March Newsletter

I'm your representative Chris Ward and I want to bring you up to date on the latest for the month of March.

First up, I wanted to let you know my legislative package for this year has been finalized and my bills are starting to move through the legislative process. I wanted to take a minute this month to outline the lifecycle of a bill, so you have an understanding how state bills do or don't become laws in Sacramento, and how you can provide your feedback at the right times.

With my legislation introduced, I wanted to take a second to highlight a few of my bills up for debate: AB 251 would direct the California Transportation Commission to study the relationship between vehicle weight and injuries to vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the costs and benefits of imposing a passenger vehicle weight fee to fund road safety features. A wealth of research is linking the increased injuries we see to vehicle weight, and California could join 14 other states in using a weight fee to support infrastructure and reduce accidents. 

To address the housing crisis, I've introduced three bills that aim to make it easier to build homes. AB 671 will allow a community land trust to purchase residential property and construct accessory dwelling units to provide more affordable housing properties. AB 515 allows refinancing or sales of HCD financed projects to turn loan repayments into affordable housing opportunities. And AB 84 allows property owners to receive the welfare property tax exemption at the time of purchase for land developed and used for low-income housing.

March is Women's History Month, and I have nominated Dr. Wilma Wooten for the California Woman Making Herstory Ceremony on the Assembly Floor on March 20th. Dr. Wooten has served as San Diego County's Public Health Officer for nearly 15 years and is a dedicated public servant with a strong interest in health disparities and health equity. During the pandemic, she led with compassion and integrity, while protecting the health and well-being of all San Diegans, saving countless lives in the process. It's an honor to recognize her and her work.

From left to right: Top left: Assemblymember Ward volunteers with Meals on Wheels to deliver food to San Diego seniors. Top right: Newly sworn in Clairemont Town Council board members receive a certificate from Assemblymember Ward. Bottom left: Meeting with Brady United Against Gun Violence to discuss how to push harder for gun violence reductions in California. Bottom right: Assemblymember Ward meets with a commercial vehicle industry representatives to learn more about new engine developments to reduce carbon emissions.

As always, I want to thank you for your support. I'm grateful to be your representative and work on these issues and more. One of the best ways to stay informed is to follow my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where you can know in real time what developments are happening or what I'm working on every day.

And if you need assistance, please know that my district office staff is available and ready to serve or answer any questions I wish you, your family and your neighbors all the best.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District

P.S. Follow my office on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest news on state and federal resources.