Candidate for
State Senator; District 28

Jenny Oropeza: Effective, experienced leadership

OVERVIEW: Jenny Oropeza continues her 22-year, public service career as an accomplished lawmaker, an effective Senate leader and a tireless advocate for consumers, the environment and public safety. She has led the way on fighting second-hand smoke, improving health care for women and protecting our environment from dangerous global warming. In 2009 alone, she had six important health, consumer protection and environmental bills signed into law. Their reach promises to help Californians for generations.

California State Senate: 2006 to present

As chair of the Senate Majority Caucus and one of only three Democrats on the five-member Senate Rules committee, responsible for setting legislative policy statewide, Jenny has worked tirelessly for her constituents and all the people of California. Among her high-profile assignments since rising to the Senate are her service on the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee; Energy, Utilities and Communication Committee; Governmental Organization Committee; and Transportation and Housing Committee. In addition, Jenny's many interests have led her to assignments as chair of two key select committees: the Integrity of Elections Committee and Public Health and the Environment Committee. She keeps informed about the business and cultural needs of her district by serving on the Select Committees on the Alameda Corridor; and Asian Pacific Affairs. She's a senior member of the 26-member Latino Legislative Caucus, and also serves on the Commission on the Status of Women.

Jenny's recent accomplishments center on six 2009 bills effective Jan. 1, 2010. One requires serious changes in oversight of mammogram providers. Another imposes first-ever regulations on a dangerous greenhouse gas. Another bolsters port security to battle terrorism. Yet another imposes tougher penalties on those committing fraud against vulnerable senior citizens. Improved medical care for dialysis patients and reduced school bus idling rounds out one of her most successful years on record. More information can be found at http://www.senate.ca.gov/oropeza.

California State Assembly: 2000 to 2006

From the beginning, Jenny led in the State Assembly. Named chair of the Budget Committee 10 months after election, she helped steer the state through fiscal challenges during one of the toughest years on record. She fought to prevent the Schwarzenegger Administration from balancing the budget on the backs of the poor, schools, the environment and public employees.

In 2004, she served as chair of the Transportation Committee and worked to fund mass transit and repairs to California's aging transportation infrastructure.

Long Beach City Council: 1994-2000

Jenny helped revitalize Long Beach's historic downtown, which had been reeling from massive cuts in the aerospace industry and the closing of the Naval Shipyard. Jenny brought mixed-use loft housing, quality restaurants and vibrant retail downtown. She strengthened Long Beach's tourism and trade industries. She fought to give residents the right to challenge alcohol licenses and created the first new park in her city in more than three decades.

Jenny also represented the Southeast Cities for five yeas as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board.

Long Beach School Board: 1988-1994

Jenny helped turn around the Long Beach School District. The district was awarded the 2003 Broad Prize for Urban Education and is now nationally recognized as a model for reform and academic success. She led the effort to close the achievement gap, focus resources on underserved communities and creation of the highly regarded and innovative International School in her district.