Welcome to my legislative website. It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve my community. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions or concerns that you may have with the district—or with your state government.
For the third year in a row, California is offering an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working low-income families and individuals. This year, the eligibility thresholds were lowered so that more people could qualify. Click on the graphic for more information.
Veterans exemplify the best values of our country, and have earned the respect and gratitude of a grateful nation. To that end, I wanted to make you aware of two programs that may be of interest to you or the honorably discharged veterans in your life. Click on the graphic for more information.
With funding pegged for health care, higher and K-12 education and housing, the priorities outlined in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget are being welcomed by many legislators and also sparked questions about the state’s path toward addressing its housing crisis and future spending in the face of economic uncertainty.
By proposing a $144 billion general fund budget with $4 billion dedicated to paying the state’s debts, $4.8 billion to build reserves and another $4.8 billion to be used toward unfunded retirement liabilities, the governor’s first budget proposal was viewed by many as one that struck a balance between increased spending priorities and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
With billions of dollars in federal money on the line, state and local governments are budgeting hundreds of millions of dollars to convince their residents to respond to next year’s Census.
Many states are budgeting far more for community outreach than they have in previous Census cycles, a reflection, some legislators said, of concern that this decade’s count is at risk of missing thousands of residents.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s budget:
“Governor Newsom’s budget proposal charts an ambitious path forward, investing in critically needed programs and services while continuing to save for an economic downturn.
In expressing hope for good jobs, secure homes and health care for all Californians, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s inaugural speech Monday opened a new era for the state with optimism and a nod to the many challenges ahead for the state.
California once again adopted its own “New Year’s resolutions” this week, as hundreds of new state laws took effect at midnight on January 1 — including many that protect, empower and support members of the LGBTQ community and our allies. Equality California has been busy at work fighting in Sacramento, fighting to pass pro-equality legislation and sponsoring 11 of these new laws.
In setting their sights on a new legislative session, local legislators are keeping a focus on a range of issues affecting San Mateo County residents, including the region’s housing shortage, early childhood education, comprehensive tax reform and the impact of Pacific Gas and Electric’s actions.
But even with goals to catalyze affordable housing development, re-evaluate how the state government is funded and increase support for education programs, legislators are also keeping a close eye on Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom’s agenda and an economy expected to take a turn for the worse in the coming years.
Whether it’s new rules of the road, requirements for construction contractors working on apartment buildings or changes aimed at protecting election infrastructure, residents may feel the effect of a slate of new laws shaped by San Mateo County legislators in the coming months.
Three state legislators representing San Mateo County residents backed a range of proposals passed this year and taking aim at issues related to road safety, elections, building construction and medical patients, among others.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) authored 12 bills this year that will go into effect on January 1, 2019. The legislation is related to a variety of issues, including sexual assault survivors, the 2020 Census, student welfare, elections security, and health care.
Palo Alto's plan for a bike bridge over U.S. Highway 101 sped ahead on Monday morning, when city officials formally signed agreements with multiple agencies, paving the way for construction of the long-delayed project to begin next year and conclude in 2020.
At a small, makeshift space off of Adobe Creek trail in south Palo Alto, agency representatives signed agreements that allow the city to go out to bid in January.
Opinion: Paul Ryan’s criticism of California elections is unjustified Unlike other states, Golden State is a model for expanding voters’ rights
Marc Berman
The Mercury News
December 7, 2018
Outgoing Speaker of the House Paul Ryan recently cast doubt on California’s election results, calling our state’s election system “bizarre” and saying that it “just defies logic” to him.
As chair of the state Assembly committee that oversees our elections, I wanted to take this opportunity to enlighten the Wisconsin congressman. The results of the Nov. 6 election are what happens when a state takes the power away from politicians and puts it in the hands of the people, where it belongs, by making it easier to vote and ensuring that all votes are counted.
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