Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) announced today that the Democratic majority blocked her affordability legislative package in committee, killing three bills that would have lowered costs, increased government transparency, and delivered direct financial relief to California families and small businesses already struggling with the highest cost of living in the nation.
"Senate Leadership has rejected three practical bills that would have put money back in the pockets of working families and brought accountability to the regulations driving up their costs," said Sen. Valladares. “If we are serious about affordability, then we should at least be willing to debate solutions that provide real relief to families who are already stretched thin."
What Democrats Killed:
SB 1161 CARB Transparency & Accountability - Would have required the California Air Resources Board to disclose, in plain language, the economic impact of proposed regulations on California households. Democrats chose to keep Californians in the dark.
SB 1144 Increased Dependent Tax Credit - Would have raised the state dependent tax credit from $475 to $700 per child, the first meaningful update since 1999, providing direct relief to working parents facing skyrocketing costs for housing, childcare, and healthcare. Democrats said no.
SB 1137 Medical Expense Deduction - Would have lowered the medical expense deduction threshold from 7.5% to 4% of adjusted gross income, expanding access to tax relief for Californians facing significant out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The proposal failed to move forward despite growing healthcare cost pressures on families and seniors.
"These weren't partisan bills, they were practical solutions for families who are falling further behind every year," said Sen. Valladares. "Raising kids in California costs more than anywhere else in the country. Medical bills are crushing families. Regulations are driving up costs with zero accountability. And the majority's answer is to do nothing, or worse, to actively block relief."
Senator Valladares vowed to continue fighting for affordability on behalf of her constituents in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, and Victor Valley.
"My district sent me to Sacramento to lower costs and demand accountability from government and I will keep doing exactly that, because working families deserve leaders who are willing to keep pushing for practical solutions even when it is difficult," Sen. Valladares concluded.