Office of State Senator Dave Cortese
In the Office of State Senator Dave Cortese, I spearheaded the drafting and passage of landmark state legislation, including protections against youth fentanyl overdoses at school sites (SB 10, Cortese 2023), expansion of school-based mental health and wellness programs (SB 1184, Cortese 2022), and initiatives promoting inclusive education (SB 692, Cortese 2023). Additionally, I developed and led the communications strategies that were instrumental in securing the successful passage of these critical education bills. The below reflects Press Releases, Op-Eds, and Newsletters I wrote/ghostwrote as well as Media Clippings (Print, TV, and Radio) I secured on these topics and more below.
Featured Work: Vaccine Equity Campaign
Negotiations with Bay Area Legislators and Governor’s Office Lead to Increased Funds for Vaccine Distribution to Integrate Hardest-Hit Communities in the Bay Area
Press Releases:
Media Placements Secured:
San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area lawmakers pressure Newsom administration after vaccine equity talks hit ‘standoff’
The Mercury News: Bay Area officials pushing state to change vaccine distribution plan
San Francisco Chronicle: Newsom agrees to negotiate after lawmakers complain Bay Area is bypassed in plan to vaccinate poorest Californians
San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area’s COVID vaccine equity efforts get boost from state
San Jose Spotlight: California to give Santa Clara County $1.5M, but leaders want more COVID vaccines
KRON 4: Bay Area leaders push for more equitable vaccine distribution
KRON 4: Bay Area lawmakers call for changes to new vaccine distribution plan
Mercury News: Amid local frustrations, state to give Bay Area funds for ‘equitable’ vaccine rollout
KTVU Fox: Lawmakers Urge California Give More Vaccine Priority To Bay Area's Most Vulnerable
State Delegation Advocacy Letter with Hundreds of Organizational Signatories: Linked Here
Selected Press Releases
Senator Cortese Bill Would Create Free College For Students Of West Valley-Mission Community College District
FEBRUARY 17, 2023
Students belonging to the West Valley-Mission Community College District would receive free tuition, books, transportation, technology, and other education-related fees under a bill introduced this week by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose).
Press Conference Tomorrow For Bill Creating Free College For Students Of West Valley-Mission Community College District
FEBRUARY 16, 2023
WHAT: State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) is hosting a press conference on Friday to announce the introduction of SB 629. The legislation would allow the West Valley-Mission Community College District to offer major discounts on education-related expenses to some students and free college for others —including tuition, books, transportation, and technology, and other related costs.
Bill Would Ban The Use Of A Dangerous Restraint Technique Against Students
FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Schools would be banned from using a dangerous form of physical restraint against students under a bill introduced Tuesday by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose). SB 483 would prohibit the use of “prone restraint”, which physically or mechanically restrains students in a face down position. Unfortunately, prone restraint is often used on students with special needs.
Senator Cortese's Bill Would Extend Due Process Rights To Classified Employees
FEBRUARY 13, 2023
School bus drivers, custodians, office workers and other classified employees would gain fairer due process rights under a bill introduced Monday by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose).
Senator Cortese’s Statement On Governor’s 2023-24 State Budget Proposal & Youth Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Investments
JANUARY 10, 2023
Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) made the following statement after California Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 State Budget proposal was released this morning in Sacramento:
Senator Cortese’s Statement Regarding State Audit On San Jose’s Homeless Funding
DECEMBER 9, 2022
Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) released the following statement regarding his recent request for the State Auditor to conduct a review of San Jose’s use of state and federal funds to combat homelessness:
Senator Cortese Introduces Legislation To Raise The Age For Extended Foster Care
DECEMBER 6, 2022
Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) has introduced Senate Bill (SB) 9 to give vulnerable youth the ability to stay in the extended foster care system until the age of 26.
Senator Cortese Introduces Bill To Tackle Youth Fentanyl Crisis
DECEMBER 5, 2022
On the first day of Legislative Session, State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) introduced legislation to prevent opioid and fentanyl overdoses and death among California’s youth.
Senator Bill (SB) 10 will expand statewide prevention and education efforts to combat the skyrocketing overdoses and fentanyl-related deaths that have plagued youth statewide.
California Launches First Guaranteed Income Program
NOVEMBER 28, 2022
The California Department of Social Services will be awarding more than $25 million in grant funding to seven guaranteed income pilot projects across the state - direct cash assistance monthly payments of $600 to $1,200 will be going to at least 1,975 Californians, including transition age foster youth and pregnant women.
Governor Signs Three Bills Authored By Senator Cortese Focused On Student & Youth Wellness
OCTOBER 3, 2022
Governor Signs Three Bills Authored by Senator Cortese Focused on Student & Youth Wellness
Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law three bills authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) centered around educational and social support systems to serve our younger generation:
· SB 692 – The Special Education Inclusion Act
Cortese’s Bill To Support California’s Oldest Educators Signed Into Law
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 868 authored by Senator Dave Cortese, (D-San Jose), Chair of the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, to provide equity and financial stability to California’s oldest educators.
Selected Op-Eds
San Jose Spotlight: Sacramento Bus Trip Lets Students Speak With Representatives About Education
JUNE 16, 2021
by Senator Dave Cortese
Every year, students, teachers, school administrators, as well as local education advocates across our community, fill up a handful of school buses and head to our state’s capitol to share their ideas and concerns about California’s public education system with members of our Legislature. Read the full column here.
San Francisco Chronicle: Youth Leaving Foster Care Should Receive Guaranteed Income
MARCH 9, 2021
By Senator Dave Cortese & Shimica Gaskins, Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund, California.
The debate over survival checks is front and center as millions of families face an uncertain financial future. While short-term relief for the duration of the pandemic is certainly necessary, the debate over stimulus checks has opened the door to a long overdue conversation about guaranteed basic income.
San Jose Spotlight: Reflections From My Annual Sacramento Bus Trip For Education
JUNE 4, 2022
by Senator Dave Cortese
The pandemic has reshaped seemingly every aspect of our lives. Creating a shock throughout our education system, the economic and social effects of the past two years have spilled over into our school settings, forcing us to acknowledge the full impact of educational inequities and rethink how we truly ensure access and opportunity for every child.
The Outlook: A Look At State Investments In Children, Families, And Older Adults
FEBRUARY 22, 2022
By Senator Dave Cortese
Budgets are a statement of our values. I have been saying this, and living by it, during the entirety of my time as a public servant in local government at the school, city, and county level. Now, as your State Senator and a member of the California Senate Budget and Review Committee, I am tasked with reflecting the values of our state government and ensuring our financial prosperity.
San Jose Spotlight: The Critical Need For Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Resources
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
by Senator Dave Cortese
As many students return to their classroom this season, parents, educators and legislators are rightly focused on efforts to address learning loss experienced during the pandemic.
The Bulletin: California Needs Increased Oversight Of Toxic Sites To Safeguard Environmental Health
JULY 1, 2021
by Senator Dave Cortese
For decades, the State of California has tracked the location of sites that release hazardous materials into the communities we live in – these toxins pollute the air that we breath, the water that we drink, and the soil our crops depend on. Read the full column at this link.
Selected Newsletters
A Statewide Plan To Fight Youth Fentanyl Crisis
NOVEMBER 18, 2022
Legislative Update: 18 Bills Authored By Senator Cortese Advance!
JULY 8, 2022
Senator Cortese Secures Local Investments In State Budget ($14 Million +)
JUNE 28, 2022
Celebrating Juneteenth
JUNE 17, 2022
Helping Homeless Youth Exit Poverty
MAY 6, 2022
Restoring Our Climate Safely And Permanently
FEBRUARY 28, 2022
A Look At Our State Budget
JANUARY 31, 2022
My Plans For 2022
JANUARY 7, 2022
A Look Back On 2021- My Year In Review
DECEMBER 9, 2021
JOIN MY TOWN HALL: Wildfire Preparedness And Protection In Santa Clara County
OCTOBER 28, 2021
My Bills On Public Health, Economic Development & Affordable Housing Become Law
OCTOBER 8, 2021
My First Bills To Become Law
SEPTEMBER 6, 2021
State Budget Includes Local Investments In Santa Clara County!
JULY 13, 2021
A Message To Our Santa Clara County Family, Upcoming Town Hall & Legislative Updates
JUNE 10, 2021
Join Senator Cortese’s Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month Town Hall!
JUNE 7, 2021
Drought Response, Small Business Relief, And 18th Annual Bus Trip For Education!
MAY 13, 2021
Selected Media Coverage Secured
Ed Source
5/01/23
As fentanyl deaths climb, bill would require drug education in schools
Los Angeles Times
4/23/23
After ‘Rust’ shooting, California moves closer to impose film set safety rules
The Hollywood Reporter
4/11/23
‘Rust’ California Set Safety Bill Revived: Unions, Studios Near Deal On Language
CBS News
4/11/23
Mother pushes for fentanyl awareness, school safety with Melanie's Law
The San Jose Mercury News
3/28/23
In push for accountability, San Jose’s homelessness spending to be audited by the state
Ed Source
3/10/23
New bill would give homeless high school seniors $1,000 a month
San Jose Spotlight
2/20/23
Silicon Valley community college district could offer free tuition
San Francisco Chronicle
2/08/23
Homeless high school seniors in California could get $5,000 under proposal
CBS News
1/23/23
Santa Clara County asks to be included in presidential disaster declaration on storm damage
The Hollywood Reporter
1/19/23
Amid ‘Rust’ Shooting Charges, CA State Senator to Reintroduce Set Safety Bill That Failed Earlier
The Evergreen Times
12/30/22
State Senator Cortese achieves historic record by passing crucial CA Senate bills to help others
The Mercury News
12/20/22
Fentanyl in California: Should bars, gas stations, libraries be required to have Narcan to respond to overdoses?
The Mercury News
12/18/22
Fentanyl on campus: One Bay Area school saved a student’s life. Another missed the signs of an overdose. Is your school ready?
The Sacramento Bee
12/15/22
Here are 5 new California laws that will change how your local
CalMatters
12/09/22
How will California handle the youth fentanyl overdose crisis?
The Los Angeles Times
12/8/22
Narcan could be required at California schools after youth fentanyl overdoses
The Mercury News
11/13/22
Did San Jose spend its homelessness funding wisely? A state legislator wants to check
SF Gate
11/07/22
County Programs Inspire State Plans To Curb Fentanyl Overdoses
The Mercury News
11/07/22
New California bill aims to stop kids from overdosing at schools after two kids nearly die in San Jose
Palo Alto Online
9/12/22
Multifaith Peace Picnic urges community to 'move from fear to friendship'
San Jose Spotlight
9/08/22
Silicon Valley officials call for gun violence prevention in schools
Los Angeles Times
9/07/22
California aims to shut up bullies and other bad actors so democracy can thrive
The Mercury News
8/31/22
Hot San Jose Nights car show roaring back to Reid-Hillview Airport for Labor Day weekend
Fortune
8/25/22
California lawmakers urge Justice Department to investigate ‘drought profiteering’ as water prices soar to historic highs
The Mercury News
8/24/22
State law codifies Los Gatos’ public meeting protocol following QAnon disruptions
San Jose Spotlight
6/22/22
San Jose Vietnamese service center gets infusion of funding
The Los Angeles Times
7/29/22
This man’s imprisonment shows why California’s ‘special circumstances’ rule must change, reformers say
Los Angeles Times
6/15/22
California bill would give $1,000 a month in short-term guaranteed income to homeless high school seniors
San Jose Spotlight
4/12/22
Santa Clara County opens Vietnamese-speaking health clinic
Palo Alto Online
4/08/22
The Muwekma Ohlone have been here for more than 2,000 years. The government says they're not a tribe.
CalMatters
4/07/22
California senator proposes checks for low-income, homeless high school seniors
The Los Angeles Times
3/31/22
California lawmakers want to build more clean energy — and faster
The Los Angeles Times
3/25/22
California Politics: When government meetings get out of hand
The Hollywood Reporter
3/11/22
IATSE Council Backs CA State Bill Requiring Set Safety Supervisors, Tightening Gun Rules
The Mercury News
2/22/22
Silicon Valley lawmakers introduce bill to quell disruptions at public meetings
Los Angeles Times
2/18/22
California lawmakers want to crack down on public meeting disruptions
CalMatters
2/09/22
Is this another way to end California’s death penalty?
The Mercury News
1/25/22
COVID-19 sick leave set to return in California
Los Angeles Times
1/14/22
California’s next attempt at universal basic income could be on college campuses
The Mercury News
11/15/21
Los Gatos: Thousands join solidarity march against hate crimes
New York Times
11/09/21
The ‘Rust’ Shooting Spurs a Debate Over Using Guns on Film Sets
The Hollywood Reporter
11/04/21
Cinematographers Call on Industry to “Ban All Functional Firearms on Set” After ‘Rust’ Shooting
The Los Angeles Times
11/04/21
‘Rust’ showed more gun control is needed on movie sets. This California lawmaker is working on it
Deadline
11/01/21
California Lawmaker On What’s Next With Proposed Ammunition And Firearm Law In Wake Of Shooting On Alec Baldwin Set
The Hollywood Reporter
10/25/21
Keep Guns Off Film Sets, Hollywood Demands After Halyna Hutchins's Death
Vanity Fair
10/25/21
Keep Guns Off Film Sets, Hollywood Demands After Halyna Hutchins's Death
The Los Angeles Times
10/25/21
State lawmaker calls for ban on live ammunition and real guns on California movie sets
Deadline
10/25/21
Halyna Hutchins Death: Petition To Ban Real Guns On Film Sets Races Past 23,000 Signatories; California Senator Vows Ammunition Legislation
The Washington Post
10/24/21
How dangerous are U.S. film sets? ‘Rust’ shooting death sparks calls for change.
The Mercury News
10/19/21
An inside look at the new San Jose site for Vietnamese Americans
The Mercury News
9/28/21
Gov. Newsom signs more than two dozen housing bills
San Jose Inside
9/24/21
City of San José to Receive More Than $20 Million From California State Budget
SFGate
9/23/21
City Receives State Funding For Wildfire Communications System
The Mercury News
8/24/21
New Guadalupe River mural more than an artistic statement
The Mercury News
8/21/21
Barack Obama Boulevard dedicated in San Jose
San Jose Spotlight
7/21/21
San Jose professor joins state advisory board on racial profiling
CalMatters
7/16/21
Universal basic income? California moves to be first state to fund pilot efforts
The Mercury News
7/15/21
Has the time come for universal basic income?
Los Angeles Times
7/15/21
California lawmakers approve nation’s first state-funded guaranteed income plan
San Francisco Chronicle
7/11/21
Guaranteed income has extended a lifeline to South Bay former foster youth. Will concept go statewide?
CalMatters
7/06/21
California is betting $61 million that new highway crossings will keep wildlife safe
The Mercury News
6/28/21
State to give VTA $20 million for mass shooting recovery
Los Angeles Times
6/03/21
California already has strong gun laws. But to save lives we have to use them
The Mercury News
5/20/21
Newsom signs law streamlining environmental reviews for big projects
San Francisco Chronicle
3/31/21
Bay Area's COVID vaccine equity efforts get boost from state
The Mercury News
3/22/21
South Bay legislators help lead push to end spousal rape leniency
The Mercury News
3/21/21
Amid local frustrations, state to give Bay Area funds for ‘equitable’ vaccine rollout
San Jose Spotlight
3/19/21
Universal basic income in San Jose? Some say it could be a game changer
Huffington Post
3/13/21
Why This County Is Giving Foster Youth $1,000 A Month, No Strings Attached
San Francisco Chronicle
3/12/21
Bay Area lawmakers pressure Newsom administration after vaccine equity talks hit 'standoff'
The Mercury News
3/08/21
Bay Area officials pushing state to change vaccine distribution plan
The Mercury News
2/22/21
Santa Clara County is model for plan to give $1,000 a month to California foster youth
San Francisco Chronicle
12/07/20
California legislators push bills on election holiday, mail-in ballots
Kron 4
2/12/23
Silicon Valley senator introduces guaranteed income bill for unhoused youth
KTVU Fox
7/23/23
State leaders meet with religious community to address Santa Clara County housing crisis
CBS Bay Area
7/11/23
Newsom signs bill on film industry gun safety in wake of 'Rust' shooting
NBC Bay Area
3/29/23
California to Audit San Jose Over Homelessness Spending
CBS News
1/23/23
State legislators push back against proposed cuts to public transit
ABC 7 News
12/09/23
Narcan could soon be required in every CA school as fentanyl overdoses surge
NBC Bay Area
12/05/22
Officials Look for Ways to Combat Youth Fentanyl Deaths
KRON 4
11/28/22
Guaranteed Income Program launches in California
KTVU Fox
11/10/22
Rally held in San Jose to shed light on youth homelessness
NBC Bay Area
9/19/22
New California Law Addresses Workplace Violence in Wake of VTA Yard Shooting
KRON 4
9/14/22
Newsom signs bill stemming from deadly San Jose VTA shooting
ABC 7 News
8/28/22
Silicon Valley Pride: Thousands celebrate LGBTQ+ community at festival, parade in San Jose
KRON 4
8/24/22
New law will combat ‘appalling behavior’ at local government meetings
KALW
8/18/22
Santa Clara County unhoused teens to get guaranteed monthly income
ABC 7 News
6/17/22
Santa Clara Co. leaders hope becoming 1st county to make Juneteenth a holiday leads to more changes
NBC Bay Area
6/14/22
State to Consider Guaranteed Income for Recent High School Grads Who are Homeless
NBC Bay Area
5/25/23
State Sen. Cortese Discusses Mass Shootings, Gun Control
KTVU Fox
5/18/22
Hundreds in Silicon Valley advocate for public education
NBC Bay Area
4/05/22
State Senator From South Bay Responds to Sacramento Mass Shooting
ABC News
2/14/22
California bill takes aim at insurance providers over addiction recovery treatment
KTVU Fox
2/10/22
Afghan refugee honored after mother, brother assassinated on Christmas Eve
CBS Bay Area
1/13/22
State Tax Credit for Renters May Increase for First Time in Over 40 Years
KRON 4
1/13/22
California leaders call for state to bring back COVID-19 sick pay
KQED
1/04/22
California Lawmakers Return to State Capitol at a New Building and Focus on Proposed Bills
Davis Vanguard
1/03/22
Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 136 - Senator Dave Cortese Talks Criminal Justice Reform
KRON 4
11/16/21
State officials call on City of San Jose to protect Coyote Valley
KRON 4
10/28/21
South Bay lawmaker to propose prop gun ban following ‘Rust’ shooting
KTVU Fox
10/19/21
Vietnamese American Service Center to open in San Jose
KTVU Fox
9/29/21
Governor signs affordable housing package as statewide eviction moratorium slated to end
CBS Bay Area
9/09/21
State Legislature Sends Bill Ending Spousal Rape Distinction To Governor
KRON 4
7/11/21
How Santa Clara County is helping clear up litter on streets
ABC 7
7/08/21
California lawmakers approve more than $60 million budget to fund wildlife crossing projects
CBS Bay Area
7/08/21
VTA Light Rail Service To Resume By End of July As Workers Eased Back Into Roles Following Massacre
NBC Bay Area
7/06/21
Legislature OKs $2M for Wildlife Corridor, Trail Crossing in Santa Cruz Mountains
CBS Bay Area
6/30/21
State Budget Includes $2 Million For Litter Abatement In Santa Clara County
CBS Bay Area
6/29/21
Legislators Push For $20 Million To Help Families of VTA Shooting Victims, Transit Agency
KTVU FOX
6/28/21
California could award VTA $20M in emergency funds in wake of mass shooting
ABC 7
6/28/21
Santa Clara VTA to receive $20M in recovery funding as light rail service remains halted
KQED
6/28/21
State Lawmakers Propose $20 Million for VTA Worker Support and Facility Repair After Mass Shooting
ABC 7
6/21/21
Here's how Santa Clara Co. became 1st in CA to recognize Juneteenth before Biden signed bill
KTVU FOX
6/18/21
Santa Clara County was first in California to declare Juneteenth a holiday
KRON 4
6/06/21
State senator wants to raise awareness of ‘red flag’ gun laws
NBC Bay Area
5/31/21
San Jose VTA Yard Shooting Victims Honored on Memorial Day
CBS Bay Area
5/29/21
Construction Underway On San Jose’s Vietnamese American Health Care Center
NBC Bay Area
5/20/21
Newsom Signs Bill Paving Way for More Affordable Housing in California
ABC News
5/12/21
'They're our kids' | Proposed bill would give $1,000 monthly stipend to kids aging out of foster care
KQED
4/27/21
Biden’s Climate Pledge For First Time Pushes U.S. Beyond California Goals
CBS Bay Area
3/22/21
Bay Area Lawmakers, DA's Seek Removal Of Spousal Rape Exceptions
NBC Bay Area
3/13/21
South Bay Leaders Rally Against Anti-Asian Discrimination
KRON 4
3/12/21
Bay Area lawmakers call for changes to new vaccine distribution plan
KTVU Fox
3/08/21
Lawmakers urge California give more vaccine priority to Bay Area's most vulnerable
KQED Forum
2/24/21
Universal Basic Income for Foster Youth Introduced in CA Senate
KCBS Radio
2/23/21
Proposed legislation to expand universal basic income for transitioning foster youth
NBC Bay Area
2/23/21
Sen. Cortese Introduces Legislation to Provide Basic Income to State's Former Foster Youth
NBC News
2/04/21
All Santa Clara County Residents 65 and Older Can Get Vaccinated