Welcome from Senator NewmanRepresenting Senate District 29 Greetings! Thanks for reading my newsletter. I look forward to keeping you informed about the work my team is doing in Sacramento and throughout the 29th State Senate District.

In this edition of my newsletter, you’ll be able to read about mylegislation addressing veterans’ issues, about how you may be able to collect money from the state’s “unclaimed property database,” and about ways in which my district staff can help you navigate issues with a state agency or department.

It’s an honor representing our District and helping Sacramento understand the needs of our communities in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. I look forward to meeting you at an upcoming district forum or coffee, and if you’re ever in Sacramento, please stop by and visit our Capitol Office.

In Your Service,

Our district office is located in Brea: 1800 E. Lambert Road, Suite 150 Brea, CA 92821 Phone: 714.671.9474 Fax: 714.671.9750

Other inquires or thoughts on pending legislationcan be directed to our Capitol Office:

State Capitol, Room 4082 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4029 Fax: 916.651.4929

My district and capitol staff are available to help constituents navigate the complex web of state agencies and departments. State government is large and one hand doesn’t always know what the other is doing. We’re here to help make sure that you’re being listened to and responded to appropriately. If you have questions about my legislation or about any statewide issues please feel free to contact my Capitol office in Sacramento. My district office is located in Brea; drop by any time or call my staff and they’d be happy to help you navigate local and state resources.

MAY 2017 NEWSLETTER – FIRST EDITION

My Office is Here to Help

In this Newsletter

• Welcome – Inaugural Newsletter

• Veterans on the Homefront – Education and Social Services Legislation

• Is the State Holding Your Money?

• My Staff is Here to Help

Visit my State Senate website for more information: www.SD29.senate.ca.gov

As a U.S. Army veteran and Chair of the Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee, I am maximizing this opportunity to raise the profile of veterans issues in the State Capitol. Our veterans provide an invaluable service to our state and our nation and we need to take every measure necessary to ensure they have access to quality education and social services, and that they are given all the tools necessary to be successful in their communities.

My first legislative package consists of six bills that assist California Veterans and their families with reentry, education benefits and access to social services. The Senate has approved the first of my Veterans bills, Senate Bill 455, a measure that helps military kids who must switch schools due to a parent’s reassignment. It allows all military families to benefit from pre-transfer enrollment by clarifying that children of military parents can transfer to any school district where they will be residing, so long as they provide proof of residence within 10 days of the prescribed date of the parent’s Permanent Change of Station order.

The State of California is trying to return $8 billion to its rightful owners. Is some of it yours?

California’s Unclaimed Property Law requires “holders” such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the State Controller’s Office after there has been no customer contact for three years.

Often the owner forgets that the account exists, moves and does not leave a forwarding address, or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.

To find potential money, visit the State Controller’s Office and search the Unclaimed Property Database for money that the state may owe you!

Senate Bill 694 creates a minimum requirement for community colleges to provide assistance to military veterans seeking higher education, ensuring that veterans are using their GI benefits in the most efficient manner possible. SB 747 allows officers with the California National Guard to reside out of state, but continue to serve in the California National Guard, as is allowed by federal law. SB 776 designates a correctional officer at each state prison, who is accredited by CalVet, to assist incarcerated veterans.

Additional veteran’s measure include SB 570, which clarifies the eligibility requirements for CalWORKs, ensuring that there are no obstacles for veterans to receive CalWORKs benefits; and SB 728 which expands the California Wounded Warriors Transitional Leave Act to cover an existing state employee or officer, who is a member of the National Guard or federal military reserve force.

Is the State Holding Your Money?VETERANS ON THE HOMEFRONT –

Education and Social Services LegislationWhen filing a claim form, you will need the following documentation:

• A copy of current photo identification for each claimant

• A copy of a Social Security card or a tax identification number for each claimant

• Verification of reported address if different from current address

• Specific documentation relating to the type of property, such as original passbook, cashier’s check, stock certificate, etc.

Visit http://www.sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html or call my office at (714) 671-9474 for help with your claim.