Press Releases

Thursday, September 12, 2019

ASSEMBLYWOMAN QUIRK-SILVA’S VETERAN’S CEMETERY LEGISLATION GETS GOVERNOR’S NOD

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill (AB) 368 authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), establishing a Veteran’s Cemetery in Southern California, has been signed into law.

“I am proud this legislation was signed into law to provide a new veteran’s cemetery for California’s Veteran’s and their families,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.  “Throughout my terms in service, many individuals and Veteran’s groups have passionately advocated for a cemetery in our region."

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s Legislation to Help Visually Impaired Students Heads to Governor

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill (AB) 947 authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County), promotes education that will maximize the full potential of students who are visually impaired, passed and is headed to the Governor’s Desk.

“As a former teacher, I recognize the need for there to be no uncertain terms when students require additional resources and consideration to succeed,” said Quirk-Silva. “The fact that visual impairments fall into this category is obvious.  What is not always obvious is the full scope of redressing educational needs and attainment.”

The Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) is a set of knowledge and skills in which instruction or services, or both, may be beneficial to a pupil who is blind, has low vision, or is visually impaired.  The ECC includes skills in areas such as the use of braille or large print media, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, socialization, independent living, and sensory efficiency.

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s Work to Resolve Homelessness in Orange County Moves to Governor

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill 143 (AB 143) authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), addressing California’s homelessness crisis, passed on the legislative floor and is headed to the Governor’s Desk.

“California has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation.  In fact, recent statistics show that throughout our state, we have seen an increase in the number of homeless individuals,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.  “Since 2017, homelessness is up by forty-two percent in Orange County.  To resolve this crisis, we need an array of innovative strategies including both short and long-term solutions.”

If the specified counties or cities find it essential, they may choose to utilize the bill to address short-term homeless needs.  They would be required to develop an ordinance outlining a plan that would include long-term permanent housing strategies for their communities.  The California Department of Housing and Community Development would then be responsible to review and approve the ordinance to ensure the health and safety of California is not compromised.

 

Friday, September 6, 2019

ASSEMBLYWOMAN QUIRK-SILVA’S LEGISLATION TO STOP COLLEGE CHEATS ADVANCES TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK

 

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Bill 136 (AB 136) authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), in response to the College Admissions Scandal, passed the State Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s Desk.

“Admissions to colleges and universities have become increasingly competitive.  To make matters worse, a study found that at thirty-eight colleges in the United States, including Ivy League Schools; that more students came from the top one percent of the income scale than from the entire bottom 60 percent,” said Quirk-Silva.  “The study underlines that students from low to middle income families have even less of a chance of being admitted to these top colleges.”

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Quirk-Silva’s Bills Pass Key Fiscal Test

 

Sacramento, CA – Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s (D – Orange County) authored bills passed the Senate Appropriations Committee,  the last step before floor votes.  The key fiscal committee reviewed and voted on hundreds of bills, including those authored by Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.

 

“Our Legislation focuses on the needs of the district,” said Quirk-Silva.  “Addressing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and education; along with veteran’s needs is essential to bringing change to our communities.” 

 

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Proposed Veteran Cemetery Bill Takes New Step Forward

Orange County, CA - Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva is taking action to bring veteran organizations and the City of Irvine together as partners, to fulfill the dream of an Orange County Cemetery to honor the Veterans who have served our nation.

“I believe that our work to bring a veteran cemetery to Orange County is long overdue.” said Quirk-Silva. “AB 368 will reflect the views of Irvine city leaders, legislators, as well as most every veteran organization in the region.” continued Quirk-Silva.  The bill, as proposed to be amended, will authorize a site on the former El Toro base that is known as the “Golf Course Site.” The new proposed site addresses both school and neighborhood issues. In addition, funding is almost complete. The measure also includes a directive that states the funds are to be protected for the cemetery.

 

Monday, August 19, 2019

Assemblywoman Honors 25 Years of Super Senior Saturdays at Buena Park Senior Center

BUENA PARK — Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva (Orange County) presents the Buena Park Senior Activity Center with a Resolution in honor of the 25th Annual Super Senior Saturday.  The Buena Park Senior Activity Center Super Senior Saturday event attracts baby-boomers and seniors throughout the entire Southern California Region each year.

“It is important that we all remember that our aging population deserves to enjoy their lives with dignity and respect,” said Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva. “I am honored to present this resolution to the Buena Park Senior Center, as their consistent service and commitment to the safety and well-being of Aging Californians is truly admirable.”