All News

Monday, May 1 2023

Burbank, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was presented with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and honored with the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal in recognition of his years of support of the Armenian American community. The Senator received the honor on April 27th during a reception held at the headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Burbank. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian bestowed the medal, with public officials, friends, and representatives of Armenian organizations in attendance. Senator Portantino is the first non-Armenian in the Western Diocese to receive St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal.

Friday, April 28 2023

Sacramento, California – The California PTA Board of Directors has voted to co-sponsor SB 691, authored by Senator Anthony Portantino (D – Burbank). The bill, which earlier in the year passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee, is aimed at improving literacy outcomes for children by requiring early screening and intervention for students who are at risk for dyslexia. The bill is also co-sponsored by EdVoice and Decoding Dyslexia CA.

Thursday, April 27 2023

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 551, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank), passed the Senate Health Committee. The bill fosters collaboration between local educational agencies (LEAs) and counties by requiring more representation of children and youth on mental health boards, who oversee the allocation of mental health funding.

Thursday, April 27 2023

Sacramento, California – SB 765, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, passed the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement  Committee. The bill offers long-term comprehensive solutions to the current teacher shortage crisis by making it easier for retired teachers to return to the classroom and provides financial incentives for new, prospective teachers.

Thursday, April 27 2023

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 834, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. The bill would create a robust financing program to make homeownership more attainable for low and middle-income families.