Releases and Articles

Sen. Morrell Honors The Unforgettables Foundation as 23rd Senate District Nonprofit of the Year

June 5, 2019
Caption: Senator Mike Morrell (center) with The Unforgettables Founder Tim Evans (right) and organization associate Gary Gryte. SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, June 5, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) honored The Unforgettables Foundation as the 23 rd Senate District Nonprofit of the Year at...

Senator Morrell: Sacramento Democrats Are to Blame for California's Housing Crisis

June 4, 2019
Sacramento – As Vice Chair of the Senate Housing Committee, Senator Mike Morrell ( R-Rancho Cucamonga ) issued the following statement after Democratic legislators and labor activists gathered at the State Capitol today to “Rally for Housing.” “Let’s keep in mind that Legislative Democrats created...

Morrell Monthly: May 2019

May 31, 2019
In this Issue: We’re here to help | Connect with me on social media | Mobile Office Hours | Message | Providing Relief to Businesses After Disaster | Making California More Affordable for Disabled Veterans | Transparency in Sex Education | Concerning Bills to Watch | CHP Senior Safety Driving Courses | Photos | Preparing for Wildfire | Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer

Senate Democrats Penalize the Faith-Based Community’s Health Care Coverage

May 24, 2019
SACRAMENTO – In a recent Senate Budget Committee hearing , members of the California Senate Republican Caucus voted against Democrats’ efforts to penalize members of Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs). HCSMs are an alternative form of health care coverage for members of faith-based communities...

State Senate Advances Sen. Morrell's Legislation to Provide Financial Relief to Disabled Veterans

May 23, 2019
SACRAMENTO – The state senate has passed a package of bills authored by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), both aimed at providing financial relief to California’s disabled veterans. “When veterans return home, they should have every chance to find favorable working and living conditions,...

Senate Approves Morrell Bill to Provide Business Licensing Fee Relief for Disaster Victims

May 21, 2019
SACRAMENTO – The state senate has unanimously passed SB 601 , by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), to waive or reduce government licensing fees for businesses recovering after a disaster. After events like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, victims face many challenges including...

Sen. Morrell Responds to Governor's May Revision of the 2019-20 State Budget

May 9, 2019
SACRAMENTO – Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May revision of his 2019-20 state budget proposal: “Under one-party rule in Sacramento, it is clear that government will never be too big or powerful for Democratic...

Sen. Morrell's Business Fee Relief Bill Named Top Priority by California Chamber of Commerce

May 2, 2019
SACRAMENTO – The California Chamber of Commerce , or CalChamber, announced this week that Senate Bill 601, by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), is one of its top priority 2019 “Job Creator” bills . SB 601 would help local economies recover after a federal or state-declared disaster by...

Providing Relief to Businesses After Disaster

April 25, 2019
In recent years, California has seen several of the most damaging and costly natural disasters in its history. The 2017 Tubbs Fire, Southern California mudslides, and 2018 Camp Fire have combined claimed over 100 lives, destroyed more than 25,000 structures, and impacted an estimated 381,784...

Sacramento Democrats Reject Bill to Save California Jobs

April 24, 2019
Caption: Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) speaks at a Sacramento press conference in support of SB 238 by Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). SACRAMENTO – Today, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment...

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Sen. Morrell Statement on 2018-19 State Budget Vote

June 15, 2018
“My colleague Senator John Moorlach of Orange County, who served on the budget conference committee, said it well during the floor debate on the budget process: ‘The real work is supposedly done by the Governor, by the Speaker of the Assembly, and the President pro Tem…it appears that the budget...

Senate Agrees with Morrell: Let Activated National Guard Members Keep More of their Pay for Emergency Service

May 31, 2018
When called up during emergencies, California’s National Guard serves at the command of the governor. Their missions include responding to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. SB 924 , by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), would exempt from state income taxes income...

You Need a License to Shampoo and Curl Hair in California?

May 31, 2018
Do students really have to pay $7,500 to $19,000 in classwork and training to shampoo and curl hair? Thanks to California’s licensing laws, the answer is yes. On top of schooling costs, aspiring workers in these fields are also required to complete over 1,500 hours of training, take several exams,...

Morrell Monthly: May 2018

May 24, 2018
In this Issue: Mobile Office Hours | Memorial Day | SB 999 - Taking on Burdensome Occupational Licensing | SB 1456 - Keeping Students Safe | SB 924 - National Guard Tax Exemptions | SB 1485 - Money for Charities, Not More Government | Governor Releases Revised State Budget | Photos | Occupational Licensing Across America | Thatcher on Taxpayer Dollars

Dollars for Charities, Not More Government

May 14, 2018
Polling indicates that 74 percent of voters would prefer to see their money go to charities they trust rather than to government. The same poll found that 88 percent also support making it easier for taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions. Besides, it is our money.

National Guard Members Activated in Emergencies Shouldn't Pay State Income Tax for Service

April 25, 2018
Nearly 40 million Californians rely on just 23,000 members of the California National Guard to be ready in emergency situations. When the governor calls up Guard Members to respond to disasters like last year’s devastating wildfires, these men and women leave fulltime day jobs and place their lives...

Sen. Morrell Successful in First Vote to Wash Out Occupational Licensing Requirement for Shampooing Hair

April 16, 2018
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development passed SB 999 by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), which would start tackling California’s burdensome occupational licensing system by repealing the requirements to work in a number of personal care...

Senator Morrell Statement on SAFE Act

April 12, 2018
SACRAMENTO – Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) issued the following statement on SB 1456, the Sexual Abuse-Free Education (SAFE) Act , after its consideration by the Senate Education Committee on April 11, 2018. The measure aims to protect K-12 students by preventing educators and staff who...

MEDIA ADVISORY: Victims of past student sex abuse cases to testify in support of California SAFE Act – Tomorrow, April 11

April 10, 2018
On Wednesday, April 11, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) will present SB 1456, the Sexual Abuse-Free Education (SAFE) Act , in the Senate Education Committee, advocating for reforms that will better protect students from educators guilty of sex abuse who jump from school to school. He will...

1,500 training hours and $125 to shampoo hair?

April 9, 2018
Did you know California requires a license to work in over 300 different jobs? Everything from tree trimming and interior design to makeup artistry and yes – even shampooing – makes the list. It is a distinction that has prompted the Institute for Justice to rank the state as the “ most broadly and...

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Senator Morrell Responds to Governor's Signing of Sanctuary State Legislation

October 5, 2017
SACRAMENTO – Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) issued the following statement after Governor Jerry Brown signed into law SB 54 (de Leon, D-Los Angeles) making California a “sanctuary state”: “Unfortunately, the winners under SB 54 are individuals who have been arrested for committing crimes...

Morrell Effort to Strengthen Legislative Accountability Heads to Governor's Desk

September 13, 2017
Both houses of the legislature have voted to approve Assembly Bill 1620, principally coauthored by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), which would further discourage the “revolving door” of legislators leaving office to take jobs as lobbyists.

Redlands Teacher, School Board Trustee Cristina Puraci Recognized by State Senate

September 1, 2017
In acknowledgement of her work and career in education, Redlands teacher and Board of Education Trustee Cristina Puraci was recognized by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) and Senate colleagues at the capitol during a recent session of the State Senate. Puraci spent her childhood in...

California First Responder Day Event to Be Held at Snow Valley Mountain Resort

August 31, 2017
The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council and State Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) invite the community to participate in a day of recognition for local emergency personnel at the inaugural California First Responder Day at Snow Valley Mountain Resort.

Senator Morrell Urges Californians to Make Their Voices Heard on Proposed Proposition 57 Regulations

August 18, 2017
SACRAMENTO – Today, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) submitted a letter to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) as part of a public comment period regarding proposed regulations that could lead to the early release of dangerous "nonviolent" inmates and...

Cap & trade will drive up gas prices, burden small businesses

July 21, 2017
With the recent vote by the legislature to extend the governor’s cap-and-trade proposal, there have been a number of questions about the bill’s merits Here are reasons why I opposed AB 398 (E. Garcia, D-Coachella) : AB 398 will result in higher prices at the gas pump – by as much as 73 cents per...

Cap & Trade Tax Calculator

July 19, 2017
Democrat politicians recently passed a massive gas and car tax, and now have passed an even larger tax called cap-and-trade. Find out how much all these taxes could cost you.

Sen. Morrell Responds to Passage of Governor's Cap-and-Trade Legislation

July 18, 2017
Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) released the following statement in response to the legislature’s passage of AB 398, the governor’s cap-and-trade plan to increase gas taxes and fuel greater government spending:

Senate Republicans Convey Cap-and-Trade Concerns to Governor

July 13, 2017
SACRAMENTO – This morning, a letter from members of the Senate Republican Caucus was delivered to Governor Jerry Brown outlining their concerns on cap-and-trade. The letter conveys to the Governor that the “… Caucus is united in opposition to the current efforts to extend the state’s cap-and-trade...

Morrell Monthly: July 2017

July 10, 2017
In this Issue: Record-Setting 2017-18 State Budget | SB 184 - Protecting Citizens’ Privacy and Personal Information | SB 679 - Increasing Legislative Accountability | SB 197 - Building Specialized Veteran Medical Facilities | Fire Tax Update | Other Legislation of Note this Session | Women of Distinction 2017 - Nominations Open | Patriot Spotlight - Marvin Nottingham | Photos | Staying Safe in the Heat! | Reminder -- Ready for Wildfire App Available | Letter from John Adams to His Wife Abigail | Report: $370 Billion in New Taxes and Fees Proposed

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Big Bear Olympian Kim Rhode Makes History in Rio

August 12, 2016
Today, Olympic shooter Kim Rhode of Big Bear City became the first female athlete and the first Summer Olympic athlete to medal in six consecutive Olympic Games , earning bronze during the women’s skeet shooting final at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. She has now won an Olympic...

Senate Joins Morrell in Honoring Purple Heart Veterans

August 11, 2016
The State Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 159 by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) officially recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Day in California. The resolution acknowledges men and women of the Armed Services who have been wounded or killed in action.

Jumpstarting Veterans’ Civilian Careers

July 25, 2016
Our nation’s veterans undergo rigorous training during military service that can be directly applied to jobs at home. After working hard and defending the freedoms we cherish, it is our duty to ensure that when these men and women come home, the return to civilian life is an easy one.

Morrell Monthly: Summer 2016

July 20, 2016
In this Issue: Message | At The Capitol & Around the 23rd | Record State Budget Enacted | Holding Vandals of Veterans’ Memorials Accountable | Morrell Legislation | Second Amendment | Legislation to Watch | Community Coffee - San Bernardino | 2016 Women of Distinction - Nominations Due August 1 | Patriot Spotlight: Teresa Bullock | Intern Profile: Jillian Pascua | Recommended Reading: Calvin Coolidge on the Declaration of Independence | Facts & Figures - Fund Shifts Mask Real Budget Growth | Giving Back: USBloodDonors.org

Legislators Urge State Board of Education to Reject Draft History-Social Science Framework

July 13, 2016
SACRAMENTO – As the State Board of Education meets this week in Sacramento, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) joined several of his Senate and Assembly colleagues in urging the board to reject revisions to the Draft History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools. In a letter...

We must preserve memorials to fallen heroes

July 6, 2016
Memorials to fallen heroes can be found throughout our communities all over the country. They tell stories of selflessness and sacrifice that form the cornerstone of our shared history. It is our duty to ensure that young people today understand the significance of these individuals’ service and that they are never forgotten.

Statement on 2016-17 State Budget Vote

June 15, 2016
Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) today issued the following statement in response to the passage of the 2016-17 state budget:

Fire Fee Transparency Bill Passes Key Assembly Committee

June 13, 2016
Today, the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources approved on a bipartisan vote Senate Bill 1136, authored by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), to require that the legislature and the public annually receive more detailed information regarding the spending of money generated by the controversial fire prevention fee.

State Senate Approves Morrell Measure to Jumpstart Veterans' Civilian Careers

June 2, 2016
Today, the California State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1155 by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) to reduce costs for veterans re-entering the state’s civilian workforce.

Morrell Monthly: May 2016

May 31, 2016
In this Issue: We’re here to help | Social Media | Mobile Office Hours | Keeping You Posted | At The Capitol & Around the 23rd | Governor’s Revised State Budget: State Still Spending Money Faster than It Comes In | Legislation | Sun City Senior Scam Stopper Seminar - June 3 | 2016 Women of Distinction - Nominations Open | Paul Moore | Columnist: New California laws threaten rights of the politically incorrect

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Senator Morrell and Local Chambers of Commerce to Honor Businesses

October 1, 2015
On October 22, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) will host the 5th Annual Top Chamber Business Awards at the Orton Center on the University of Redlands campus. The annual event highlights the work of businesses from across the 23rd Senate District in collaboration with local chambers of commerce.

Morrell Monthly: September 2015

September 29, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: We’re here to help | Connect with me on social media | Mobile Office Hours | Big wins for taxpayers this legislative session | What's Going On Around District 23 | Op-Ed: Taxpayers, GOP Hold Off Tax Increases | Majority Party Ignores “Kate’s Law” Resolution | SB 647 Signed Into Law | 11th Annual Women of Distinction - October 16 | Top Chamber Business Awards - October 22 | Patriot Spotlight: Wayland Reynolds | The Next Generation: Jennifer Iniguez | Recommended Listening: Washington’s First Inaugural Address | California’s Business Tax Climate Ranks #48

Californians and GOP Winners of Tax Fight

September 23, 2015
As the recent legislative session drew to a close, my Republican colleagues and I reached out and asked Californians to join us in opposing tax increases and proposed restrictions on gas use. Within days, my office heard from hundreds of you.

Morrell: Majority Party Refuses to Pass "Kate's Law" Resolution Before Leaving Sacramento

September 17, 2015
Last week, the state legislature adjourned for the year without taking any action to address sanctuary city policies that facilitate the illegal harboring of convicted criminals. In particular, Democrats failed to advance Senate Joint Resolution 17 by Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga), which would urge Congress to pass “Kate’s Law.”

Morrell Measure to Streamline Regulations and Improve Consumer Protection Law Signed by Governor

September 4, 2015
Today, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) announced that the Governor has signed Senate Bill 647. The measure makes needed regulatory improvements to provisions put in place by important consumer protection legislation approved in 2012.

Morrell: Governor and Democrats Intent on Raising Taxes

September 3, 2015
Today, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) said that majority Democrats have made it increasingly obvious that they are intent on raising taxes on hardworking Californians. In the clearest sign yet, the Governor released a draft transportation funding plan on Thursday, which includes a $65...

Morrell Monthly: August 2015

August 28, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: Mobile Office Hours | Tax Proposals Abound as Session Hits Busy Season | What's Going On Around District 23 | “Kate’s Law” Resolution Stalled | Op-Ed: Taking care of California’s most vulnerable | Op-Ed: Giving veterans a break in earning degrees | September 17 • Ark of Safety Forum | Honorees Announced! 11th Annual Women of Distinction | Patriot Spotlight: Michael Warren | The Next Generation: Spencer Street | Recommended Listening: American History Podcasts - Hillsdale Dialogues | Taxes Aren’t the Solution to Fixing California Roads

"Kate's Law" Resolution Introduced by Senator Morrell Stalled by Democrats in Senate Public Safety Committee

August 24, 2015
Senator Morrell has been informed by the Democrat chair of the Committee on Public Safety that a hearing will not be held to hear SJR 17 before the legislature adjourns in September. The measure would encourage Congress to pass “Kate’s Law.” It was introduced in response to the tragic killing of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco, allegedly by a seven-time convicted felon who had previously been deported five times.

Senator Morrell Announces Open Registration for Third Annual Emergency Preparedness Event

August 20, 2015
ETIWANDA – Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) will partner with nonprofit Building Resilient Communities to host the third annual “Ark of Safety Forum” on September 17 at Christ’s Church of the Valley – Etiwanda Gardens. This event, held during National Preparedness Month, is an opportunity...

Senate Republicans Offer Healthcare Bills without Raising Taxes on California Families

August 17, 2015
Senate Republicans want to protect 24 million Californians without raising taxes on their healthcare insurance. In July, two healthcare bills were introduced in response to the special session. These two measures were introduced to help low-income and disabled Californians gain better access to...

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