Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
As your elected official, my primary focus is on addressing the issues that matter most to you and ensuring that your voice is heard in Sacramento. I deeply value your input and feedback on the critical public policy matters that shape our lives. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and feedback by filing out our annual survey.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am committed to addressing the issues that are important to you. As always, if there is anything that my team or I can do to assist you with a local or state issue, if you have questions or concerns about what I am working on, or anything in between, please contact my office. My team and I are here to help!
Yours faithfully,
Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman
Last chance to submit your nominations for Women of the Year! Do you know an inspiring woman who has made a meaningful impact in your life? My office is accepting nominations for our 7th Annual Women of the Year Ceremony! Let's celebrate the remarkable women who make a difference in our community. Submit your nomination by February 20—click here to get started.
This week, the Assembly Budget Committee convened a hearing on the Governor's budget proposal, examining its challenges and opportunities. Our discussion centered on balancing funding for essential programs while preserving adequate reserves to protect against economic uncertainty. Thoughtful planning and fiscal responsibility remain crucial to addressing the needs of Californians both now and in the future.
As Chair of the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee, I had the privilege of participating in an engaging panel discussion titled 'What Will It Take to Achieve California's Clean Energy Goals?' Joined by three esteemed renewable energy leaders, we explored California's progress in solar energy, the challenges we face, and innovative strategies to achieve 70 GW of utility-scale solar in the coming decades. Our conversation delved into federal opportunities, siting challenges, and effective approaches to community engagement, emphasizing the essential collaboration needed to bolster California's clean energy leadership and advance climate resilience.
It's always an honor to welcome gun safety advocates from Giffords to my office. As your representative, I remain deeply committed to advancing legislation to reduce gun violence, and ensuring the protection of our communities.
The OC Employees Association joined me in Sacramento for an important discussion about supporting our public employees, including issues like fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections. I'm grateful for the work OCEA does to advocate for those who serve our communities so tirelessly.
I met with UK Government representatives to discuss advancements by the UK Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. We covered key topics like floating offshore wind co-location, port infrastructure improvements, sustainable investment models, and offshore wind anchors. These conversations highlight the value of international collaboration in reaching our shared clean energy and climate resiliency goals.
I had the opportunity to join a compelling legislative panel at the 2025 Forestry Strategies and Innovation Conference to discuss wildfire prevention, forest management, and renewable energy solutions. Many thanks to the California Forestry Association for convening us to explore innovative strategies that protect our communities and promote a more sustainable California!
I participated on a bi-partisan legislative panel about the state's economic development priorities and collaboration with the business community. Our discussion focused on strategies to drive economic growth, strengthen partnerships, and address key priorities for California's future. Engaging with leaders and stakeholders is essential to fostering a thriving business environment and promoting sustainable development.
I am proud to co-author Senator Steve Padilla's bill, SB 302, which aligns California's tax code with provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to expand financing options for clean energy developers, reduce costs and accelerate clean energy deployment. California has been a global leader in the transition to a clean energy future, attracting investment to drive climate innovation, create high-quality green jobs, and strengthen our clean energy economy. To maintain this leadership, we must leverage every available tool to maximize federal and private investment, accelerate clean energy growth, and help lower energy costs for all Californians.
Team Cottie took part in the Greater Irvine Chamber's monthly business advocacy series, highlighting Irvine's robust economic growth, innovative industries, and its role as a hub for cutting-edge advancements. With thriving sectors like clean technology and life sciences, along with emerging opportunities in green energy and sustainable manufacturing, Irvine continues to be a leader in driving innovation and job creation.
IN THE NEWS
To read the Santa Monica Daily News article about AB 366, click here.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie was excited to join the Tustin Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the grand opening of IMpowered Fitness! Congratulations on your new location—here's to your continued growth and success in empowering our community to stay healthy and strong. Wishing you all the best on this exciting new chapter!
RESOURCES
Caltrans is developing the Upper I-5 Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP) to improve how people travel through northern Orange County. This plan focuses on a 15-mile stretch of I-5, from Red Hill Avenue in Tustin to the Los Angeles County line, covering key cities including Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton, and Buena Park. Caltrans wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help them understand the needs of the people who use and live near this corridor. By taking this short survey, you'll play a key role in shaping solutions that improve mobility, reduce delays, and enhance transportation options for everyone in Orange County.
Join your neighbors for the Third Annual Walk to Feed OC on Saturday, March 15 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This fun 1.5-mile non-competitive event is perfect for families, companies and community-minded individuals and groups. With every step, you're helping Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County provide dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food for our neighbors in need. Registration is free!
Did you make less than $67,000 in 2024? You might be eligible to file your taxes for free and claim cash-back credits. Through the OC Free Tax Prep program, Orange County United Way and countless dedicated partners are working with our community to increase the number of financially stable households in Orange County.
Do you know what tax credits you might be eligible to receive this tax season? Find out if you qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, Young Child Tax Credit, federal tax credits, and more at caleitc.org.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.
GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit from February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025.
Irvine Ranch Water District is calling all young illustrators in their service area to round up their art supplies and show off their creative chops in IRWD's annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate by creating a poster showcasing what this year's theme means to them: "Water Heroes: Saving Every Drop."
Entries will be judged for originality, artistic ability, and adherence to the water efficiency theme and contest rules. Contest entries are due to IRWD by Feb. 26.
The DMV urges Californians to obtain their REAL ID by May 7, 2025, the federal enforcement deadline. After this date, a REAL ID or another approved federal document will be required for domestic flights and access to secure federal facilities. Applying early will help prevent delays. To apply, visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, complete the online application, and upload the necessary documents. Finalizing the process requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with the documents.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mar. 6 - Tustin Small Business Clinic
The Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to announce the Tustin Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with the City of Tustin with the goal of bringing business assistance and support to small business owners in the community.
During the program, business owners will get the opportunity to meet with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one session/meeting to answer their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. All participants will also be aligned with a primary consultant for follow-up assistance to receive no-cost continuous support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
Mar. 11 - Irvine Small Business Clinic
The Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to announce the Irvine Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with the City of Irvine with the goal of bringing business assistance and support to small business owners in the community.
During the program, business owners will get the opportunity to meet with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one session/meeting to answer their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. All participants will also be aligned with a primary consultant for follow-up assistance to receive no-cost continuous support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
