Press Releases

(SACRAMENTO)- Wednesday June 22nd was the inaugural California Nonprofits Day in the State Capitol honoring the extraordinary work of non-profits across the state. Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) honored Mercy House from Ontario, an organization that assists homeless individuals, as Nonprofit of the Year from Assembly District 52.

“Homelessness is a persistent problem in the Inland Empire and organizations like Mercy House are vital in helping homeless individuals receive the services that they need to get back on their feet,” said Rodriguez. “It is an honor to be able to recognize the outstanding work that they do for our community as our first Nonprofit of the Year!”

(ONTARIO)- Local elected officials and education leaders came together today to commemorate the creation of California’s College Promise, a landmark grant program that will help students earn college degrees. Last week, Assemblymembers Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) announced that $15 million had been secured in the State Budget to fund the grant program.

“California’s College Promise is a victory for California’s students,” said Rodriguez. “Regional College Promise Programs like Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars give students the support  and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams. The state’s investment will enable these types of programs to spread across the state and help more students succeed.”

(SACRAMENTO)- Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez released the following statement today in response to the legislature passing the 2016-17 state budget:

“Once again, we delivered an on-time, balanced and fiscally responsible budget for California. We deposited over $6 billion into the Rainy Day Fund to prepare for a future economic crisis. During the recession, important programs had funding stripped and too many Californians suffered the consequences. Investing in the Rainy Day Fund will help keep us on track if the economy takes another turn.

(SACRAMENTO)-  Students in California are one step closer to receiving a life-changing educational experience after a State Budget Committee approved $15 million to create California’s College Promise. Assembly Bill 1741 by Assemblymembers Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) will create the California College Promise Innovation Grant Program to incentivize the creation of regional college promise programs that promote college readiness and degree attainment.

“California’s College Promise is about letting students know that we believe in their future and placing their ability to succeed within reach,” said Rodriguez. “Through these programs we can eliminate barriers and close the achievement gap so all students have the opportunity to receive a quality education.”

(SACRAMENTO)- The State Assembly voted yesterday to restore funding to California’s mobile field hospitals. Assembly Bill 1578 by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) allocates $2 million dollars to restore and refurbish three mobile field hospitals so that they are ready to deploy should an emergency happen.

“When a disaster strikes, nothing is more important than getting medical treatment to the injured as quickly as possible,” said Rodriguez. “We have been fortunate that a major disaster has not hit California, however we must be ready for when one does. The time to prepare for a disaster and restore these hospitals is now.”

(SACRAMENTO) – In a sweeping vote, the State Assembly approved lifesaving legislation by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona). Assembly Bill 1719 seeks to ensure that every high school student learns CPR.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 326,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year, and sadly, only 10 percent survive. Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

(SACRAMENTO) – The Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced several key pieces of legislation by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) today: AB 1719, aims to teach CPR to high school students; and AB 1578, seeks funding to restore Mobile Field Hospitals, needed during major disasters.

Assembly Bill 1719 is a common-sense piece of legislation aligning California with thirty-two other states already creating a generation of lifesavers. The bill is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.

(SACRAMENTO) – A portion of Interstate 10 in Pomona will now be named after fallen Pomona SWAT Officer Shaun Diamond after the State Assembly gave final approval to a measure in honor of Officer Diamond. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 104, authored by Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona), will declare I-10 from the SR-57 interchange to the North Towne Avenue exit as the “Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond Memorial Highway.”

“Shaun was beloved in the community and by all who knew him,” said Rodriguez. “I am looking forward to seeing the signs on the freeway commemorating his service and sacrifice.”

Governor Brown has recognized May as Small Business Month. Small businesses embody the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy.

In honor of Small Business Month, I want to take a moment this week to acknowledge Speedway Grill in Fontana.

(SACRAMENTO)  In celebration of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week which takes place this year from May 15th – May 21st, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona)  is hosting a free CPR training course in partnership with American Medical Response and Montclair Police Department  Saturday.  Students will receive hands-on training and certification good for 2 years upon completion.

“The time it takes to learn CPR is nothing compared to the reward a person can feel when they save someone’s life,” said Rodriguez. “Fewer than 3 percent of Americans take a CPR class each year. I want to do my part to increase that number.”