Senator Hueso Distributes Hundreds of Backpacks with School Supplies to Students of All Ages!

Senator Ben Hueso partnered up with Mountain Health & Community Services to give away hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to ensure students were well prepared for the upcoming school year. Chiropractic Doctors were also available to demonstrate how to pack and wear backpacks to avoid injury.
Senator Hueso expressed at the event, "It is exciting to be here today and play a role to ensure our children are starting off the school year with the proper educational materials. It is also important to teach our kids how to correctly pack and carry their backpacks to avoid long term back problems associated with inappropriate wear."
Dr. Brian Stenzler stated, "What children learn today about taking care of their musculoskeletal system will prevent injuries later in life and allow them to achieve a healthful life."
Mountain Health & Community Services has provided the community benefit through backpacks to children in the communities they serve. Backpacks will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Senator Hueso Presents the City of National City $9.2 million for Affordable Housing Project

State Senator Ben Hueso presented the City of National City with a check for $ 9,240,888 under California's Strategic Growth Council Grant. The funding will go towards the Paradise Creek Affordable Housing project, which is a proposed 201-unit development based on a concept that was developed through public input and participation through stakeholder and community meetings.
Senator Hueso stated at the presentation ceremony, "This invigorating project has the community's vision and will make the City of National City economically stronger and a better place to live and work. I look forward to seeing this project completed for the many families in dire need of affordable housing and welcome a much needed transit-friendly infrastructure project. This is a definite win-win for the entire community and will be a great place to call home."
Mayor Ron Morrison, who accepted the award, stated, "In this project the stars have all aligned; the need for affordable family housing, a great site, direct access to mass transit and a community that's hungry for this type of project. I want to thank Senator Ben Hueso for his invaluable assistance in securing the needed funding through State programs to make this possible."
To learn more about the affordable housing project, please go to: www.Paradisecreekliving.com
Measure to Increase Voter Turnout Heads to Governor's Desk

State Senator Ben Hueso announced that Senate Bill 415, a measure that will dramatically increase voter turnout in local elections, passed the State Senate on a 26-12 vote and is now headed to the Governor's desk for his signature. Local governments whose voter turnout is 25 percent less than the average turnout in that city will be required to consolidate their elections with state elections.
Senator Hueso stated, "We must protect our voices as voters and celebrate our most sacred right as Americans. Voter participation in any election gives us the opportunity to challenge the issues at stake and redefines our commitment to our state of California. This bill sends a clear message that elected officials support the effort to increase voter turnout and respect a democratic process."
Studies have consistently shown that elections that are not consolidated with statewide and federal elections have significantly lower voter turnout. A 2001 study by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that, on average, voter turnout in off-cycle municipal elections was 25-36 percent lower than elections held during statewide races. In fact, the PPIC estimated that California could have drawn 1.7 million more voters in municipal elections, roughly a 31 percent increase in total voter participation.
SB 415 applies to local governments whose elections already have a 25 percent decrease in voter turnout compared to the last four statewide races. It requires local governments to consolidate the election starting 2022.
The Governor has twelve days upon the date of transmittal to sign or veto the bill.
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