Releases and Articles

Senator Jim Nielsen – The ‘Dean of the Senate’ – Says Thank You and Farewell

November 18, 2022
To watch Senator Nielsen’s farewell video, click here SACRAMENTO – Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, issued the following statement of gratitude to the people he has had the honor to serve as he retires from the California State Senate. “ I am retiring from public service at the end of this year...

Sites Project Authority Honors Senator Nielsen for 40 Years of Championing Water Issues

October 26, 2022
The Site Project Authority recognized Senator Nielsen in the following Resolution at its October 26, 2022 Board of Directors Meeting WHEREAS, Sen. Nielsen has dedicated over 40 years of service to the people of California, in the California State Senate, California State Assembly, California...

Wildfire Victims Get ‘Healing’ Tax Exemption from Settlement Payments

October 3, 2022
Wildfire victims receiving payment from PG&E’s “Fire Victim Trust” will not have to pay state income taxes on those payments with the signing of Assembly Bill 1249 (Gallagher). Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, is AB 1249’s principal co-author. “The signing of the measure into law was critical...

Senator Nielsen: ‘Here They Go Again’

August 30, 2022
Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, issued the following statement in response to Senate Democrats killing his proposal today to fully fund and build Sites Reservoir: “Here they go again. Senate Democrats need to get their heads screwed on straight. For the second time this year, they have killed...

Opinion | California’s budget process is corrupt, no longer transparent, and has poor priorities

August 29, 2022
By Jim Nielsen | Orange County Register PUBLISHED : August 28, 2022 at 11:56 a.m. | UPDATED: August 28, 2022 at 11:56 a.m. This is my final season in California’s Legislature. My final budget. It’s bittersweet. In mydecades representing the people in the state Assembly and Senate, I’ve seen a...

Senator Nielsen and Assemblyman Gallagher Secure $75 Million for Chico State and Three Other CSU Farm Campuses

July 28, 2022
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Red Bluff) and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) have helped secured $75 million in the state budget to modernize agricultural facilities and equipment across four California State University Campuses, including Chico State. “These land-grant...

Senator Nielsen Urges the Governor to Veto SB 357

June 22, 2022
Senator Nielsen joined his Senate Republican colleagues in a letter urging the governor to Veto SB 357, which would repeal existing criminal statutes pertaining to loitering with intent to engage in prostitution, as well as directing or supervising an individual engaged in loitering with intent to...

Today Marks 100 Days of Inaction by Democrats on Gas Price Relief

June 15, 2022
The state budget approved by lawmakers earlier this week failed to include immediate gas price relief for Californians who are paying the highest prices in the nation. Legislative Republicans have been advocating for a gas tax suspension that would save consumers 51 cents per gallon. The Democrats...

SD 21 Non-Profit of the Year 2022

June 8, 2022
Today, on California Nonprofits Day , Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, honored Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 582 of Butte County as the “2022 Nonprofit of the Year” for Senate District 4 at the State Capitol. “The services and support VVA 582 provides our Vietnam veterans are vital and...

Sen. Nielsen on Democrat Budget Deal without Republican Input: ‘It’s despicable’

June 2, 2022
Senate Budget Vice Chair Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, issued the following statement today in response to the Senate and Assembly Democrat budget deal that was negotiated without Republican lawmakers’ input. “California’s Democrat lawmakers have gone off the cliff. They have absolutely...

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Senate Republicans Call for Full Funding of Water Projects amidst Massive State Budget Surplus

December 16, 2021
SACRAMENTO – As rainwater is being flushed out to the sea, Senate Republicans delivered a letter to Governor Newsom calling for the full funding of state water projects. Spearheaded by the Vice Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Jim Nielsen ( R-Red Bluff ), and the Chair of the Senate...

A Joyful Return to Upper Lake High School

December 8, 2021
Senator Nielsen was thrilled to visit Upper Lake High School, in Lake County, which was part of Senate District 4 during his tenure in the State Senate in the 1970s and 80s. During that time, Upper Lake High School’s gymnasium was in a state of massive disrepair, but was not eligible for State...

Cheers to 28 Years!

November 22, 2021
Heartfelt thanks to Wendy Gerig for 28 years of extraordinary service as the CEO of the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes for the future!

Placer Food Bank Tour

November 22, 2021
As we head into the holiday season, it warms the heart to know that there are organizations in Senate District 4 that are helping others. Thank you to Lisa Heinrich, Jorge Lupercio and Dave Martinez of the Placer Food Bank for the inspiring tour of this amazing facility. Placer Food bank, a 501(c}3...

Senator Nielsen Urges Caution on Projected $31 Billion State Surplus

November 17, 2021
Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Red Bluff, today issued the following statement in response to the Legislative Analyst’s Office report, The 2022-23 Budget: California’s Fiscal Outlook, which projects a $31 billion surplus. “A $31 billion surplus is not an invitation to build future spending obligations. “...

Grocery Outlet Paradise Grand Opening

October 28, 2021
Congratulations to Independent Owner/Operators Wayne and Livia Kurtz on your Grand Opening today of the new Paradise Grocery Outlet at 6800 Skyway. Heartfelt thank you, Kurtz Family, for your entrepreneurial spirit that is a catalyst for the "Paradise Comeback!"

2021 End-of-Session Newsletter

October 28, 2021
The wells that rural communities depend on are running dry, farmers are being denied water to grow food, there are weekly threats of rolling blackouts and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and hundreds of thousands of acres are burning throughout the state, threatening lives, property and wildlife. At...

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2021 End-of-Session Newsletter

October 28, 2021
The wells that rural communities depend on are running dry, farmers are being denied water to grow food, there are weekly threats of rolling blackouts and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and hundreds of thousands of acres are burning throughout the state, threatening lives, property and wildlife. At...

Art Therapy Week

October 11, 2021
I was proud to author California Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, which created Art Therapy Week of Civic Engagement. Heart-felt thank you to art therapists who make powerful contributions to our communities in California.

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Art Therapy Week

October 11, 2021
I was proud to author California Senate Concurrent Resolution 60, which created Art Therapy Week of Civic Engagement. Heart-felt thank you to art therapists who make powerful contributions to our communities in California.

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Shutdown Furthers Economic and Education Disparities among Californians

December 3, 2020
Today, without data Governor Gavin Newsom ordered another shutdown picking winners and losers. Unfortunately, it appears that the losers will be children in public schools and the working class. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement: “Shutting down the state again will only...

Governor Must Direct EDD to Pay Hard Working Californians, NOT Murders, Rapists, Child Molesters

November 24, 2020
According to The Los Angeles Times , California prison inmates, including murderers on death row like Scott Peterson, have received $140 million in unemployment benefits while a huge backlog of legitimate claims remain unprocessed. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), former Chair of the Board of Prison...

Governor: Curfew for All except some Bay Area Counties

November 19, 2020
Today, Californians living in “Purple Tier” counties were told to comply with a draconian curfew from 10pm to 5am. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement: “It concerns me that the Governor has an ever-changing policy that attempts to dictate our way of life and commerce. It...

Senate Budget Vice Chair Jim Nielsen Reacts to LAO's Forecast of $26 Billion in One-time Surplus

November 18, 2020
California is predicted to receive $26 billion more than anticipated according to today’s report by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst. Republican Senator, Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), issued the following statement: “California’s state budget is projected to receive $26 billion in one-time surplus,...

Out-of-Work Californians Urge Governor to Expedite Unemployment Benefits

October 7, 2020
Standing in front of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) headquarters, seven residents of Northern California urged Governor Newsom to be more hands-on with helping those in need. Like millions of Californians, these residents lost their jobs after the Governor triggered a shutdown...

Late Saturday Night Announcement of Two Week Closure of EDD Shatters Public Confidence

September 21, 2020
In a late Saturday night announcement, the Newsom Administration said they will not accept new unemployment claims over the next two weeks. Advocating for his frustrated constituents, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement: “Since the Governor shut down the state’s economy in...

CEQA Law Denied Clearing of Forest to Prevent Wildfires in Berry Creek Resulting in Human and Animal Lives Lost

September 16, 2020
Over three million acres charred and lives have been unnecessarily lost across California. Today, the Butte Fire Safe Council made public to KRCR TV Redding/Chico that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) prevented fire mitigation to clear access roads in Berry Creek, a rural community...

Statement from North State Lawmakers

September 11, 2020
Governor Gavin Newsom toured the North Complex Fire today. Local lawmakers who represent the region, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) and Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), issued the following statement: “The excuse of climate change cannot be used to deflect from the fundamental failure to...

Governor Newsom and Democrat Lawmakers Have Only Themselves to Blame for AB 5 Catastrophe

August 20, 2020
Following Sacramento politicians’ mandate to do away with independent business contracts as dictated by Assembly Bill 5, many businesses and professionals fought for exemptions. Ridesharing companies, Uber and Lyft, the main targets of labor unions and Democrat lawmakers, were not successful in...

Survey: 59 Percent Say to Give Students Option for In-person or Distance Learning

August 6, 2020
In a survey emailed to constituents, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) asked for their thoughts on the distance learning and its impact. Respondents overwhelmingly disagreed with the Governor’s and school boards’ order to close schools and offer only distancing learning. Fifty-nine (59) percent of the...

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North State Lawmakers Announce Legislation to Combat Power Shutoffs

October 28, 2019
BUTTE COUNTY – To further protect their constituents, state lawmakers - Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) and Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) - who represent the Town of Paradise and Camp Fire survivors, announced their intent to introduce legislation that will help prevent future wildfires...

Senator Nielsen's Measure to Bring Emergency Care Back to Paradise Signed into Law

October 17, 2019
Standing at the entrance of the emergency department of the damaged Feather River Hospital, state lawmakers and community leaders praised the Governor’s signing of Senator Jim Nielsen’s legislation to bring back emergency care to Paradise. Senate Bill 156 was co-authored by Assemblyman James...

PG&E's Power Shutoff is Unacceptable

October 9, 2019
PG&E shut off power to residents of the North State shortly after midnight Wednesday. More shutoffs are expected today. In total, 800,000 customers will be negatively impacted. An estimated 2.5 million Californians will not have electricity. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who represents...

Senator Nielsen & Parent Advocate Applaud Governor’s Crackdown on Vaping and e-Cigarettes

September 16, 2019
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order to develop recommendations to remove illegal and counterfeit vaping products from stores, direct a public awareness campaign, develop recommendations to place warning signs and impose stricter age verification requirements. Senator Jim Nielsen...

Chico Enterprise-Record: Restoring health care in Paradise a vital step

September 8, 2019
Eighty-six (86) lives lost, 13,000 homes destroyed and 150,000 acres charred devastating the Town of Paradise and nearby communities. Ten months following the state’s most destructive wildfire, the rebuilding efforts begins. Fire survivors prove their resilience every day. … The Camp Fire disaster...

Democrats Once Again Fail to Protect Californians from Guns Owned by Convicted Criminals & Known Individuals with Mental Illness

August 30, 2019
Today, the Democrat-controlled Assembly Appropriations Committee failed to heed Governor Newsom’s outcry on the need for greater gun control. Without debate or public discussion, the Committee refused to pass Senate Bill 257, a measure to require the Attorney General to notify local law enforcement...

Rural Communities to Receive $130 Million to Clean Up Drinking Water

July 24, 2019
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 200, the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. Senate Budget Vice Chairman Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement: “Clean water is vital to life. “This $130 million in funding is needed to clean up water for communities across...

Humboldt's Sexually Violent Predator Will Not Be Placed in Tehama County

July 19, 2019
Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney abandoned a proposal to house a Sexually Violent Predator in Red Bluff Friday morning. “The collective voices of our citizens were heard by Judge Feeney,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama). “As one of the original authors of the Sexually Violent Predator...

Wildfire Legislation Ensures Payment to Victims and Protects Ratepayers

July 9, 2019
With Camp Fire survivors at the forefront of his mind, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) pushed for the passage of Assembly Bill 1054, a bill to secure compensation for fire victims and protection for utility ratepayers. “Eight-five lives lost. 14,000 homes burned. Camp Fire survivors lost everything...

Paradise to Receive $12.8M in State Budget Says Senator Jim Nielsen

June 13, 2019
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Senate Budget Vice Chair, issued the following statement regarding the passage of the state’s spending plan: “Survivors of Camp Fire will receive much-needed monies to rebuild Paradise and the Ridge in this year’s state budget. “The Town of Paradise and surrounding...

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Senator Nielsen Sworn-in to Represent Citizens of the Fourth District

December 3, 2018
Respected for his leadership, experience and public service, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) was sworn-in for a new four-year term in the State Senate. Senator Nielsen won the November election with 57 percent of the vote. “Representing the citizens of the Fourth Senate District is an honor and a...

Stakeholders to Meet Tuesday on Progress of Oroville Dam

October 29, 2018
Members of the Oroville Dam Safety and Reliability Ad Hoc Committee are scheduled to meet Tuesday, October 30, at 8 a.m. to discuss the progress of the Oroville Dam Spillway construction. These local leaders and experts will follow up with DWR officials regarding the safety of the department’s work...

DMV Must Get Out of the Business of Registering Voters

October 17, 2018
Given the fiasco of botched voter registrations at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) will introduce legislation to get the DMV out of the voter registration business so it can focus on issuing licenses and car registrations. “Voter registration is the...

Let's Make the DMV Audit a Reality

September 20, 2018
Motorists across the state have had to wait in hours-long lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register their vehicle or license renewal. Some have spent an entire day waiting in line. Upset drivers have flooded my office with calls and emails. To make matters worse, DMV personnel...

Pouring More Water into the Pacific Ocean Hasn't Worked

August 23, 2018
Following Wednesday night’s hearing by the California State Water Board on its proposal to increase water flows into the Pacific Ocean, former rancher turned State Senator – Jim Nielsen – issued the following statement: “At what point do we say enough is enough? This water grab would take millions...

Bail Reform Will Make Criminal Justice System Worse, Says Former Chair of Board of Prison Terms

August 21, 2018
Senate Bill 10 (Hertzberg), a bill to eliminate the current money bail system, passed both houses of the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who served as Chair of the Board of Prison Terms, issued the following statement: “...

Senator Nielsen's Legislation to Encourage More Pilots to Fight Wildfires Moves a Step Closer to Reality

August 17, 2018
Wildfires are raging across California, and aircraft pilots are an integral part of fighting these devastating blazes. But cost-prohibitive regulations discouraged contracted pilots from partnering with CAL FIRE to battle the fires. “Hundreds of thousands of acres of land are burning, endangering...

Senator Jim Nielsen Votes to Protect Californians' Privacy Online

June 28, 2018
(State Capitol, Sacramento) – “The right to privacy is a fundamental right cherished by Americans,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), who voted in support of AB 375 to protect users' privacy online. “Whether in our homes or online, we value our privacy and want to protect our personal...

Former Chair of the Board of Prison Terms Says PPIC Study Overlooked Data

June 13, 2018
The Public Policy Institute of California issued a report, The Impact of Proposition 47 on Crime and Recidivism , today claiming there is “no evidence that violent crime increased as a result of Proposition 47” in its summary. It further asserted that “Recidivism rates decreased due to Proposition...

Keeping Californians in the Dark -- Budget Deal Done the Same Way as Car & Gas Tax

June 9, 2018
Democrat Assembly Budget writers continue to be tone-deaf to the needs and desires of everyday Californians. The Democrat-controlled Legislature canceled a day of public hearings to negotiate behind closed doors and then emerged in the morning to announce a budget deal. Vice Chairman of the Senate...

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Senator Jim Nielsen's Statement on Tehama County Shooting

November 14, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) released the following statement regarding Tuesday morning’s mass shooting: “My heart goes out to the victims and loved ones affected by Tuesday morning’s horrific shooting in Rancho Tehama. “We are heartbroken over this senseless violence, and will be praying for the...

Local Leaders Take Dam Advocacy Efforts to D.C.

November 4, 2017
YUBA CITY – Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and representatives from the Oroville Dam Coalition will be traveling to Washington D.C. next week to seek federal assistance with outstanding issues relating to the spillway crisis. “My constituents living...

Work at Oroville Dam Far from Complete Warn Northstate Lawmakers

November 1, 2017
With most of the work on the Oroville Dam Spillway complete, North State's Legislators - Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) and Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) - thank the dedicated men and women who have worked around the clock to repair the Spillway and ask the state to clean up the...

Lawmakers, Local Leaders and Residents Protest Gas Tax Increase

October 30, 2017
On November 1, the largest gas tax increase in California history will go into effect. Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), and Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) joined their constituents and local leaders in Chico to protest the $52 billion...

Senate Republican Caucus Chairman on the Las Vegas Massacre

October 2, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) released the following statement following the mass shooting in Las Vegas: “Marilyn and I are heartbroken over the massacre in Las Vegas. We are fervently praying for the victims and their families. “We are all grieving about this tragedy from the bottom of our hearts...

Senator Nielsen's Statement on DACA Program

September 5, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement today regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “Through no fault of their own, these youth were brought to or sent by their parents to the United States. Many have made great contributions to our communities...

Senator Jim Nielsen's Statement on Independent Forensic Report on Oroville Dam

September 5, 2017
Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) issued the following statement regarding the interim status memo by the Oroville Dam Spillway Incident Independent Forensic Team: “This memo outlines the deficiencies in the spillway and continues to confirm my observations, those of my father-in-law who worked as an...

State Easing of Public Safety Laws Emboldens Criminal Behavior

August 31, 2017
According to authorities, Thomas Daniel Littlecloud fired multiple shots at officers who knocked on the front door and walls of a motel room in their search for a different parolee’s room. Littlecloud struck and injured two CHP officers before he attempted to exit through the back balcony. Using a...

State Supreme Court Makes it Easier for Local Government to Raise Taxes, Assessments & Fees on Homeowners

August 30, 2017
In a 5-2 decision, the California Supreme Court ruled that tax, assessment and fee increases proposed by citizens require only a simple majority vote, and that the stricter two-thirds vote requirement imposed by Proposition 218 only applies to government entities, not citizen initiatives. “The...

Democrat Politicians Change Laws to Take Power from the People

August 24, 2017
Holding all the power in Sacramento with a supermajority, Democrat politicians passed another measure in Thursday’s Senate Session to tip the scale in favor of their fellow lawmaker. This is not their first attempt to protect their supermajority while taking power away from citizen voters. Citizens...

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