Press Releases

February 16, 2017

Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) announced today that B. Wayne Hughes, Jr., an entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of SkyRose Ranch in San Miguel which treats veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, has thrown his support behind Senate Bill 339. SB 339 will help ensure access to recovery and rehabilitation programs for veterans who are battling substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other service-related disorders. In sponsoring SB 339, Mr. Hughes has committed to personally fund half of the $200,000 needed to support the statewide best-practices study commissioned by SB 339.

Mr. Hughes said: “The sad truth is that our veterans are commonly ignored and pushed aside once they return from their noble service, and our jails and prisons are beyond the breaking point with over-capacity. We owe it to these brave men and women and all Californians to find solutions that help rehabilitate those who have served our country, stabilize our correctional system, keep our communities safe and give us hope for a brighter tomorrow. SB 339 takes those important first steps by expanding the reach of veterans’ courts and saluting those who have served for us but now face their own personal battles.”

Senator Roth said: “I thank Mr. Hughes for his generous support of our veterans, and am honored to have his strong support for SB 339. It is our duty to stand behind the brave men and women who have answered the call and stood up to defend our nation. As our veterans return home, they often face tremendous challenges in readjusting to civilian life. SB 339 will help ensure California’s veterans have the treatment and resources they need to recover and readjust to society.”

February 14, 2017

(Sacramento) – Today, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) and Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) introduced legislation which will help ensure access to recovery and rehabilitation programs for veterans who are battling substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other service-related disorders.

Senate Bill 339 will help expand the reach of veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs), which serve veterans who are involved with the justice system and whose court cases are affected by such issues as addiction, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. Through a collaboration of prosecutors, public defenders, veterans, social services, and family support organizations, VTCs promote sobriety, recovery, and stability.

January 10, 2017

Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed 2017-18 state budget:

“The budget released today is an important first step in a process that will develop over the next several months. I am pleased to see the Governor continue to make our courts a priority by proposing a reallocation of four trial court judges to regions where they are most needed.  This is critical to the adequate and speedy delivery of justice throughout California.  I was further pleased to see funding included for the construction of the California Air Resources Board’s new emissions testing facility in Riverside.  The new facility will create hundreds of new jobs and will be critical to improving air quality throughout Inland Southern California and our state.

December 27, 2016

(Riverside, CA) -- Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) issued the following statement on the passing of Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit:

December 15, 2016

California Hospital Association praises him as a “true champion for patients and healthcare providers”

(Riverside, CA) – Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) has been awarded the 2016 Public Service Award by the California Hospital Association.

“It is an honor to receive this award,” said Senator Roth. “I have always believed that public service is about working together. I thank CHA for their leadership to improve healthcare access and the quality of healthcare throughout California, especially in our state’s medically underserved areas. I am looking forward to continuing to work with CHA to ensure we can meet the long-term healthcare needs of our region and state.”

This year, Senator Roth and a bipartisan coalition of healthcare leaders and stakeholders successfully secured the investment of $100 million in new and existing primary care residency programs, including family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine and OB/GYN residencies. This targeted investment will help ensure California’s medically underserved areas have the physicians they need to meet growing and complex healthcare demands.

December 05, 2016

(Sacramento, CA) – Sworn in today for a second term, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) introduced four proposals aimed at restoring funding to Riverside County’s newest cities, improving access to justice and protecting victims of domestic violence. 

Senator Roth said: “It is truly an honor and privilege to continue serving the residents of the 31st Senate District.  From saving our newest cities, to improving access to justice for all Californians, to protecting some of our society’s most vulnerable citizens, we have important work to do over the next four years, and I am looking forward to delivering even more for Inland Southern California in my second term.”

Below are the measures Senator Roth introduced today:

September 30, 2016

(Riverside, CA) -- Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) issued the following statement today on the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 897, which would have provided law enforcement one additional year to recover from catastrophic injuries sustained while protecting Californians:

August 31, 2016

(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) proposal to restore lost funding to Riverside County’s four newest cities has been approved by the California State Senate on a bipartisan, unanimous vote of 39-0, sending the measure to Governor Brown for his signature.

“I am proud that both houses of the Legislature have rallied behind our cities in bipartisan support,” said Senator Roth. “I am confident the Governor will recognize that SB 817’s approval not only restores lost funding, but restores an important measure of fairness and equity for our cities.”

August 23, 2016

(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Richard D. Roth’s (D-Riverside) proposal to restore lost funding to Riverside County’s four newest cities has been approved by the California State Assembly on a bipartisan vote of 77-0.

Senator Roth said: “Senate Bill 817 restores critical funding for the newly incorporated cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar, which each lost funding through no fault of their own. This funding, which every other city receives, is important for these cities’ residents, especially for residents in California’s newest city, Jurupa Valley. This is an issue I have been fighting for since before I was elected to the State Senate, and one I will continue to fight for until we have secured a victory.”

August 22, 2016

Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) issued the following statement on the passing of Pamela Clute:

“I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Pam Clute, one of the finest educators, public servants, and community leaders Inland Southern California and our State have ever known. For over four decades, Pam tirelessly inspired students to realize unbounded success, particularly among underserved populations. Pam’s career and life are a testament to the very best of public service, and her legacy will live on in the countless minds and lives she inspired and truly made better. I know I speak for all those whose lives she positively impacted when I say that she will be deeply missed, and my sincerest condolences and prayers go out to her husband Steve and their family in this difficult time.”