Assemblymember Levine Seeks to Prevent Future Petaluma Bridge Bird Deaths

Budget Subcommittee #3 Requires Caltrans to Work with Local Wildlife and Aviary Organizations

Today Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) testified before the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3 on Resources and Transportation which approved his request that the 2013-14 State Budget include the following requirement for Caltrans relative to the Highway 101 Marin Sonoma Narrows Project:

Prior to any construction activities at the U.S. Highway 101 Petaluma bridge or the State Highway 116 (Lakeville Highway) Petaluma River bridge, during the 2014 migratory season, the Department shall meet with local conservation and community organizations having expertise in local migratory birds, and with regulatory agencies as well, to determine the most appropriate means of achieving full compliance with applicable state and federal laws protecting migratory birds and other wild life. 

Three Levine Measures Approved by State Assembly

Three measures by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) were approved today by the full Assembly. 

“I am pleased that these bills were approved and sent on to the Senate,” said Levine.  “This legislation is important to our communities and I am proud to work on these critical issues in the Legislature.”

Levine Comments on May Revision of Governor’s Budget

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) released the following statement about today’s release of the May Revision to the Governor’s 2013-14 State Budget Proposal:

“The May Revision provides reason for cautious optimism.  Revenues are up in the short term, but growth is not as fast as any of us would like,” said Levine.  “It is important that this budget continue to reflect our priorities.  These priorities include creating long-term fiscal sustainability, increasing funding for education from kindergarten through college, and implementing the Affordable Care Act.  There is a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe this Budget will come to be seen as the light at the end of the economic tunnel.”

Assemblymember Levine represents the 10th Assembly District which includes Marin County and southern Sonoma County.

Bill would study ag water storage

NORTH BAY — Legislation has been introduced that could significantly help grape growers and other farmers in the region utilize an additional resource for securing water during the dry season.

Assembly Bill 1200, introduced by Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, and sponsored by the Sonoma County Water Agency, would establish a pilot project that would permit the agency to study the impacts of using recycled rain water for use in watering crops.

Amidst Tight Budget, Levine Legislation Advances to Reduce Court Costs

Assembly Bill 1352 Bolsters Court Funding by Reducing Records Retention Costs

This week the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed AB 1352 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) with unanimous bipartisan support. AB 1352 authorizes local courts to eliminate unused records and reduce storage costs.

“I have met with judges and attorneys who all tell a story of substantial delays in justice because the courts are woefully underfunded.  This bill provides the courts an opportunity to save significant dollars through efficiency,” said Levine. “While more needs to be done to fully fund the courts, this bill provides some much needed fiscal relief.  Any dollar that the courts spend needlessly storing old and unneeded records is a dollar that is unavailable for other vital court functions.”

Assemblymember Levine’s Tiburon Blvd. Bill Approved By Assembly 76-0

Assembly Bill 747 Transfers Part of Tiburon Blvd. from Caltrans to the Town of Tiburon

Thursday the Assembly approved AB 747 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) by a 76-0 vote.  This bill will allow for the state to turn over a portion of Highway 131 (Tiburon Blvd.) to the Town of Tiburon if it is mutually beneficial. 

“If the relinquishment moves forward, AB 747 would provide the town with greater control over the road,” said Assemblymember Levine. “This bill will also relieve the state of any further responsibility for improvements, maintenance, repairs, and liability on that segment.  This is a win for both the State of California and the Town of Tiburon.”

An Open Letter to CA Governor Jerry Brown. Please Help Stop the Killing of the Petaluma Swallows by CalTrans

An open letter to California Governor Jerry Brown. For background details on how we got here, why I'm begging the Governor of California to step in and stop the animal cruelty please read "The Failure to Protect Federally Protected Birds."

CalTrans and their subcontractor, C.C. Myers are continuing to kill federally protected birds, and there isn't a state or federal agency willing to stop them.

Levine and Yamada Convene Hearing Exploring Agriculture and Cap and Trade

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Agriculture and the Environment and Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, will hold a joint informational hearing focusing on how California agriculture can help the state meet AB 32 goals.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2013 beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the State Capitol, Room 126.