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Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.

This week at the Capitol, I stood with victims of child marriage as they shared their stories and urged the legislature to pass AB 2924, a bill that will end the practice of child marriage in California. I'm embarrassed that California, known for its progressive values, remains one of the only four states in the nation without a minimum marriage age. Ending child marriage is not just an issue close to my heart, but is a fundamental human rights issue. I'm proud to join the Unchained At Last coalition in their fight to end child marriage in the United States.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance with a state program or agency, please reach out to my office. We are here to help!

Yours faithfully,


Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman

I had the pleasure of meeting with the Orange County Business Council in Sacramento, where I spoke about my priorities as Chairwoman of the Utilities and Energy Committee. Our region is blessed to be an economic engine for the entire state, and I am looking forward to working together to tackle key issues facing our local businesses.

I would like to thank County of Orange Chairman Don Wagner, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and Orange County Behavioral Health Services Chief Veronica Kelley for joining me and fellow Orange County legislators at the Capitol this week to discuss their 2024 policy priorities. Our discussions revolved around safety net cuts, homelessness assistance program, The Care Act, and sober living homes. I look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to address some of our county's most challenging issues.

We had a great Budget Subcommittee 4 hearing this week. The focus was on the California Environmental Protection Agency's recent expenditures for community resilience, creating a circular economy, and sustainable agriculture. These programs are crucial to ensuring public health, environmental quality, and economic vitality.

I met with the Orange County Labor Federation and Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council representatives during their annual legislative visit to the Capitol. They were on hand to share their policy priorities for 2024, including issues affecting working families and the labor movement in California.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with Orange County Automobile Dealers Association representatives during their annual policy day at the Capitol. It's always great to hear from our local dealerships and catch up on issues that are important to their industry. In addition to being a significant economic driver in Orange County, with over 122 dealerships and over 11,000 employees, they help prepare the next generation of automotive service professionals for success through training programs and scholarship opportunities for Orange County students.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

Congratulations to Dr. Wesley Smith, Superintendent at Newport Mesa Unified School District on being inducted into the Dean's Superintendents Advisory Group Hall of Fame at University of Southern California's (USC) Rossier School of Education. Thank you for your significant contributions to public education over the last 25 years!

Sending a heartfelt congratulations to the Tustin Police officers who were honored at the Tustin Police Foundation Appreciation Breakfast. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the service and for all you do to keep our community safe.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Apr 13 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event

Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at Harvest Solutions Farm, to help harvest seasonal produce or plant crops, so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health and well-being.

Apr 20 - Costa Mesa Household Waste Event

Do you have bulky household items you need to throw away? Bring your household waste to the Costa Mesa Senior Center on Saturday, April 20 from 8-11 a.m.

Apr 24 - DFPI Financial Literacy Resource Webinar

Unlock the Path to Financial Empowerment! Register for and join the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation's (DFPI) 2024 Financial Literacy Resource Webinar. This year, DFPI is highlighting how you can safeguard your finances, spot the red flags, and protect yourself from frauds and scams.

Apr 27 - Prescription Drug Take Back Event

On April 27, the Costa Mesa Police Department is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. You are encouraged to drop off - anonymously and free of charge - your expired, unused or unneeded prescription drugs to the Costa Mesa Police Department. No RSVP required. For more information, please contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5280.