flickr: matheiu thouvennin

California is ahead of the curve on this one. 

### via AP | Christopher Weber | ABC News

Calling it a "matter of justice," Gov. Jerry Brown put his signature on a bill that will hike California's minimum wage to $10 an hour within three years, making it one of the highest rates in the nation.

The legislation signed Wednesday at a ceremony in downtown Los Angeles will gradually raise the current minimum of $8 an hour to $9 on July 1, 2014, then to $10 on Jan. 1, 2016.

The increase is the first to the state's minimum wage in six years and comes amid a national debate over whether it's fair to pay fast-food workers, retail clerks and others wages so low that they often have to work second or third jobs.

READ MORE AT ABC NEWS

flickr: tswartz

It just needs the Governor's signature! 

### via LA TIMES

SACRAMENTO — Laboring late into the night Thursday to finish their work for the year, state lawmakers acted to allow many more immigrants who are in the country illegally to obtain California driver's licenses, a measure Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign.

twitter: dreamteam_la

Will it make it through Brown's desk? 

### via Huff Po

The California state Senate passed the Trust Act by a vote of 24 to 10 on Monday, California daily La Opinión reports. The immigration legislation must now head to the lower house -- which passed an earlier version of the bill -- to approve amendments before heading to Gov. Jerry Brown’s office for a signature.

The legislation, which would restrict local police from detaining undocumented immigrants without serious criminal records on behalf of federal immigration authorities, is one of a flurry of bills flooding through the state legislature as the session draws to a close.

READ MORE AT HUFFINGTON POST

People on the progressive net heard of undocumented activists being arrested outside the DNC in hopes of swaying Obama to reconsider his record breaking deportation strategy and stand on the right side of history. What people might have missed is the action in Los Angeles that protested Sheriff Lee Baca's deportations. Los Angeles is often thought of an oasis friendly to immigrants, but activists hold that Baca's deportations numbers are higher than Arpaio's deportation numbers. Governor Brown can help keep families together. Governor Brown signt the Trust Act!

Dubbed the "Anti-Arizona," the bill would allow California a buffer between its local jails and the federal deportation program "Secure Communities." This can be a great victory for California and the country. Please contact Gov Jerry Brown and tell him to sign! 

(flickr: Franco Folini)

via Huffinton Post

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In October 2011, thanks to the amazing work of DREAM activist in California, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the CA DREAM Act. The law grants undocumented students greatly needed financial aid, and as of yesterday applications have gone live at the California Student Aid Commission's website! 

(Flickr: CSUF Photos)

via LA Weekly

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California has just created hope for undocumented students.  There is possibly more to come but in the meantime there is AB 130.  AB 130 is a new law signed by Governor Jerry Brown that allows undocumented students to qualify for private scholarships administered by University of California, Cal State University and the California Community Colleges.  This law helps many students achieve their dreams of going to college so that they can become productive members of society and contribute to the place they now see as home.  Another law is being held up in legislature that could open up public grants to undocumented students as well.  But in the meantime, at least these students can keep dreaming and aiming for brighter futures.

Noel \ /

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Via LA Times