Press Releases

Friday, May 24, 2019

(Sacramento, CA) On a vote of 52-11-17, the California Assembly passed Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian’s (D-Van Nuys) Assembly Bill 479, incentivizing K-12 public schools to offer healthier, climate-friendly lunch options.

Called the Healthy Climate-Friendly School Lunch Act, AB 479 would provide schools with additional state funding for serving plant-based entrées and plant-based milk. The bill also includes critical state support for staff training, student engagement, recipe development, and other technical assistance needed to help public schools boost participation rates and successfully serve plant-based foods.

“We’re passed the stage where our only school lunch options are meat and potatoes,” stated Nazarian. “Plant-based meals are healthier for our children and will reduce our state’s carbon footprint.”

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Armenian Genocide Memorial

(Sacramento, CA) AB 1320, the Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act, passed the full California Assembly floor 59-0. Last year, the State Senate and Assembly passed the Divestment from Turkish Bonds Act but the bill was vetoed by former Governor Jerry Brown.

California has a long history of divesting from countries that violate human rights, South Africa (apartheid policy), Sudan (Darfur genocide), and Iran (international terrorism, human rights violations). A divestment from Turkish bonds over Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide, the continued funding of a campaign of genocide denial, and the recent erosion of democratic principles would send a clear message internationally that California, the fifth largest economy in the world, demands justice for 1.5 million Armenians killed.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Happy Graduates Throwing Caps in the Sky

(Sacramento, CA) The California State Assembly has passed a ground breaking effort to reduce wealth inequality for all California children by a vote of 75-0. This effort complements Governor Newsom’s effort to expand child savings accounts similar to the program he started in San Francisco as Mayor.

AB 15 will create a statewide child savings account program by tasking the Scholar Share Investment Board to operate a master 529 account, owned by the state. Each child born in California will automatically be enrolled in the account at birth and receive an initial seed deposit of at least $25. Savings from the account could be used for a number of different higher educational purposes such as tuition at a college, university, trade school or graduate program; room and board; books; computers; and other related qualified expenses.

Monday, April 22, 2019

California Legislature Commemorates the 104th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Armenian Caucus Announces 5th Annual Essay & Visual Arts Winners

Sacramento, CA – Members of the California Legislature today commemorated the 104th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

"Today Californians pause and remember the 1.5 million lives lost during the Armenian Genocide. We also acknowledge the many contributions the Armenian community has made to our nation," said Senator Scott Wilk. "The strength of the survivors and their descendants is evidenced by the leaders, innovators and thinkers of Armenian descent who have enriched our communities and thrived both here in America and throughout the world."

“Today, we remember and honor the 1.5 million souls lost during the Armenian Genocide and celebrate the strength and perseverance of our community,” stated Assembly member Adrin Nazarian. “Our community is flourishing in California yet we must remain vigilant against injustice, home and abroad.” 

Thursday, April 4, 2019

(Sacramento, CA) AB 429, the Earthquake Inventory Act, passed the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee 20 – 0.

“Mapping out our seismic vulnerabilities allows local municipalities to be better prepared when an earthquake hits,” stated Assemblymember Nazarian.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

(Sacramento, CA) On a vote of 5-0-1, the Assembly Committee on Education today approved Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian’s (D-Van Nuys) Assembly Bill 479 incentivizing K-12 public schools to offer healthier, climate-friendly lunch options.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

(Sacramento, CA) Today, the Assembly Health Committee advanced AB 648 (10 – 3 vote), expanding consumer privacy in wellness programs by: