Op-Eds

Families, individuals, and businesses deserve energy that is both reliable and affordable. As energy costs continue to impact household budgets, the state legislature must pursue policies that put consumers first while ensuring a strong and resilient energy system.

After nearly five months of work, the California State Assembly is quickly approaching the deadline to pass our measures over to the State Senate. I am so grateful for the many residents of the 44th Assembly District who have taken the time to interact with our office with your questions, comments, and concerns. 

Since last December, I’ve been working on a package of bills to improve public safety, safeguard consumer health, improve access to affordable housing, and keep post-production jobs in California. 

On Friday, in our district and around the world, we will mark a solemn day. The Armenian Genocide began on April 24, 1915, and led to the deaths of more than 1.5 million Armenians over 8 long and horrific years. The lives lost were those of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers. Hundreds of thousands of Assyrians, Greeks, and Christians also perished in one of the most atrocious violations of human rights in human history.

California currently has more than 37,000 children in our foster care system. These are children who are placed into our care due to abuse or neglect. They’re trauma survivors, and while they’re removed from their parents for their own safety, they’re facing an unfamiliar and daunting system that hasn’t always put their needs first. 

For decades California has been the undisputed global epicenter of film and television production. Over the past several years, the volume of film and television production shooting in California has declined precipitously as rival states and countries lured away work with aggressive tax incentives and rebates.

California has a problem. Alcohol-related roadway fatalities in our state have surged more than 50% over the past decade — an increase twice as steep as the rest of the country, according to federal estimates. More than 1,300 people die each year statewide in driving under the influence (DUI) collisions. Over the past year, the team at CalMatters have led an investigative reporting series shedding light on the fact that our state has arguably some of the weakest DUI laws in the country.

As 2025 comes to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on the challenges we faced and the progress we made together this year. 2025 was defined by difficult budget choices, serious conversations about affordability, and a shared responsibility to keep our state moving forward—especially for working families who are feeling the pressure of rising costs and an uncertain economy.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are already thinking about the familiar comforts of the season—family gatherings, favorite recipes, maybe even the annual debate over whether the cranberry sauce should be homemade or served straight from the can. But beyond the ritual and routine, Thanksgiving offers something deeper: an invitation to slow down and take stock of how we show up for one another in our community.

The 2025 legislative session included new investments to keep jobs in California, protect the civil rights of the most vulnerable communities, support local schools, and help Californians rebuild after devastating wildfires. With 2026 right around the corner, now is a great time to share your views on the issues with the District Office.

As we take stock of the 2025 legislative year, it’s clear that despite noteworthy accomplishments we have more work to do in the coming year. Affordability will continue to drive the bulk of policy discussions in Sacramento.

After over nine months of work, the California State Legislature has concluded the 2025 Session.  I am so grateful for the many residents of the 44th Assembly District who have taken the time to interact with our office with your questions, comments, and concerns.