February 2020 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

It’s been a month since I returned to Sacramento for the 2020 legislative session, and it’s been a busy and constructive time.

My staff and I are continuing our work on behalf of the constituents of the Thirty-Second Senate District. 

My colleagues and I are working on a full legislative agenda addressing the issues facing the great state of California.

During the first weeks of the new year I co-hosted a District 32 Legislative Water Workshop to keep elected officials educated about water policy and other issues pertaining to this vital resource.

In addition to the workshop, this newsletter includes a story on a family-owned business in the city of Commerce, as well as information on resources available to you and your family.

As always, please reach out to either my Capitol or District Office if you feel we can be of any assistance to you.

God bless,

Senator Bob Archuleta
Thirty-Second Senate District
 

STATE - A new provision in the defense bill bumps up the maximum military spouse reimbursement to $1,000, for relicensing and recertification costs each time they relocate with their service member.

The defense bill, waiting to be signed into law by President Donald Trump, also extends the authority for this reimbursement by two years — through Dec. 31, 2024.

Separate provisions in the bill would remove some barriers for spouses who own businesses when they move from state to state, and provide funding for Defense Department officials to work with states to address the core issue of cumbersome and costly requirements of getting relicensed or recertified in their profession every time they move from one state to another.

A current pilot program reimburses spouses for relicensing costs of up to $500, and was authorized in 2017, but the service branches implemented their individual programs in May and June, 2019. Thus, the reimbursement is retroactive for fees incurred with permanent change of station moves where orders were received on or after Dec. 12, 2017. It was not immediately clear whether the increased maximum would apply retroactively.

Many military spouses spend time and money getting re-credentialed in their field when they move to a new state, costing money for exams and other fees, as well as lost pay potential as they go through the process.

“These are huge wins for military spouses, and we’re really excited,” said Jennifer Davis, government relations deputy director for the National Military Family Association. While $500 might be enough to cover costs for some spouses, others, such as attorneys, have higher costs, she said.

It’s also important that the law extends the end date of the pilot program by two years, to the end of 2024, she said, because it took the services a year and a half to get their programs up and running. The Air Force, Army and Marine Corps started their programs in May; the Navy in June.

The services have reimbursed 423 military spouses a total of $138,015 to date, with an overall average reimbursement of $326. One service — the Army — lagged behind the others.

The Army, the largest service, has reimbursed 51 spouses, for a total of $15,500. That’s less than a third of the number of reimbursements for the Air Force (159), and about half of Marine Corps (101), and Navy (112). The Navy started its program a month after the other services.

Army officials are working to clarify and simplify the filing and processing procedures, said Army spokeswoman Cathy Vandermaarel. The Army has received 96 requests for reimbursement. One was pending payment and 44 were returned for more action, she said.

Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force officials haven’t made any adjustments to their programs.

For specific information about how to apply to your service branch for reimbursement, visit Military OneSource, or check with your installation’s family center.
 

I joined El Centro Del Pueblo in honoring its Program Director Fernando Chacon for his years of service and dedication to the nonprofit’s mission of helping and supporting families in Central, Northeast and South Los Angeles. For more than 26 years, he has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for families.  I also recognized El Centro Del Pueblo’s administration on its strong advocacy on behalf of the well-being and safety of families.
 

COMMERCE – The Kim Family has been a part of commemorating the triumphs and special occasions of those living in the city of Commerce for 30 years.  The House of Winners Inc. – a one-stop, custom plaque and trophy shop – has samples of sports, political and personal accomplishments lining its walls and shelves.

Among them are those that highlight the military career of Raymond Kim, one of two sons of John and Myung Kim, the co-owners of House of Winners.

“If it’s one thing I know, it’s what military families want when they come in looking to design a plaque to honor their loved one’s military service,” John Kim said.  Raymond Kim, who now works for Boeing, is the third generation of men in his family who have served in the Army.

“The Kim Family exemplifies what it means to protect and serve,” Senator Bob Archuleta said. “As a veteran and former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, I am grateful for this family’s response to the call of duty.”

John, and his brother, Max Kim, also a Commerce businessman, served in the Republic of Korea Army before they immigrated to the United States, as did their father.  Following the family’s tradition of duty and honor, Raymond Kim was accepted to The U.S. Military Academy at West Point (Class of 2005), and served as a captain in the United States Army Medical Corps.

Raymond Kim deployed to Iraq in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Bronze Star Medal for exceptional meritorious service.

“Service to our country is in the blood,” he said. “I’m also proud of what my family has accomplished as a business here for 30 years.”

Commerce Councilman Hugo Argumedo commended the Kims for their business acumen.

“They have established themselves as an important a part of the community, playing a big role with kids getting their first trophies,” he said. 

I presented a Senate Certificate of Recognition to the Kim Family, who has helped the city of Commerce celebrate its greatest moments through its plaque and trophy business. I am pictured with, from left to right, Max Kim, Myung Kim, Raymond Kim, John Kim and Commerce Councilman Hugo Argumedo.
 

I toured the Renewable Toner Company in Santa Fe Springs to get a glimpse of their operation. The company is committed to environmental leadership in all aspects of business activities from operations to product design and recycling. They believe that everything they build and sell should have a positive impact on our society and our environment. I stood front and center with Michael Jones, Operations Manager and his staff.
 

Congratulations to the St. John Bosco High School Football Team on its CIF and National Championship! I had the pleasure to join the celebration in the city of Bellflower. Proud to say Senate District 32 is home to the National Champs!
 

I stood with the coaching staff during the parade that took place in the city of Bellflower for the CIF and National Champions St. John Bosco. Almost 2000 people came out to greet the beloved team during the parade and rally that came down Bellflower Blvd., and ended at St. John Bosco High School with a rally.
 

PICO RIVERA – In an effort to inform elected local officials, Senator Bob Archuleta co-hosted the 32nd District Legislative Water Workshop on Jan. 11, 2020 at the Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning.

It was an opportunity for officials to learn about the regional water quality, water supply and infrastructure, as well as local and state water policy.

“The Thirty-Second Senate District has some of the best water facilities and replenishment plants in all of California,” Sen. Bob Archuleta said. “We want to make sure any future legislation will benefit and protect our consumers to ensure we have the best technology and resources to provide them with the safest and cleanest water.”

The Legislative Water Workshop was co-hosted by Pico Rivera Mayor Gustavo Camacho, the Water replenishment District, and W.E.L.L. 

The 65 elected officials in attendance took a tour of the center, and listened to speakers from the Water Replenishment District; the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority; and the California State Water Resources Control Board.

“Safe and affordable drinking water is an important issue because it affects each and every one of us on a daily basis,” Senator Archuleta said. 

In September, the legislature passed, with the Archuleta’s support, Assembly Bill 508, related to drinking water and domestic wells. This bill makes it so that members of a disadvantaged community can petition for consolidation, and updates the law allowing extension of services to a community with a failing domestic well.

More than 50 elected officials and other leaders from the districted attended the Senate District 32 Water Workshop at the Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning in Pico Rivera. 
 

Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste, keep your home toxic free. Leftover household hazardous waste should never be thrown in the trash or recycling bin, flushed down the toilet, or dumped down the drain or storm sewer.  Los Angeles County and cities in District 32 offer multiple free, convenient options for properly and safely disposing of these materials. Go to my resource page at sd32.senate.ca.gov/resources to find out how to dispose of various types of hazardous waste including, electronics and small appliances, batteries, paints, oils, gasoline and other auto fluids. 
 

Thanks to the continuous support of Downey Councilman Sean Ashton, Pico Rivera Mayor Gustavo Camacho, and Artesia Councilman Ali Sajjad Taj, as we continue to work on District 32 issues as a team of 15 cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County with Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis.   
 

The 32nd Senate District’s rich history is filled with people with strong visions for their times and the future, thus making it one of the most diverse and dynamic places to live and work. Every type of person and business can be found here, whether upscale or working-class; residential, commercial or industrial.

Throughout the years, the district has striven to provide a healthy and safe constituency and a well-maintained infrastructure enhanced by planned patterns of growth and development.

Through a balance of economic, social, political, cultural and recreational opportunities, the district has encouraged an atmosphere conducive to community spirit and active participation in the affairs and progress of each its communities.

Please go on to my website and click information about your city at, sd32.senate.ca.gov/district/history

Cities include, Artesia, Bellflower, Buena Park, Cerritos, Commerce, Downey, Hacienda Heights, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Lakewood, La Habra Heights, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier and areas in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County.
 

I was honored to be asked again to speak at the Prayer For World Peace event at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, where religious and elected leaders came together to advocate for peaceful solutions to the disagreements among nations. Thanks to the Hsi Lai Temple Abbot for the invitation.
 

It’s been a year since my Community Swearing-in Ceremony in the city of Norwalk, part of the Thirty-Second Senate District. Thank you to my staff, constituents, city personnel, elected officials, first responders and my senate and assembly colleagues for their tremendous support. It was an exciting and productive first year, and now we roll up our sleeves during the second year as your senator bringing vital resources to District 32.

As your senator, I am the Chair of the Senate Committee on California Veterans Affairs. It is noted that I am one of the first Latino Army Veterans named to Chair the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

I also serve on the following committees: Business, Professions and Economic Development, Governmental Organizations, and Insurance