As this year’s legislative session concludes, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made — but even more determined to confront the urgent challenges ahead, with California’s affordability crisis at the forefront of my focus.
When I took office as state senator, my mission was clear: tackle the affordability crisis that weighs on so many families, make our communities safer, and open doors of opportunity across California.
This year, I’m proud to report that I authored or co-authored 89 bills and resolutions, with 53 passing through the Legislature and now awaiting the governor’s signature. The fact that many of these passed with strong bipartisan support underscores that when we come together, real progress is possible.
We made important gains, especially in areas like public safety and expanding vital services for vulnerable populations. But I won’t sugarcoat it: Affordability remains an urgent and unresolved crisis for Californians. Despite bold declarations from the majority party calling this “the year of affordability,” this session was anything but.
Many critical bills designed to bring tangible relief to residents — my proposals to exempt tips from taxation for service workers, provide tax breaks for veterans and teachers, and offer property tax relief for families affected by the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster — were killed by the majority party. In fact, Republicans introduced 17 bills this session that would have improved affordability, and they were all rejected. These setbacks are frustrating, but they have only strengthened my resolve to continue fighting for these measures next session and beyond.
Still, there were victories. Two of my important bills focused on affordability did move forward. Assembly Bill 30 will lower gasoline prices statewide by introducing a cheaper, cleaner ethanol blend, something that can directly help motorists at the pump. AB 1138 supports local economies by protecting jobs in the entertainment industry and many industries within our district. We also successfully defended residents from costly energy mandates that would have raised utility bills unnecessarily, continuing the fight for energy policies that are more balanced and sustainable.
Public safety remains a top priority. This year, I authored three successful bills aimed at making our neighborhoods safer. Senate Bill 571 increases penalties for looting during emergencies, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The Sports Safety Act (AB 310), mandates automated external defibrillators at youth sporting events, safeguarding our children’s health and well-being. And SB 221 increases penalties for stalking. These bills are about more than laws; they’re about ensuring our families feel secure in their homes and communities.
Expanding opportunity will always be another pillar of my work. We passed legislation expanding access to essential medical services, such as SB 402, improving autism services, and AB 1264, which guarantees healthy school lunches for children across California.
We secured hearing aids as essential benefits for children who need them most, a critical step for their development and future success. We also prevented harmful cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program, protecting vulnerable Californians who depend on this care. I also fought to preserve educational choice by successfully fighting AB 84, a bill that would have severely limited charter school options for hundreds of thousands of students.
Outside the Capitol, my commitment to my community remains unwavering. This year, we opened three new district offices and held over 23 hours of mobile outreach in communities, to bring our services closer to those who need help. My team closed 575 constituent cases and secured roughly $300,000 in resources for families in need. These efforts are more than numbers — they represent real lives touched and problems solved.
As we prepare for next session, I pledge to keep fighting for the issues that matter most. I’ll continue pushing for property tax exemptions for veterans (SB 296) and those affected by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill disaster (SB 816). I’ll advocate for Kayleigh’s Law to protect crime victims and work on tax relief for military retirees (AB 53). These bills represent not just policy priorities, but commitments to fairness, safety and respect for those who serve our communities and country.
California is a state of opportunity and resilience, but only if we confront our challenges head-on. Affordability, safety and opportunity must remain at the forefront of our work. I am honored to serve my community, and I promise to carry your voices with me as we fight for a better future — where every family can thrive and every individual has the chance to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we will keep moving California forward.
Published on October 4, 2025 in The Signal.