WELCOME

Dear Friend,

September is National Preparedness Month. In honor of this month, I encourage you to be proactive and prepare for an emergency by creating a disaster plan for you and your family. Whether it's September or any other month, disaster can strike at any time and we must be prepared.

The most important step you can take to protect your family is to be prepared by practicing your plan and have the basic necessities ready to go.

Here are some ways to prepare:

• Develop a disaster kit; remember to have ample supply of food, water, medications, a flash light with batteries, a battery-operated or hand-crank radio, and extra clothing.

• Inspect your home for possible hazards and take action to remove or correct.

• If you experience an earthquake, find a sturdy desk or table, and Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

I am extremely fortunate to be representing a district that has demonstrated generosity and compassion during times of need. Let's vow to work together and build a plan that will help our families and loved ones in case there is an emergency. For more information on National Preparedness Month go to: www.ready.gov/california

As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Ben Hueso
State Senator
40^th District

CALENDAR

World Tourism Day

IN THE KNOW ...

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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ...

Senator Hueso Commends Enrique Duran for Strong Dedication to the Community

Please join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of Enrique Duran and his team at Atlante Futbol Club in San Ysidro. Enrique Duran and his invaluable team are committed to providing players of all ages with quality professional training as well as the opportunity to compete at the highest levels in an atmosphere of fairness and integrity.

Mr. Duran has made it possible for kids with little means to play quality soccer and be part of a club that is popular for their sportsmanship and talent. He has brought together volunteer instructors, parents and friends of the community that share this vision. Not one is paid for their time.

Thank you for all of your hard work and for your selfless commitment to our community.

WHAT'S NEW ...

Senator Hueso's Measure Aimed at Saving Lives Now Heads to Governor's Office for Signature

Senator Ben Hueso announced that the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Safety Act passed the Senate floor unanimously and is now headed to the Governor's office for his signature. Senate Bill 287 will require buildings constructed after January 2016, with occupancy of 200 or more, to install Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) onsite. AEDs are commonly used to diagnose life threatening cardiac arrest and treat through defibrillation, which allows the heart to resume to normal rhythm.

Senator Hueso expressed after the vote, "It is estimated that 350,000 individuals will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest in the United States this year. Unfortunately, studies show that nine out of ten people will not survive this deadly attack. Bottom line, SB 287 aims at saving lives in emergency situations. The goal of this bill makes AEDs readily available, increasing survival rates across the state."

Currently, the State of California only requires AED devices to be in health fitness centers. The Governor has until the end of September to sign or veto Senate Bill 287.