Cites New Wealth/Health Study by Univ. of Wisconsin as Proof of Need

             Los Angeles - A recently released University of Wisconsin and Robert Wood Johnson study that ranked U.S. counties’ health found there was a strong parallel between wealth and health. Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), author of 2007’s Assembly Bill (AB) 31, which is the source of park grants that were awarded this week to some of Los Angeles County’s poorest communities, cited the study as further proof that we must do more to provide disadvantaged neighborhoods with greater access to recreational opportunities.
 
            “This study just identified what we already know,” emphasized Senator De León. “Without parks or other recreational amenities, the people of LA’s poorest communities are further challenged to live healthier, more prosperous lives. I am so happy to see AB 31 benefiting disadvantaged communities. All children regardless of where they live or where their parents come from deserve green parks and open space. A family’s financial wherewithal should not dictate a child's access to nature."

            AB 31 (Community and Neighborhood Park Revitalization Act of 2007) created guidelines and criteria for Proposition 84 park funds, which targeted underserved communities suffering from significant park poverty.  These communities, largely disadvantaged, suffer from higher rates of crime, unemployment, poverty, school drop-outs, and health ailments, including obesity and asthma.

           "Senator De León has been a leader on urban environmental issues since he came to the legislature in 2006. As author of AB 31, he immediately saw the dire need for green spaces and places to play in under-served communities in California. AB 31 not only will provide recreational opportunities within walking distance for millions of Californians, but additional economic, health and environmental benefits as well,” said Sam Hodder, California Director for The Trust for Public Land. 

Between both rounds of Proposition 84 funding, 103 new parks will be created and 23 existing parks will be expanded or substantially improved for a total of 126 projects.

A complete list of recent park grants can be found here. You can also find a copy of the University of Wisconsin study here.

 Letter Cites Need for “Shared Sacrifice” and Negative Impact on Student Access

              SACRAMENTO – In a scathing response to the California State University Trustees, Senator Kevin de León today released a letter he submitted to the board about their March 20 action that raised campus president salaries while the institution simultaneously froze student enrollment.

              “Your vote yesterday sent the message that you are willing to put the needs of CSU presidents above the needs of students and their families,” wrote Senator de León. “The decision was callous and oblivious to CSU’s responsibility to ensure that higher education opportunities are available and affordable for low- and middle-income families across our state.”

              The full letter is available as a PDF below.

 Consumers’ Retirement Outlook at Historic Low

 14% Confidence Mark Underscores Need for Sen. De Leon’s SB 1234

              SACRAMENTO – Only 14% of U.S. workers are certain they will have enough to live on comfortably in retirement according to a survey released today by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) marking a drop from 2007 when the figure hit a high of 27 percent in the annual assessment, which is the longest running retirement survey of its kind in the nation. Senator Kevin de León and Senator Darrell Steinberg have introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1234 – the California Retirement Savings Act to help address this mammoth challenge.