Press Releases

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Helps Secure California Competes Tax Credit for American Honda Finance Corporation

October 28, 2020

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814

RE: Request for hospitality industry reopening guidance for meetings and events

Dear Governor Newsom,

California Tourism Leaders Convene at State Capitol; Detail Huge Losses in Visitor Spending, Jobs, and Taxes

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media gathered today to hear from tourism experts on the impact of the pandemic on the industry. Updated travel forecasts predict travel-related spending and taxes generated in the State are projected to lose billions of dollars than previously thought this year.

“The profound economic disruption caused by the pandemic has been felt by all sectors of our economy, but the tourism industry is bearing more of a burden than most,” said Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva, Chair of the Committee. “As California’s post-pandemic future begins to take shape, reviving our tourism and travel industry will play a vital role in restarting the economy and empowering the state.”

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Welcomes Two New Project Homekey Investments Coming to Orange County

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today the Governor announced two New Project Homekey investments are headed to Orange County. Under the Homekey program, local entities will partner with the state to acquire and rehabilitate a variety of housing types, including, but not limited to hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and residential care facilities in order to serve people experiencing homelessness or who are also at risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

For one of the projects, Orange County will acquire a 60-unit motel that will be immediately rehabilitated and rapidly occupied as interim housing. The project will then be renovated and converted into permanent supportive housing.  This project is intended to address the need for housing for people experiencing homelessness in the surrounding communities.  The motel will serve as the central location for those experiencing homelessness in Orange County to receive wrap-around services.  

“As the Chair of the Select Committee on Orange County Chronic Homelessness I have seen first-hand the need for permanent supportive housing here in North Orange County,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.  “Since the creation of the Navigation Centers in both Fullerton and Buena Park, along with the great work being done in the North Service Provider Area, we can really see the need for the next step of permanent supportive housing here in North Orange County, these two new Project Homekey projects will certainly provide a much needed service to our homeless community.”

Governor Signs Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva’s Mental Health Services Bill

Today the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2265 (AB 2265), which will authorize counties to use Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds to treat people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Appointed Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) has been appointed, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media. This is a victory for the district, as the Assemblywoman has an abundance of amusement parks, entertainment, sports, beaches, and tourism around her district.

“I am thrilled to be the chair of this dynamic committee, as Orange County is booming with entertainment,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “The district and county host prominent attractions that contribute significantly to our economy, such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, the Honda Center, and many more. I would like to thank the Speaker for appointing me to such an important committee.”

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Supports Key Legislation During the End of Session

Sacramento, CA - As California faced uncertainty during this global pandemic, looming economic recession, and destructive wildfires, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) returned to the Capitol for the end of session. The California Legislature focused on moving forward crucial legislation that will provide critical support to our most vulnerable populations during this time of crisis.

A number of key legislative and budget priorities she helped move forward to improve the lives of her constituents of the 65th Assembly District and Californians include:

• Authoring AB 2265 to treat mental health issues and substance use disorders.

• Expanding housing for people experiencing homelessness through Project Homekey.

• Enhancing economic recovery through tax relief for small businesses, expanding earned Income Tax Credit, and easier access to health care coverage.

• Protecting our frontline workers through appropriate protective gear, expanding paid-leave, and worker compensation protections.

• Protecting employees to enhance safe workplaces to reopen safely.

• Funding for K-12 schools to improve distance learning and address achievement gaps. 

• Investing in wildfire protection and response, as well as emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even though the legislative session in Sacramento is over, it does not mean my work is done, I will continue fighting for the needs of constituents in AD 65,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “It’s been a tough year. There will be people who can’t recover from not working, and are on the brink of losing everything. These are the people I will continue to help and support.”

Legislative EDD Letter to Governor Newsom 

I along with over sixty California lawmakers sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom today advocating for immediate and structural reforms at the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD).

Assembly District 65 Youth Present Powerful Voices through Art

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) announced the winners of the art contest yesterday which  focused on creating an art poster to help raise awareness of the California Department of Public Health's recommended guidelines of wearing a facial mask in public. The contest was open to youth ages 8 through 17 who reside in the 65th Assembly District.

"COVID-19 has affected everyone in our state.  Wearing a mask is one of the most important things we can do as a community to help fight this pandemic," said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva.  "This was an opportunity for our youth to be creative, help spread an important message, and to be a part of raising awareness for our community," said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. 

Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Announces $221,210 for Orange County from the Housing Navigators Program