Protecting sex workers + LAO report + Foster care rally

Feb. 11--Happy Monday AM Alerters! Put a face to my name and read about me here.

SAFE SEX

State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill on Thursday that immunizes sex workers from arrest when they report violent crimes. Wiener said the bill also addresses public safety concerns because it prohibits arresting individuals who carry condoms, in any amount, as evidence of sex work.

"There are many sex workers who are victimized who are assaulted, or raped or kidnapped who are scared to report the crimes to police because they are worried they will be arrested for prostitution," Wiener said. "And that's an unacceptable situation."

Context: The St. James Infirmary, a nonprofit in San Francisco, notes that more than 60% of sex workers have experienced assault while working, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a particular HIV and STI risk in the community.

"This is a profession that has existed since the beginning of time and we want to make sure that these men and women are safe and healthy," Wiener said.

The senator is hosting a 10 a.m. press conference with workers and advocates at his office in San Francisco., which you can stream on his website.

"AT ODDS"

The Legislative Analyst's Office said in a report on Thursday that using funds from the individual mandate penalty as the only way to finance expanded insurance subsidies "is at odds" with the mandate's goal of getting more people insured.

Recap: Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed requiring Californians to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty, and that the penalty revenue would go toward insurance subsidies through Covered California.

The LAO called the individual mandate one of the "most effective tools" for improving insured levels and lowering healthcare costs, but recommended the Legislature to consider socioeconomic status when administering penalties, as well as to provide additional state assistance for certain households.

Sophia Bollag contributed reporting.

KIDS AT THE CAPITOL

The California Youth Connection is organizing a group of 100 current and former foster care youth at the Capitol today to rally support for foster care policies. The connection's event will focus on a #FosterStability campaign that highlights the need for stability in education, relationships, home settings and health and wellness systems for foster care kids.

The event is scheduled for noon on the West Steps.

TWEET OF THE DAY

They're hereeeee.

Sacramento City Council member Jay Schenirer -- "Sacramento, JUMP Scooters are here and we had a great time testing them out this morning! Have fun and ride safe!"

MUST-READ: Here's who invested in Gavin Newsom -- and what they want him to do by Sophia Bollag

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