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How Valley Lawmakers Voted on Vaccine Exemption Bill
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
September 5, 2019

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SB 276 is one of the most emotional bills debated in the state Legislature this year. It would create greater state oversight on how doctors grant medical exemptions from vaccines for public or private school students.

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David Taub
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Supporters, such as author Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), say the bill is needed to crack down on what he says are doctors fraudulently writing exemptions. The bill’s opponents say it would limit their ability to receive legitimate exemptions, and alter the doctor-patient relationship.
After a series of amendments, both houses took votes on the bill this week before it heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. However, Newsom recently indicated the bill needs more changes before he approves it. That may happen with a separate piece of legislation.

SB 276 Roll Call of Valley Delegation

Assembly (passed 48-19 with 12 no votes Sept. 3)
Yes: Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield)
No: Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield), Adam Gray (D-Merced), Devon Mathis (R-Visalia)
Not voting: Jim Patterson (R-Fresno), Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals)
Senate (passed 28-11 with 1 no vote Sept. 4)
Yes: Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger)
No: Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno), Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield)
Not voting: none from Valley

Project Labor Agreement Headed to SCCCD

The State Center Community College District board took the first step to build its $87 million west Fresno campus with labor selected by a local union.
Known as a Project Labor Agreement, it is a contract between the government and labor interests on terms of a public project. Examples include wages, no work stoppages, completion deadlines, and control of who gets to work on a project. The last provision has caused contention between labor groups and the construction industries. The sides disagree about whether these agreements increase project costs and unfairly limit who gets to work on them.
The SCCCD board voted Tuesday 7-0 to instruct staff to start negotiations for a PLA with Chuck Riojas of the local unit of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Riojas also helped broker a PLA for the city of Fresno’s airport project.
The eventual contract will come back to the board for a vote.

Sparse Ballot

The Fresno County clerk’s office will have a light election night Nov. 5.
There is only one item to count, a special tax election in Parlier. The proposal asks voters to increase the sales tax by 1% for the general fund. It would raise an estimated $400,000 a year. The measure needs a majority to pass.
Other items scheduled for the ballot, like the Orange Cove Police Protection District, will not have an election because only one candidate appears.

Karbassi Hires Staff

Alyssa Stevens
Newly minted Fresno councilman Mike Karbassi is filling out his staff. Alyssa Stevens is the new chief of staff. She previously held the role for former councilman Clint Olivier and worked at the Fresno Chamber after Olivier termed out. Stevens started this week.
Andrew Kloose will be Karbassi’s council assistant. He comes over from council president Paul Caprioglio’s office.
 
 
 

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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