Press Releases

Sacramento, CA – On a unanimous vote, Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) was selected as the Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus at a gathering of Caucus members in San Francisco today.  Allen is beginning his third year representing the Westside, Hollywood and South Bay of Los Angeles in the California State Senate.

Sacramento, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) to remove current law’s prohibition on public financing of campaigns was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today.

“Californians are demanding greater accountability from their elected officials, and rightfully so.  Anything we can do to empower communities to reduce the influence of money in campaigns is a good thing,” said Senator Allen.

Sacramento, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) allowing counties and general law cities to establish independent redistricting commissions was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today.

“This is a good government policy that will bring a refreshing level of independence to what historically has been a highly politicized process,” Senator Allen said.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) to

strengthen the mitigation of methane gas leaks from underground storage facilities was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today.  The bill, SB 888, requires fines and penalties assessed for a gas leak to be at least equal the amount needed to fully mitigate the climate impacts of the leak.  The legislation also improves the state’s response to future gas leaks by designating the Office of Emergency Services as the lead point of contact for the government.