Press Releases

Senator Portantino Introduces Resolution to Establish Tap Water Day in California

Monday, May 8 2023

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 55 (SCR 55), which establishes the first Thursday in May as Tap Water Day in the State of California. The measure celebrates and honors one of our most precious resources – drinking water. SCR 55 encourages Californians to support and value publicly supplied drinking water by using fountains and filling stations as their go to source of refreshment and invigoration.

Senator Portantino Honored with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II and the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal

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.

California PTA Board of Directors Vote to Support Portantino’s Dyslexia Screening Bill

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.

Portantino Bill Enhancing Youth Representation on Mental Health Boards Passes Senate Health Committee

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.

Portantino Teacher Shortage Crisis Bill Passes Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee