-20T17:41:45+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/is_it_a_womans_right_to_know_she_has_a_condition_that_could_mask_breast_can/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/is_it_a_womans_right_to_know_she_has_a_condition_that_could_mask_breast_can/#When:19:28:23Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, There Oughta Be A Law News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-09-07T19:28:23+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/jerry_brown_vetoes_higher_fines_for_driving_while_using_cellphone/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/jerry_brown_vetoes_higher_fines_for_driving_while_using_cellphone/#When:19:35:17Z Public Safety, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-09-06T19:35:17+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/governor_signs_simitian_identity_theft_protection_bill/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/governor_signs_simitian_identity_theft_protection_bill/#When:23:18:30Z Consumer Protection, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 24: Data Breach Notification 2011-09-01T23:18:30+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/caltrain_high_speed_rail_could_share_tracks_in_peninsula/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/caltrain_high_speed_rail_could_share_tracks_in_peninsula/#When:20:17:53Z Good Government, Joe in the News 2011-08-18T20:17:53+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/penalties_for_drivers_using_a_handheld_phone_or_texting_likely_to_rise_in_c/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/penalties_for_drivers_using_a_handheld_phone_or_texting_likely_to_rise_in_c/#When:17:48:15Z Public Safety, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-08-16T17:48:15+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/library_privacy_protected_with_new_legislation/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/library_privacy_protected_with_new_legislation/#When:20:13:07Z Privacy, Joe in the News, There Oughta Be A Law News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 445: Library Records 2011-07-23T20:13:07+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/women_should_know_their_breast_density_study_says_how_many_do/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/women_should_know_their_breast_density_study_says_how_many_do/#When:23:30:49Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-07-05T23:30:49+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/mercury_news_editorial_simple_rule_on_mammogram_reports_can_save_lives/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/mercury_news_editorial_simple_rule_on_mammogram_reports_can_save_lives/#When:15:54:30Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-06-28T15:54:30+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/waging_a_years-long_battle_for_more_school_funding/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/waging_a_years-long_battle_for_more_school_funding/#When:16:52:29Z Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SCA 5: School District Parcel Taxes, 2009-2010 Legislation, SCA 6: School District Parcel Taxes, 2007-2008 Legislation, SCA 17: School District Parcel Taxes, 2005-2006 Legislation, SCA 8: Local Control and Parcel Taxes, 2003-2004 Legislation, ACA 4: Parcel Tax 2011-06-09T16:52:29+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/proposed_mammogram_law_could_save_your_life/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/proposed_mammogram_law_could_save_your_life/#When:19:36:05Z Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-06-05T19:36:05+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/raise_fines_for_those_who_text_while_they_drive/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/raise_fines_for_those_who_text_while_they_drive/#When:22:21:48Z Consumer Protection, Public Safety, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-05-24T22:21:48+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/state_senate_agrees_to_raise_fine_for_drivers_texting_or_on_phone/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/state_senate_agrees_to_raise_fine_for_drivers_texting_or_on_phone/#When:20:51:09Z Public Safety, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving 2011-04-26T20:51:09+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/reps_high-speed_rail_should_merge_with_improved_caltrain_system/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/reps_high-speed_rail_should_merge_with_improved_caltrain_system/#When:20:39:55Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, Audio/Visual 2011-04-19T20:39:55+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/signing_ceremony_for_simtians_33_renewables_bill/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/signing_ceremony_for_simtians_33_renewables_bill/#When:22:25:22Z Environment, Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2007-2008 Legislation, SB 411: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2005-2006 Legislation, SB 107: Renewable Energy Portfolio 2011-04-14T22:25:22+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/gov._brown_signs_law_requiring_33_of_energy_be_renewable_by_2020/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/gov._brown_signs_law_requiring_33_of_energy_be_renewable_by_2020/#When:20:18:51Z Environment, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2005-2006 Legislation, SB 107: Renewable Energy Portfolio 2011-04-13T20:18:51+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/governor_signs_ambitious_renewable_energy_legislation/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/governor_signs_ambitious_renewable_energy_legislation/#When:20:32:41Z Environment, Joe in the News, Audio/Visual, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2005-2006 Legislation, SB 107: Renewable Energy Portfolio 2011-04-12T20:32:41+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/renewable-energy_bill_passed_by_legislature/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/renewable-energy_bill_passed_by_legislature/#When:21:14:40Z Environment, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2005-2006 Legislation, SB 107: Renewable Energy Portfolio 2011-03-30T21:14:40+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/calif._lawmaker_seeks_stiffer_fines_for_drivers_on_phones/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/calif._lawmaker_seeks_stiffer_fines_for_drivers_on_phones/#When:21:08:48Z Joe in the News, Audio/Visual, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 28: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1475: Cell Phones and Texting While Driving, 2005-2006 Legislation, SB 681: Hands Free Cell Phones 2011-03-30T21:08:48+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/california_raises_renewable_energy_requirements/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/california_raises_renewable_energy_requirements/#When:16:52:19Z Joe in the News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2007-2008 Legislation, SB 411: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020 2011-03-29T16:52:19+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/league_asks_sen._simitian_to_talk_about_civility/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/league_asks_sen._simitian_to_talk_about_civility/#When:16:51:43Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, Print 2011-03-25T16:51:43+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/why_is_green_tech_such_a_foreign_concept/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/why_is_green_tech_such_a_foreign_concept/#When:17:58:12Z Environment, Joe in the News, Audio/Visual, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020 2011-03-10T17:58:12+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/cancer_survivors_experience_inspires_law/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/cancer_survivors_experience_inspires_law/#When:17:06:13Z Miscellaneous, Joe in the News, Print, There Oughta Be A Law News, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening 2011-03-10T17:06:13+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/simitian_stresses_importance_of_prepping_for_kindergarten/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/simitian_stresses_importance_of_prepping_for_kindergarten/#When:17:44:16Z Education, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 30: Kindergarten Readiness Act Implementation, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 1381: Kindergarten Age 2011-03-01T17:44:16+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/renewable_energy_on_switch/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/renewable_energy_on_switch/#When:17:33:12Z Environment, Joe in the News, Print, 2011-2012 Legislation, SB 23: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 2X: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2009-2010 Legislation, SB 14: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, SB 722: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020, 2007-2008 Legislation, SB 411: 33% Renewable Energy by 2020 2011-02-23T17:33:12+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/if_the_governors_proposals_lose_in_a_june_election/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/if_the_governors_proposals_lose_in_a_june_election/#When:20:29:21Z Education, Joe in the News, Audio/Visual, Print 2011-02-11T20:29:21+00:00 http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/sen._joe_simitian_tells_hard_truths_about_california_education_to_parents_a/ http://www.senatorsimitian.com/entry/sen._joe_simitian_tells_hard_truths_about_california_education_to_parents_a/#When:17:04:54Z Education, Joe in the News, Print 2011-02-06T17:04:54+00:00