Dear Friends,
Back in March 2020, each of us faced unprecedented circumstances, but most critical was the disruption of our education. One of the life-saving policies adopted by the Federal government, to provide relief to struggling families, was implementing a pause on nearly all student loan payment and interest accrual. This allowed families to meet their financial obligations as the world came to a standstill.
Dear Friends,
Are you a student who is passionate about state or local government?
If so, I encourage you to apply for my Fall 2023 Student Internship Program. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the inside world of the California State Assembly while helping serve the local community in the district office.
Dear Friends,
Are you or a family member enrolled in Medi-Cal? If so, act now to ensure you maintain coverage for the following year.
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health insurance program for individuals with limited financial resources. It offers free or low-cost health care coverage to those eligible.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, annual Medi-Cal re-enrollment was paused in March 2020, allowing individuals to keep their healthcare coverage continuously. This period of continuous coverage expired on March 31, 2023.
Dear Friends,
It has been an honor to serve as your elected representative in Sacramento during my second term in the California State Legislature. On June 15th the Assembly and Senate sent the Governor a balanced budget in time to meet our constitutional obligation. On June 27th, having reached an agreement on several outstanding matters with the Governor, the Legislature sent the Governor additional follow-up budget items. I would like to highlight some of the budget wins that I fought hard for on behalf of our local cities and communities in this three-party agreement.
Dear Friend,
As your District-18 Assemblymember, I am committed to ensuring housing remains affordable and accessible during these unprecedented and challenging times. Despite COVID-19 no longer being an official national pandemic, the financial strains remain. Now, more than ever, we must ensure everyone remains housed and alleviate housing insecurity.
As Pride celebrations unfold, it is essential to come together during this significant month to commemorate Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honors their ongoing struggle for civil and human rights. As we approach this crucial day, we pay tribute to those who paved the way for progress and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Let us remember figures like Sojourner Truth, Henry "Box" Brown, and countless others who courageously fought for freedom and justice.
June is Pride Month, a time of month-long activities, teach-ins, celebrations, and organizing to highlight our LGBTQ+ community members, including those who are no longer with us, in recognizing the long-fought battle for civil and human rights. This year alone, over 400 Anti-Trans, Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Queer, and Anti-Drag legislation has been introduced – and some even signed into state law – in many state legislatures that attacks and diminishes the lives and identities of LGBTQ+ folks.
May is recognized as Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate and honor the contributions of older Americans to our society. As the Assemblymember representing district 18, I am proud to recognize the important role that older adults play in our community.
This year's theme, "Aging Unbound," highlights the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. It is a call to action for older Americans to take control of their lives and break free from stereotypes and limitations.
Dear Community,
I am excited to celebrate Affordable Housing Month this May. Affordable Housing is one of the largest issues impacting communities in AD-18 and the entire state of California - far too many struggling to find fairly priced housing or keep up with rising costs. We have a crucial responsibility to shape our communities so that all can live, work and play in the East Bay.
Dear Friend,
Spring has sprung and there’s much to do! I hope you have the opportunity to take time and enjoy the incredible weather and upcoming community gatherings across AD-18. I am delighted by the amazing work happening in the East Bay and at the Capitol in Sacramento. This spring, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue fighting for working families to help create a brighter California for our children.