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Senate adopts health and veterans awareness resolutions, confirms several gubernatorial appointments
Summary
On Aug. 18 the California State Senate unanimously adopted multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing awareness weeks for a neurodegenerative disease, Gold Star Families and veterans suicide prevention, and confirmed a slate of governor appointees to multiple boards.
SACRAMENTO — The California State Senate on Monday adopted several noncontroversial concurrent resolutions recognizing awareness weeks and took up a series of gubernatorial appointment confirmations.
The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 80 (SCR 80), declaring Sept. 21–28 as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week, by a recorded vote of 36–0. Senator Nilo, the author, urged colleagues to support the measure to increase public awareness of FTD and the burdens on patients and caregivers. "As I said, this is about raising awareness," Senator Nilo told the chamber.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 28 (SCR 28), designating Sept. 28 as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, passed 35–0. Senator Grove presented the resolution honoring families who have lost loved ones in military service.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 61 (SCR 61), establishing a veterans suicide prevention awareness week, was adopted 37–0. Senator Archuleta, presenting the resolution, cited federal Department of Defense and VA statistics on elevated suicide risk among active-duty service members and veterans.
Governor's appointments: The Senate confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointees by voice or recorded roll calls. - Deborah Gore was confirmed to the State Bar Board of Trustees; the appointment was approved on a recorded vote that produced a unanimous confirmation. - Mark Krause (Public Employment Relations Board) and a set of reappointments — including Ed Lowry (Health Appeals Board), Dr. Phil Mercado and Roxanne Messina Kaptur (California Arts Council), and Pat Yerena (Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission) — were confirmed with unanimous or near-unanimous support as noted in the daily roll calls.
Why it matters: The resolutions do not change law but signal legislative recognition of disease awareness, military families and veterans' mental health issues. Confirmations fill leadership roles on state boards that oversee professional licensing, labor relations, arts funding and recreation policy.
Notable guests and testimony: Senator Nilo invited caregivers and family members affected by FTD to the chamber; among those recognized was Emma Hemming Willis, who appeared on behalf of her husband, actor Bruce Willis, who has been publicly identified as living with the disease. The chamber held brief guest introductions and photographs for visiting delegations and honorees.
Ending: Each resolution passed without recorded opposition; appointment confirmations were approved and will take effect as stated under state law. Committee hearings and public events connected to the awareness weeks were encouraged by sponsors.
