In an effort to remove obstacles for Californians trying to succeed in the labor market, a new law could make access to child care easier for low-income parents taking classes to learn English or complete high school.

The law will expand the eligibility requirements for subsidized child care. It will make low-income parents who are are enrolled in English as a second language classes (ESL) or a program to earn a high school diploma or general education development certificate (GED) eligible to place their children in subsidized care.

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Among hundreds of bills signed into law on Sunday by Governor Jerry Brown was the rural broadband measure championed by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D — Winters).

Several past efforts to increase funding to close the connectivity gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” known as the “Digital Divide,” were intensely opposed by the largest telecommunications and cable companies. After a three-year stalemate, this bill represents a cooperative effort between legislators of both houses and both parties, consumer advocates, and representatives from the telecommunications and cable industries to invest in broadband access and rural development.

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District Four Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry recently visited the location of the most important project for the restoration of Clear Lake: the Middle Creek Marsh.

Over 1,600 acres of land, farmed for a better part of a century and protected by battered levees, are the focus of federal, state, and local efforts to restore original wetlands. These wetlands are expected to slow the flow of nutrient-rich water and sediment to Clear Lake, providing flood protection, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, ground water recharge, and recreational opportunities.

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There's a new law on the books in California that will remove a barrier for low-income parents aiming to access education. Under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last week, poor parents enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or high school equivalency courses will be eligible for subsidized child care. 

Read more here.