Senate Floor

Mr. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members, a quorum is present. Before we begin, I want to make sure that I introduce Senator Hanabeth Jackson, who has joined us here today. Welcome. Glad to have you here. Would the Members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We will be led in prayer this morning by our chaplain, Sister Michelle Gorman. After which, please remain standing for the pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

So let us pray. Gracious and merciful God, on this Saturday, World Water Day, we will recall that your spirit moved over the waters of creation. Our bodies are at least 60% water, and we depend on water for life. We pray for humility to see all the ways we take this precious resource for granted.

Help us to confront those who use water to create strife and conflict. Have mercy on those who are sick or in need because they cannot access safe water. We are thankful for your gift of water, seen in the beauty of waterfalls, placid lakes, rivers and oceans full of amazing creatures.

This year, we are especially mindful of the water reserved in glaciers on which 2 billion people rely for drinking, agriculture and energy production. Give us guidance on how to be better stewards of this finite resource. We ask all of this in your name. Amen.

Please join me as we salute our flag. I pledge allegiance. Members, we have quite a busy agenda today, so I'd like to ask you to please take your seats and to help me recognize and wish a happy birthday to Senators Ashby and Durazzo. Happy birthday. They Both just turned 29 years old.

Senator Mcguire, under privileges of the floor. Members, if you could please give the pro tem your attention.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise. Today we are to kick off a special day in the California State Capitol. And that's to be able to celebrate Canada Day.

You know, for nearly two decades, we've all celebrated our northern neighbors, one of our nation's greatest allies, and the deep rooted bond between the Golden State and the great nation of Canada. We have the privilege of welcoming the Council General of Canada here today. Council General Sarkar.

We are grateful to the people of Canada, especially in this time. Here's why? You know how deep the bond is between your friends when there are times of incredible challenge in your life. When there are dark days in your life. And earlier this year, California went through some pretty dark days.

And that's why on behalf of the California State Senate, we want to personally thank the Council General and the people of Canada for their unwavering support during the firestorm in Los Angeles. Canada was part of the Calvary that helped put out those devastating fires. Answering the call in our time of need.

Sending dozens of firefighters and water bombers that went on direct attack in both the Eaton and the Palisades fire. On behalf of the people of California, can we please give the people of Canada a round of applause and say thank you.

Canada is the Golden State's second largest trading partner with over $50 billion of two way trade annually. And Canadian owned businesses employ over 90,000 Californians. And in fact they're our biggest international customer for agricultural products. Last year Canadians bought $4 billion worth of California's bounty.

$4 billion worth of nuts and fruits and vegetables, and of course award winning California wine. Absolutely. And yet this decades long economic and social bond is being threatened by tariffs putting our economies at risk and putting a dent in the consumers wallets across the border. A few examples of this.

Canada is the single largest export market for California wine. Canadians drink about $1.0 billion worth of California wine every year. California brewers use Canadian aluminum, wheat and barley. In fact, American brewers bought about 250,000 tons of Canadian wheat and barley 5 billion pounds last year alone. These tariffs are nothing to raise your cold one at.

And they're hurting our $1.0 billion tourism industry as well. Last year 20 million Canadians came to the United States pumping $20.5 billion into our economy. And for those who talk about being worried about the price of housing, we use Canadian lumber primarily to build housing in this country.

And tariffs on Canadian lumber are estimated to increase the cost of building of a single family home in the United States of America by $10,000 each. President Kennedy once said, geography made the United States and Canada neighbors. History made us friends. And economics have made us partners. Especially now. Let us never forget this.

Our Canadian neighbors have always had the back of Americans and Californians through thick and thin. Because that's what friends do. Again, thank you for joining us and long live the partnership between California and Canada. I will yield my time.

I know that there are other folks are going to want to say a few words and I invite the entire Senate to join us in a resolution in support of Canada Day.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. I want to thank the Pro tem for a very well done introduction and welcome for our Canadian friends. But that goes a little bit farther in step for me on that, in that not only is Canada our friend and neighbor, but my family.

In fact, my wife's grandmother lived to be 104. Her birthday was on January 7th. As I've shared before, the same day that my grandson was born and she passed away a couple days later. But longtime family in British Columbia, my wife's grandfather served in the Canadian army during World War II.

In fact, I will be traveling to your great country next week for the memorial service for my wife's grandmother. And every time I go to Canada I can take a deep breath for lots of reasons, but mainly the Canadian people are great people. They always are happy.

They are always friendly and always polite, but also very proud of their country and proud of their heritage and proud of the country that they have built in some of the most extreme weather circumstances in the world. And so they're hardy as well.

And so I just want to add my welcome to the Canadians here on the floor today. Thank you for coming. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to a long time friendship and family. Thank you.

Mr. Pro Tem Mcguire, thank you so much.

With that and thank you so much to the Republican leader and very grateful for those words and how personal and the connection that he has. And we are deeply sorry for your family's loss as well. Mr. Leader would like to be able to invite the entire Senate to be able to join us on this very special day.

Anyone who would like to take a picture and to give your well wishes. Thank you, ... Welcome to the Consul General and his delegation. We're happy to have them here today.

Members, we're still under privileges of the floor. Senator McGuire,

Thank you so much. Incredible celebration of our neighbors of the north. And speaking of neighbors of the north, we have students, middle school, high school students from Anderson Valley in the house here this morning visiting us from Mendocino County.

In fact, these students are from the Anderson Valley Service Learning Team who focus on community service and community improvement projects within Booneville and the great, great Anderson Valley in beautiful Mendocino County. Can we please give them a warm welcome to the California State Senate.

Welcome to all the students here today learning about the Legislature. Anyone who wants to take a picture now would be a really good time.

To the students. Thank you for coming and we're really glad to see you here today. Still under privileges of the floor, Senator Umberg.

Well, thank you, Madam President and colleagues. I'm proud to introduce two of Senator Niello's constituents and two of my constituents. It's my, my sister Susan and. And her husband, my brother in law, Rick. My sister in law, Linda Umberg. Navy Commander Linda Umberg and my brother Greg. Those two are the constituents of Senator Niello. So thank you. I ask that you join me in welcoming them to the floor of the California State Senate. Thank you.

Thank you for joining us here today. It's always good to see family join us to see what we do. Welcome Members. Without objection, we will now move to Senate third reading to take up file item number 155. SCR 35 by Senator Grayson. He is ready. Please read

Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 by Senator Grayson. Relatives. California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and California Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

Senator Grayson, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. I am honored to present SCR 35 recognizing California down Syndrome Awareness Month and day. Down Syndrome Awareness Day is observed on March 21 every year. A date chosen to symbolize the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 800 births.

And despite this chromosomal difference, it is essential for us to recognize that individuals with down syndrome make valuable contributions to our society. They attend school, they pursue careers, they make decisions that affect them and and build meaningful relationships.

It is critical that we not only acknowledge these contributions, but also ensure that our support systems evolve to meet their needs. Every person, regardless of their genetic makeup, deserves to live with dignity, autonomy and access to resources that empower them to thrive. It is also essential to uplift the families and communities that support individuals with down syndrome.

We must bolster these support systems and affirm that every Member of our society can achieve their full potential while receiving the respect and assistance they deserve. SCR35 provides us with that opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the rights, inclusion and well being of people living with down syndrome. Friends and colleagues, I thank you for your attention.

But I also want to talk about how this down syndrome community is full of some of the most loving, compassionate, genuine, real individuals of any group I've ever come in contact with.

I say that because it wasn't but just several years ago that my wife and I were walking through a retail establishment with my sister Sherry between us, who lives with down syndrome, and, and as we were walking through the store, there were four individuals, very young individuals, walking toward us.

They began to snicker and they began to outwardly laugh, and I found myself becoming a bit defensive and almost to the point of wanting to set the record straight.

But before I could say anything to that group of four that were headed our way, my sister simply looked up at me and said, Tim, I think they like my dress. And we continue to walk on.

And it checked me so deeply that they have such a beautiful lens that they look through and a perspective that they see the rest of society. And I hope one day that I can grow to be just like my sister Sherry.

And with that, I do want to thank you for your attention and recognition of California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SCR 35.

Members, today I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 35, recognizing March 2005 as California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and March 21 as California Down Syndrome Awareness Day. Down syndrome is a condition that affects approximately one in every 700 to 1,000 births across all races and backgrounds.

But beyond the medical definition, let's talk about what this really means. Because at the heart of this, we're talking about people. Sons and daughters, friends and classmates, co workers and community Members. People with down syndrome are just that. They're people. People who deserve dignity, respect, opportunity. They want what we all want.

To be seen, to be valued and to be included. They go to school, hold jobs, build friendships, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. And just like anyone else, they deserve the chance to chase their dreams, make their own choices, and live full and independent lives. Down Syndrome Awareness Month is about more than just awareness.

It's about action. It's about ensuring access to health care, early intervention, inclusive education, and meaningful employment opportunities. It's about breaking down barriers so that every person with down syndrome has the support that they need to thrive.

We recognize Down Syndrome awareness day on March 21st because of the condition being caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. But this isn't just about a date on a calendar. It's about acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of individuals with down syndrome and committing to a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to succeed. I urge an aye vote.

Is there any further discussion or debate saying, none. Senator Grayson, you may conclude.

I thank my colleague for her meaningful comments, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Mr. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38, No, zero. The resolution is adopted. Members, we're going to move back to privileges of the floor. Senator Grayson.

Thank you. Madam President, I would like to introduce the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. Their mission is to empower, inspire and support people living with down syndrome, their families and the community that serves them, while fostering awareness and acceptance in all areas of life.

Michelle Slate, up in the gallery is the Director of Family Support for the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. Colleagues, help me welcome Michelle Sleep to the floor or to the gallery.

Thank you for joining us here today and thank you for the work that you do. Members, we're going to move on to. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted. Are there any motions, resolutions or notices saying. None.

We'll move on to consideration of the daily file. We'll take up the second reading. File items 1 through 8. Mr. Secretary, please read

[Second Reading]

We're moving on to Governor's appointments File item number 10. Senator Laird.

Thank you, Madam President. File item 10 is the confirmation of two candidates for the Division of Adult Institutions at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The first one is Patrick Eaton as Associate Director for Regional one. The second one is Angela Kent, Associate Director for Region 2. Both appointees bring years of law enforcement experience to these positions.

Mr. Eaton served in various roles at CDCR's Sierra Conservation center, and Ms. Kent started her career with the Santa Cruz County Probation Department before joining the Division of Adult Pro Parole Operations. They were approved by the Rules Committee on February 26. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Thank you, Madam President. Just so there's no confusion, usually in the Rules Committee, if it's Not a unanimous vote. My colleague, the former Secretary of Natural Resources, gets up and does rules presentations and confirmations for the Governor, for my colleagues on this side of the floor. I was absent that day. I do support these two nominees and I respectfully ask for your aye vote on this Bill as well.

Any further discussion or debate. Seeing none, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38. No 0. The appointment is confirmed. Members are going to move on to Senate. Third reading and first up is File item number 18, Senator Archuleta. He is prepared.

Senate Resolution 13 by Senator Archuleta. Relative to Stiff Branches Person Syndrome Awareness.

Senator Archuleta, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present SR13, recognizing March 15 as International Stiff Person Day in California. As part of celebrating March 15 as International Stiff Person Awareness Day, let us use this opportunity to learn about and commit to improving outcomes, raising awareness, educating the public about this disease.

Stiff Person syndrome, or SPS, is an extremely rare neurological autoimmune disorder affecting only one in a million. Stiff person syndrome affects mainly the brain and the spinal cord, but causes symptoms similar to those in neuromuscular disorders. Stiff person syndrome most commonly causes severe muscle stiffness and pain.

Painful spasms that come and go, worsen and worsen each and every day, and it will continue over time. Treatment for stiff person syndrome may help manage symptoms and can improve equality of life or the quality of life. However, it is terminal condition that no one knows how to cure. They've not found it.

The research goes on, but it's not in the foreseeable future. It affects all ages and it's believed to be more prevalent in women than in men. Because of extreme rarity, many people with stiff person syndrome never receive a proper diagnosis or even learn about the available treatment options. It takes on an average.

It takes an average of 7 years to diagnose after the disease is onset. Because of this, many patients either do not receive treatment or treatment at all and only once that the disease has become so severe they have nowhere to turn.

This is why it is our duty as public servants to commit to raising awareness and continuing our support for those impacted by stiff person syndrome. I am proud to say that this is the first time California has taken steps to officially recognize International Stiff persons Day on March 15.

It is also our duty to recognize the individuals and families confronting this disease for their extraordinary resilience and courage. Raising awareness of this condition is a matter of very near and dear to my heart because I had the occasion to begin a friendship with the young lady and her family, her husband, her children who were affected.

She was affected by stiff person syndrome. I had firsthand knowledge and I've seen her dwindle away. Her family came to my office, she was in a wheelchair and of course they were stuff tough and they said mom will survive. And she looked at me and she blinked and she knew that she would not. The toll is immense on the family.

When I think of people who exemplify strength and courage in the face of adversity and to inspire us when we face difficult times in our own lives, I think of my friend, East Whittier school district board President Wendy Carrera, who is battling stiff person syndrome and, and she will go to the meetings in a wheelchair and she will not give up her position as President.

She will continue to fight for the kids and she's told me many, many times and the communities behind her, her City of Whittier in my district behind her. Not only is she personally fighting the disease, but she is also working to find solutions for others.

She has actually started her own foundation to advance research and awareness of the disease. She would be here today, but she would never make it because the flight was too much. But she is here with us in heart and in spirit. She was just released from the hospital not too long ago, weak, but yet strong in spirit.

So I think of Wendy, her loving family and a tight knit community surrounding her, her family, friends and everybody in Whittier who loves her dearly and the children that she teaches who collectively show all of us that she and all of us should respond when faced with life changing events.

So I encourage everyone to learn more about stiff persons syndrome and to be supportive in any way we possibly can. For these reasons, I ask for your support on SR13. Thank you, madam President.

Seeing no further discussion or debate, please call the roll. Ah, excuse me. This is eligible for unanimous roll. Call. Is there any Objection saying no? Objection. 38 I. No. 0. The resolution is adopted and I want to thank you for bringing this forward and sharing your story with us.

We're going to move on to File item number 28. Senator Wahab is ready.

Senate Resolution 24 by Senator Wahab relative to Nowroz.

Thank you. I rise to present SR24. Nowroz. Nowrozmeans new day or New year for those that celebrate this cultural celebration of the first day of spring on the vernal equinox. The new day symbolizes a commitment to springtime renewal, peace and overall solidarity between generations, families and communities.

It also highlights the renewal of the earth, aligning with indigenous eco conscious traditions that predates any empire and highlights communities without borders. It's a time that literally people reflect on environmental justice and protection of lands and traditions. We honor the history of people beyond dominant powers and focus on renewal, justice and gratitude.

In the United States, Nowroz celebrated by Americans of all backgrounds and particularly in the world. It is celebrated by over 300 million people for more than 3,000 years and in over 23 different countries. People that celebrate it are of different faiths. Bahai, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian and non religious backgrounds.

The largest population of Afghans outside of Afghanistan live in California and that 50% of Iranian immigrants in America live in California, both who celebrate this holiday, which probably makes California the host to more Nauru celebrations than any other state in the United States.

It's noteworthy for the impact of Afghan Americans to the social and economic fabric of society in the United States and the world, including one of the earliest expressions of the human rights in the world is the cylinder of Cyrus the Great as well as obviously the Iranian contributions that I just mentioned.

And it's an ever growing tapestry of influence in this community. After thousands of years in the making, Nowroz remains beloved, universal and deeply embedded in the culture regardless again of background, religion and country of origin. This is a time of year when we are committed to the ideals of good neighborliness and peace.

Peace is hard to find these days as we watch the disarray in so many different communities on so many different topics. And as we watch vulnerable communities become more vulnerable with safety nets and erasure and problems all over the world as uncertainty takes a hold of us.

On this Nowroz, I will embrace that all things in the new year in a hopeful manner, keeping hope promised in each day on our horizon and work with you all to keep California safe. May you all be happier than Didroz yesterday, luckier than Imros today, and blessed arrows every day. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I will also highlight that each of you have received a gift on your tables and in room 115. After session is over, please come over and take a snack.

Senator Choi.

Thank you. Madam President and colleagues, I rise today in support of the Norwegian New Year's Day resolution recognizing the significance of this ancient celebration. Just like the Lunar New Year, Norwegian observed by millions around the world, marks not only the first day of spring, but also a time of renewal, reflection and unity.

It's a holiday that transcends borders, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and faith in the spirit of hope and community. Nowroz emphasizes the values we cherish, family, gratitude and the renewal of our relationships. Literally, over 10,000 Iranians and other people join the celebration.

Outdoor celebration on the Nowroz Day in the park located in Irvine Mason Regional Park. It's a big celebration day. I had many friends joining and then I joined the local celebration many, many times. It reminds us that despite our differences, we share a common human experience.

One of us seeking new beginnings and a better future for our children and the communities. By supporting this resolution, we honor the rich cultural heritage of those who celebrate the north and acknowledge the contributions they make to our state and the nation. I urge you to support this resolution that embraces the time of renewal and unity.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Just want to stand in support of SR24 and wish happy Nowruz to all Californians, but one in particular, my brother in law, Bijan Ali and his family. Happy Nowroz.

Well, thank you, Madam President. I want to thank my colleague from Hayward for bringing this very important resolution forward. And also thanks to her staff for putting together the celebration that we're all going to enjoy later and these wonderful treats that give a little taste of the spirit of this very special holiday.

I want to wish everyone a very joyous honorus Nowroz . It's a prosperous new year, let's hope, and a joyous start to the spring season in my district. Senate District 24. We've got the largest Persian community anywhere outside of Iran.

And it's contributed immeasurably to the richness and culture of Los Angeles, particularly in the Westwood area that has earned the nickname of Tarangulas. The strength and success of LA is so directly tied to the atmospheric presence of Persian culture. The shop and restaurant owners in Persian Square, the students and faculty of UCLA's Iranian Studies Program.

The wonderful Persian art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The countless artists, actors and directors across the entertainment industry who make our city what it is. We're of course, all grappling with the recovery from the tragic fires this year.

And I think for folks who've experienced that, this Nowroz is an especially poignant celebration of renewal, new growth and hope for the future. I also want to say how special it's been to stand with the Iranian community in Westwood as they've pushed back on some of the repressive tactics of the regime in Tehran.

Standing up for women, standing up for freedom. We've actually had a great celebration there in Westwood and dedicated the square there to the activists who've been standing up with great courage in the face of oppression. So it's a real honor for me to stand with you and join in this Nowruz tradition.

It's filled people with joy, optimism and appreciation for thousands of years. Celebrate not only the positivity of the holiday, but from, in my case, our wonderful Persian neighbors who have shared it with us. And I wish you very happy Nowroz and urge an aye vote on SR 24.

Seeing no further discussion or debate. Senator Wahab, you may conclude now.

Nowruz Mobarak, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Mr. Secretary, please call the roll. This is eligible for unanimous roll call. I get so entranced by the comments. Is there any objection to using the unanimous roll call saying none? Ayes, 38, no, zero. The resolution is adopted. Members are going to move on to File item number 29. Senator Padilla, he is ready.

Senate Resolution 26 by Senator Padilla relative to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. As chair of the Senate Go Committee, I am proud to present Senate Resolution Number 26 which recognizes March 2025 as problem gambling Awareness Month in California.

Although most people are able to gamble responsibly, for some it becomes a devastating addiction that affects not only the individual, but their loved ones. Fortunately, gambling addiction is treatable. That is why during the month of March, organizations throughout our state will come together to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling.

This resolution will raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and statewide and nationally for the problem problem gamblers and their families. I want to thank every Member of the Senate Geo Committee for co authoring this resolution. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Is there any discussion or debate on this item? Seeing none, this is eligible for unanimous roll call. Is there any objection seeing none? Ayes. 38. No. 0. The resolution is adopted. Members are going to move on to File item number 34, which is a budget item. Senator Wiener is prepared.

Senate Bill 100 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, an act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

Senator Wiener, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, SB100 is one of a number of bills that we are proposing to send over to the Assembly for Purposes of Becoming Budget trailer bills. As part of this process, the Assembly will send a similar number of bills over to our House. And the numbers at issue here are SB100 through SB219.

Together these bills will contain the final implementing statutory language for the 2025-2026 budget. The language that will be added to these bills is being vetted through our Budget Committee and Subcommitee Committee hearings.

The majority of this language has been posted for anyone to review on the Department of Finance's website and it's been on there since February 1st. Through today, the Senate has held three full Budget Committee hearings, one full budget extraordinary session hearing and 15 budget Subcommitee hearings, plus five more today. Thank you to our Budget Subcommitee Members.

With additional hearings scheduled through mid May, we are well underway in the consideration and crafting of the of the upcoming budget. There is much work remaining to be sure that we produce a balanced and well thought out budget that we can deliver to the floor for passage by June 15th. This action is a procedural step to ensure an on time delivery of the budget. Respectfully ask for an aye vote

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to protest the passing of an exceedingly long list of spot bills for just one purpose. To be blunt, just to make it easier down the road for the majority party to jam through a backroom budget deal with little or no public oversight or accountability.

This process so minimizes oversight and accountability, words, I might add, that are tossed around this building quite a bit that it actually, perhaps intentionally empowers backroom deals with little or no input. The only beneficiaries of this practice are those select few who have access to the backroom budget dealing.

And I suspect many Members of the majority party may also feel excluded. This process leaves Members of the public, the taxpayers whose money we're spending, by the way, and all groups who come to advocate for their interests in the dark.

Combining this dubious trailer Bill practice with the fact that the majority party no longer holds budget conference Committee meetings and we can see a pattern in which the Majority party excludes the public from budget deliberations. Seemingly by design, this measure circumvents the appropriate process.

The Senate should develop and pass a budget off the floor to the Assembly and the Assembly should pass its version to the Senate. Then a budget conference Committee should resolve the differences. Then and only then can all the voices of all Californians be fairly represented in the process.

So I appeal to all of my Senate colleagues, who are effectively excluded from this opaque budget process, to join me in rejecting this proposal. I urge a no vote.

Senator Strickland.

Madam Chair. I believe I have amendments at the desk. I would like to speak on those amendments. Madam Chair. Members.

Excuse me, Senator Strickland. Mr. Secretary. Please. Thank you.

Amendments by Senator Strickland set one.

Thank you. Madam Chair. Members. This is a simple amendment that defines the high speed rail and uses those funds instead to reduce the gas tax. I find it very ironic. The last time I spoke on this floor was in 2012. And my last vote was to vote no on the high speed rail. And I got the privileges of floor to bring my son, who was five years old at the time. He was a young guy, we call him Tiny Tony.

And I said at the time, by the time he goes to college, we'll have a train from nowhere, from two small cities in the middle of the Central Valley and this will skyrocketed out of control. At the time was sold to California as a $33 billion project. Today we stand here today.

My son is now a junior in high school and I've become prophetic because in a year and a half I'm going to be driving him to college and he is going to be asking me why is there a train from the middle of Central Valley to another small city in the middle of Central Valley?

And why do we spend billions of dollars on this project? In fact, it was sold to the people of California as a $33 billion project. Today it's already over $128 billion and we haven't laid down a single track.

The end of the day, this train, we all know this train will never be built as was sold to the people of California. It was sold that it would go from San Francisco down to Los Angeles. Everybody in this body knows that that's not going to happen.

And then on top of it, we're spending billions and billions of hard working taxpayers money, wasteful spending as as we could spend it on other things. And my old saying, my dad used to tell me, when you dig a hole for yourself. The best way to get out of that hole is to stop digging.

And I'm asking this Legislature to stop wasting billions of dollars on the high speed rail and put it in a place where it actually can be used by the people of California. And the way that we can use this is by reducing the gas tax. Let's look at the gas tax.

This super majority along with Governor Newsom has raised the gas tax every single year for the past few years. When you look at the gas tax, it falls disproportionately on hard working California families. People we all represent, people who are living paycheck to paycheck. Those are the people that can't afford our high gas taxes.

In fact, when you look, I encourage all the people who are watching this today to go look at what it costs for a gallon of gas in Texas, go look what it costs for a gallon of gas in Idaho, go look what it costs for a gallon of gas in Florida and then look what it's costing here.

And majority of that money is the high taxes we put on those hard working California families that are having a tough time to make ends meet. People in California should not decide, have to decide between a gallon of milk and a gallon of gas.

Let's put money back into people's pocket, let's make sure that they can make it paycheck to paycheck, stop wasting billions of dollars and put those dollars into hard working families who are really having a tough time trying to make ends meet.

In fact, I've heard on this floor that a lot of people are talking about affordability, making California more affordable. Members, this is your chance. This is your chance to make California more affordable. I hope you take advantage of that and vote for this measure.

Thank you Madam President. And Members, moving SB100 to Assembly is an important procedural step that is transparent for our budget process. High speed rail and defunding it is wrong. It has been the largest economic driver in the Sen.

Central Valley supporting local hard working families, guaranteeing over $22 billion plus in the Central Valley over 15,000 jobs, much of which are apprenticeship jobs and over 880 small businesses have also been supported with that. I therefore move these amendments be laid on the table and ask for your aye vote.

Members, there is a motion on the floor.

Yes, Senator, point of order for future discussion. My understanding is you can't debate the argument when you lay the Members on the table for future debate on this floor. I believe if you're gonna lay the amendments on the table, you can't debate the item, is that correct?

No, sir. The, the procedure is, is that she made the motion. The motion is properly before the body. You can.

Because I believe if she starts a debate, I believe as she starts a debate, then we have a full debate within the body. Is that correct?

We will have a debate on the Bill once we deal with this motion. So you always have the opportunity to debate whether the Bill should, any Bill should move forward. But this is a procedural motion and the motion is to lay the Bill on the table.

So she's asking for an aye vote, and I'm assuming that you are asking for a no.

Thank you, madam.Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes. So we do have a procedural motion before the body. The, the motion is to lay the amendments on the table. Senator Gonzalez is asking for an aye vote, and Senator Strickland is asking for a no vote. Please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 28, Nos. 10. The motion is adopted. Members, now we're going. We're open for discussion or debate on the Bill in chief. Senator Alvarado. Gil.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I rise in opposition to Senate Bill 100. California is already in the middle of an affordability crisis and blank check bills are part of the problem. We're already facing a budget shortfall for Medi Cal of upwards of $6 billion.

The cost of energy, gasoline, groceries and housing are out of reach for many Californian families and getting worse. And we're seeing this especially in rural communities where we are advocating to make rural living affordable. Again, Colleagues, if we truly are committed to making California affordable, we need a more transparent and accountable process.

Instead of ramming through a bunch of empty budget bills in one brief session, Californians should be concerned by the fact that the majority party is willing to pass 119 empty budget bills in order to do what they want with them with little public transparency and oversight. California deserves that transparency over acquiring any more debt to taxpayers.

According to the Legislative Analyst Office, our budget deficit in 2022 and 23 was $27 billion. That more than doubled in the 2024-25 fiscal year, which has now reached $55 billion deficit. What that means is that if every Californian of any age infant through seniors.

If every Californian paid a dollar a day to pay off this debt, it would take us nearly four years. And that's only if you stop creating an even bigger budget deficit with your blank check pick pocket politics. Californians want to work. Californians want government to work in their best interest, not in the interest of partisan politics. Stop the pickpocking. Vote no, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Colleagues, I'd rise in opposition of what we're voting on today because I want to make a clarification as well and give you an explanation of why. So I do have a question of the author, Madam President.

Question for the author. He will take the question through the. Through the President.

Thank you. My good colleague from San Francisco. 1. It's my understanding that the language before us in the laptops that we get to read says, quote, an act to enact the budget of 2025. That's all the language that we're voting on. There are 120 trailer bills associated with this. So can you identify where the.

Each Committee of these trailer bills is going and the dollar amount attached to those trailer bills that we are voting on today that say an act to enact the budget of 2025. And that's the extent of the language that we are passing today?

Well, through the President, all of these bills, and the Assembly is sending over bills to the Senate will be in the Budget Committee. This is all part of the budget process. It's an initial procedural step. I know that it's really tempting to delve into conspiracy theories. This is extremely normal. This happens.

This is how the budget process works every year and has for many, many, many years that we send bills over and then we work through the highly transparent budget process with many, many, many hearings at the Subcommitee level and then at the full Budget Committee hearing. And we've already had many of those hearings.

It's a public process and the public is very involved, as always, in the budget process. And then ultimately that results in the main budget Bill and the budget trailer bills.

And it's also important to understand that this year in particular, in terms of getting started early by initiating the process, which is what this is about, is more important than ever because we have such incredible risk that we are facing with what's happening in the United States Congress and the President of the United States, that when we look at the reconciliation Bill that was just passed, if the Republican majority in Congress actually does what it appears that they're heading to do, and frankly backstabs their own constituents by destroying Medicaid, by devastating SNAP food benefits, by devastating Head Start, by eliminating the Department of Education, which provides so much funding for special education, funding for homeless students.

In terms of the impacts on the UC, which could be devastating. The impacts, and we just talked about high speed, around gas tax, the impacts on infrastructure because they want to get rid of the IRA, the Inflation Reduction Act and the infrastructure law, not to mention that they're looking to take a wrecking ball to Social Security and Medicare, which is going to have massive impacts on California. So we need to be prepared. And by sending these bills over to the Assembly.

That is a important first step in being prepared to be nimble in responding when President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress, if they're able to do it, take a wrecking ball to critical health and safety net programs like food and healthcare and education that we rely on here in California.

Thank you for that answer. Colleagues. I would just like to remind you that this is 120 blank trailer bills. Absolutely not blank. I apologize. It does say enact. To enact the budget of 2025.

Are you voting today to pass bills that defund $8.5 million in our medically fragile children program, our most vulnerably high risk population that we have? Are you voting because that's in the Governor's Budget? Are you supporting that when you have an aye vote on this Bill?

Are you voting to take millions of dollars out of veterans housing that we desperately need? Because we have those that have put their hand in the air to swear to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and they're living on the streets and they should have priority. Is that what you're voting for when you pass these bills with no language in them?

Are you voting to continue to Fund high speed rail, like my colleague from Huntington Beach said, funding high speed rail which was supposed to be built, we're supposed to be riding that train from San Francisco to San Diego or Los Angeles and it doesn't even have any track laid and they have to rebuild and tear down.

The only bridge that's actually functioning because you built it on a sinking valley and an engineering process, process that weighs tons of cement and the bridge is sinking and it's not going to be engineeringly sound for people to drive across. So you have to start all over. Is that what you're voting for?

My only thing is to let you know today, and I realize that this is a budget process that has gone on for a long time, is you don't know what you're voting for because these are empty bills being exchanged back and forth between two houses. We're 40 individuals, they're 80 individuals. We were elected to represent our district.

And how do you do that? When we're called on this body and this floor to follow the instructions of leadership, to say vote yes to get them across the aisle, we tend to vote no on our side because we don't know what we're voting for.

This should be a thoughtful process before we engage in passing bills with our name on it, with our vote, because when they come back, it may not be something that you're willing to support, respectfully ask for a no vote.

Thank you, Madam Chair. So there's a lot to unpack with what has been said on this floor about the budget. Number one, our budget process is not quite as transparent as people are making it out to be. We go through a process for sure.

We listen, we hear people talking, but we don't listen because at the end of the year, our budgets don't reflect what people are talking about and what they're asking about or asking for when they come to a hearing, when they travel up here or they call on the phone or they contact our offices. So that's one.

Number two, when you have uncertainty, the best thing to how to respond to that from a financial perspective is number one, look at start living within your means. Our budget this year is north. Proposed budget is north of $300 billion. We've already identified one thing today on the floor that is wasting that.

And here's something that the Federal Government won't reimburse us for. It's the $9.5 million. billion. I'm sorry, billion. $9.5 billion that we committed in our health care for our immigrants. And at the same time raising health care costs with SB525. They're not reimbursing us for that.

And when we're not, we know we're not going to get reimbursed. But we spend $10 billion when we were warned that the initial 3.5 billion, it was going to go way over that. And that's exactly what happened with our medi Cal enhancement, our Medicare for all, medical for all. So we are our own worst enemy.

If we're going to have budget problems, we can't point to the Federal Government and say, hey, you guys aren't bailing us out as much as you used to. So, yeah, it's time for us to tighten our belts a little bit.

It's time for us to look at our own wasteful space spending and start making sure that we are listening to the people out there. Because last year in the election, the people spoke loud and clear. They're not liking what the rest of the nation is doing.

And certainly when California used to be the tip of the spear, we're not now. We're outliers because they've recognized that they need to do something different and they voted in different people to do it. Just because we didn't follow suit in California because of the way we're set up doesn't mean that they're wrong and we're right.

In fact, if the rest of the nation is doing that, maybe we're wrong. Maybe it's time for us to look a little bit harder at how we're going about our business so that we can regain the trust of the public and actually spend their tax dollars in a way that is helpful to them. So I ask for a no vote on this item

Senator Strickland

On the overall budget. You know, a lot of times people say that Republicans are against things, but I want to say one thing, that we are for moving forward on this budget process and that's implementing Prop 36. Prop 36 was passed overwhelming by the people of California.

In fact, very few items have ever passed significantly with every county in the State of California voting in the affirmative. Prop 36. So I'm pointing out right now that hopefully we listen to the people of California when it comes to Prop 36 and hopefully we have the funding mechanisms to make sure we make crime illegal again here in the State of California.

Because I know many folks in this body, including the Governor, try to keep Prop 36 away from the people and having their voice being heard. However it was heard and it was heard, over 70% of the population in California supported Prop 36.

And again, as I said, every one of your districts, every county in the State of California supported this measure. And I'm hopeful as we move forward in the budget. The budget is just a blueprint of your priorities. The most essential role of government is public safety to keep people safe. And I'm hopeful that as we move forward.

This is a shell, but I'm hopeful as we go through the discussions that we do whatever we can to implement Prop 36 and the will of the people of California.

Thank you. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on this. I want to be very clear to my colleagues here, Senate Bills 100 through 219, very specifically, even in the analysis, states that these are to be considered as vehicles for the upcoming budget approval.

I want to also highlight just sitting as a former chair of budget sub 5 and currently sitting on budget sub 5. The budget process is a complicated process, but it's also incredibly transparent, but still a complicated process.

First and foremost, I want to say that the Governor releases his January budget plan, if you will, and it takes months for ourselves in this body as well as the Assembly as well as staff to take a look at what is being proposed as well as what we believe we need to value, defend, support and improve.

We have five Budget Subcommittees where full representation from both the Democrats and Republicans sit. Each item is discussed. Each Department Secretary or Director comes and presents with their staff. We have suggested cuts in the past just because of our deficit and trying to maintain our social services. I think many of us agree to that.

I want to highlight that the programming that we all value and want to continue to improve is something that we are all focused on. But with the federal budget cycle as well as the state budget cycle, they're on parallel tracks.

And that is one of the big concerns as to what is happening with all the freezes and much more. As far as conversations regarding Prop 36, I want to be very, very clear.

The Senate was very public, not only in Public Safety Committee, but then also in further conversations and in the press that we have publicly said we will commit to funding it fully. All of our counties rely on the laws that the voters have voted on. We are all fully committed to making sure that our communities are safe.

We also are fully committed to making sure that we are protecting the services that protect the most vulnerable communities. Those are our veterans, those are the foster youth, Those are our homeless populations, those that suffer from mental or physical disabilities, and much more.

We also all know that housing is a huge crisis, not only in California, but the rest of the country. I just highlight those particular points to primarily remind everybody that what we are voting on is very common.

It is to allow for these vehicles to be considered, to put in language that will be coming through our budget subs and eventually the full Budget Committee. So I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I do appreciate those comments. And, you know, especially regarding the Budget Subcommittees and the budget process being transparent, of course those Committee hearings are transparent. Of course, those Committee hearings do include public input. Of course those public hearings have the facade of being transparent in the budget process.

I think it's important for all of us here on this floor today in the Senate and in the Assembly to understand what transparent means. Transparent means is what you see is what you get. But we all know that this budget process is gaslighting the public in California.

When you say that the decisions and the conversations and the hearings that happen in these Budget Subcommittees actually move to the actual budget that gets voted on. You all know that doesn't happen.

Now, sometimes the votes in the budget Subcommitee count, sometimes the decisions made either on a partisan vote or even a unanimous vote in budget Subcommitee, sometimes those decisions make it into the final budget.

But a lot of times, a lot of times there's things that are in the final budget that never made it through the budget process, or even a Committee hearing, or even a policy Committee hearing. Let me give one example just so we can all remember.

In 2020, at the end of session, late at night, an Assembly Bill was gut and amended to become a budget Bill. But inside that budget Bill was a policy that never went through Public Safety Committee in either house. And that policy lowered elderly parole from 60 to 50 with no input from any of us.

No debate, no conversation. None of us being exposed to the victims that were opposed to that idea in the first place. None of us being exposed to the people that were promoting that policy in the first place.

So please don't stand up here and say transparent 30 times and expect for the public and the media to believe you. This is not a transparent policy. This is not a transparent process. And I am so thankful that the media has finally had it with this process in California. And I'm going to close with this.

Madam President CalMatters, one of the organizations and there's many other press that are covering this. And I think appropriately, In California on February 7, the headline is Trailer Bills. Permission to read. Yes, ma'am, I'm sorry, just a headline that. Yes, I would like to have permission to read. . Thank you, Madam President.

Trailer bills allow California lawmakers to enact policies with little public input. And it's a beautiful article that goes along 40 years of history of how California has done its budgeting and how dysfunctional it is right now and how untransparent it is right now. I ask for no vote.

Senator Richardson.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to speak to the comments of the gentleman from San Diego and also the gentleman from Huntington Beach. You know, I'm a new Member here and I will tell you I take offense to my work being called a facade. I came here with very good, hard intentions, worked quite hard to get here.

And I work every single week. We've had 3, 3 or four now hearings in Budget Subcommitee 5, which I chair. And I will tell you that the first thing that our pro tem said to me when he asked me to do Budget Subcommitee 5, because Proposition 36 comes within that Committee.

He stressed to me, and he stressed to all of our colleagues that Proposition 36, the public has spoken and it is our job to implement Proposition 36.

So before we call our work a facade, not transparent, and accuse us good, hard working people of not trying to do our job, give us a chance to do it, I am fully committed the Members of this caucus are committed to doing the hard work, and I invite all of you.

We will certainly be having a hearing specifically related to Proposition 36, where I hope all of you who have an interest today will come to that hearing and participate and be present the entire time. But we do not view it as something to avoid or to play games with.

We view that the public has spoken, and they've spoken quite seriously, and we acknowledge that. And so, as the chair of that Committee that will be responsible, my commitment to you is to give you the necessary information of how we anticipate the Proposition 36 impacts to impact California.

What are we going to have to do from a financial perspective to address those impacts and ultimately, hopefully, the progress that we will see? I respectfully asked for an I vote on the spot Bill that isn't talking about Proposition 36, and we would all have an aye vote. Thank you

Thank you, Madam President. I was going to say this later, but Subcommitee four will be meeting in room 113 upon adjournment.

I say that for those who are wondering where the back rooms are, where these decisions are being made, last week, we met for five hours to go through line by line deciding whether a Department might get one additional staffer to handle the increased cost of postage to deal with the impact of tariffs on inflation in another Department.

And the irony is, I get up in the morning to read that half of the Department of the Federal Department of Education has been eliminated in one night. No hearings, no votes, just fiat from the White House the next day, that all the park rangers in my district are being laid off while we are here spending.

And I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are in these hearings spending hour after hour after hour to make sure that we're getting the policies right, that we're holding the Administration accountable, and that we are making the investments that are necessary. This is serious work. I.

I actually agree with my colleague from Sacramento county from Fair Oaks, about the conference Committee and the glorious history of it. I grew up in the institution next door, believe very much in that process. But let's make no mistake that there were gut and amends. There were backroom deals.

There was just different people doing backroom deals at the time. Pete Wilson, George Deukmejian , Arnold Schwarzenegger. When he proposed to cut the vehicle license fee, that was not done in a Bill that went through the policy Committee. That was done through exactly this kind of a vehicle. So please, spare me the moralism.

We are dealing today with the entire proposal for high speed rail and for Prop 36 right here on this one page. It's one sentence. It's just as short as the Senator from Bakersfield mentioned about these bills. This is an essential part of the process.

We will and are spending the time together in Subcommitee to write our version of the budget. We are doing it with all the due care that is necessary and setting an example that I wish our colleagues in Washington would do as well. Ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no further discussion or debate. Senator Wiener

Thank you very much, Madam President. Well, I've heard a lot of interesting debate over time, but this may potentially take the cake. I want to really align myself with the comments of the Senator from West Sacramento. Talk about transparency.

The so called Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk are literally going in the dark of night with law enforcement to escort to force federal employees out of buildings so they can go in and gut those agencies with I mean no transparency for anyone.

We literally have Elon Musk and DOGE going into the Social Security Administration and the payment portal of the Department of the Treasury doing God knows what. Do you know what they're doing? I don't know what they're doing. No one knows what they're doing.

These are huge things and I hope that all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisles since we're focused on transparency, will talk about that complete and utter lack of transparency as we see the destruction of the United States Federal Government.

Compare that to what's happening in our Budget Subcommittees where our Budget Subcommittees and I, I, I, I, I do take issue with the delegitimization of this process. They're going line by line through the governor's proposal to produce a budget that we support and that reflect the values of the people of California.

And I am very grateful to our Budget Subcommittees for the work that they are doing. It is highly transparent. And these process complaints we keep hearing about the supposed lack of transparency, which isn't true, et cetera, et cetera, honestly, is to distract from what's actually happening.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have expressed that they want certain things in the budget, whether it's around Prop 36, which is being worked on, or various other things.

Well, let me tell you, if you want some things in the budget, if you want some things in the budget, how about you help us prevent your counterparts in Congress from taking a wrecking ball to Medicaid and Snap and Head Start and all the other programs that if they are slashed and burned are going to have a profound, devastating impact on California's budget as we then are in a position with people in both red and blue districts being thrown off of health care, special ed kids losing their programs in schools, working class and Low income families no longer being able to afford groceries.

In terms of choosing between gas, a gallon of gas and a gallon of milk, let me tell you, that's going to be what's going to cause people to have to make that choice. Not the gas tax.

It is the budget cuts that we are seeing coming at us from Donald Trump's Congress that is what is going to hurt working class and low income Californians.

We have discussed this in this chamber. We have a duly elected President of the United States that must be respected with the title of President of the United States. And I also question the amount of taxpayer time that we are spending debating federal issues that are not within the purview of the state body.

Yes, point of order is well taken. We need to address the individuals that we're addressing.

Yes, Madam President. Fine. President Donald Trump, he is the President of the United States. As he proposes to cut Medicaid and Head Start and other programs that will profoundly impact the California State budget. I also wanted to address some inaccurate information that's been stated on the board on the floor today. We're not voting on the budget today.

We are initiating the budget process. We will be voting on the budget in June and that's when we will be voting on the budget that we come up and craft with. We're not voting today on the governor's proposal. The Governor made a proposal. That's all it is.

There will then be a process and a budget to be voted on. And in terms of living within our means, we do that every year. We're required to balance our budget and we do. We had a $50 billion deficit last year.

We balanced it and that's we will pass a balanced budget again this year that reflects California's values. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Mr. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes. 28, nos. 10. The measure is adopted. Members, if there is no objection, this previous roll call will be applied to the Senate. Bills 101 through 219 say no. Senator Jones.

Madam President, I'm not gonna object to the motion. But I would like to point out one thing that I think is instructive for all of us. This debate that we just had is what California expects.

This is what the California voters expect us to do, is come here with the issues that are important to our constituents and have a lively debate on the things that are important to them. And while I'm not going to object to this motion, this motion doesn't do that.

But we all have the opportunity to hold ourselves accountable, to hold this institution accountable. And the conversations that do take place in Budget Subcommittees, that those things that you vote on in those committees actually become the budget that we propose.

Look, I'm going to disagree with a lot of the stuff that's in that budget, but I'm going to agree with some of it. I'm going to agree with a lot of it. All I'm asking is that what the people see in Committee is what the people get in the budget. Thank you, Madam President.

So there is no objection. The bills will be adopted. And I appreciate your comments. We'll. We want to make sure that the following bills will deemed read a third time. Senate Bills 101 through 219 File Items 35 through 153, Ayes 28, Nos. 10. The bills are passed.

Members, we're going to move on to our final Senate third reading file item 157. Senator Grove, she is prepared. Please read

Senate Concurrent Resolution 38 by Senator Grove Relative to Women's Military History Week.

Senator Grove, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. Hopefully, on a less contentious issue today, I rise to present SCR 38, which commemorates March 16 to March 22, 2025 is Military Women's Military History Week. Since the American Revolutionary War, there have been over 2 million women veterans that have served in the United States Armed forces and the number continues to grow.

Over 9,000 female troops have earned a combat action badges and earned combat operations including those in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year marks the 11th anniversary of overturning the 1994 Pentagon rule that once restricted women from combat related roles including artillery, armor and infantry.

Since then we've seen more women in leadership from frontline combat roles, including Brigadier General Laura Yeager, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who assumed command in California's National Guard 40th Infantry Division and became the first woman to command the United States army infantry division in 2019.

Women are now training and serving in infantry, armor and short range field artillery units and occupations. That number that the number is receiving in their Ranger, excuse me, in their Ranger tabs as well. It continues to grow. Moreover, women are in services and now eligible for special operations forces.

Despite the barriers throughout history, women have still served their country in various strategic roles including in 19 or excuse me, 1778, Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to bravely serve in the Continental army during the Civil War. Dr. Mary Walker, a physician, became the first and only woman to ever be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

In 2005, Sergeant Leah Ann Hester became the first woman in the United States army to earn a Silver Star for direct combat action. In 2008, General Anne E. Dunwoody became the first female four star General in military history. Even today, brave women veterans continue to make history. Like Winsome Earl Sears who served in the Marine Corps.

She's the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and also the first woman of color and the first Jamaican born American citizen elected to state wide office in Virginia.

Out of 206 women that have served in this body in the California State Legislature, four of them in the history of this state have become our women United States military veterans.

Melissa Melendez who served in the United States Navy, our good colleague, former colleague From Stockton, Specialist E4 Susan Eggman served in the United States army, myself as the first female veteran that's ever served in this body.

So with that Madam Chair and all these things that we honor about great women today, with all due respect, I would like to pass this over to Sergeant Menjivar who is the only other female veteran serving in this body as we speak today.

Thank you Madam President. And thank you to my sister-in-arm, Senator from Bakersfield. It is a great privilege to join you as the first female to be elected as a, as a veteran to now the most recent individual to be elected who served in the Marine Corps.

We the female veterans are the fastest growing population within the veteran entire population. We are 2 million strong across the United States and you have 2 of those 2 million here in the body. Count yourself very, very privileged for that.

I stand on the shoulders of Oprah Mae Johnson, the first woman to ever serve in the United States marine Corps in 1918. I stand on the shoulders of the 6888th army unit, the all black all female unit that made history clearing a massive male backlog during the World War II.

And in fact their story was recently told in an Oscar nominated film, The Six Triple Eight by Tyler Perry on Netflix and I really recommend you watch that story. This Women's History Week is important because till this day, so many of us, so many of my sisters in arms, don't consider themselves veterans. They're hesitant to utilize their benefits.

They don't feel welcome in veteran spaces. Our experiences are very unique. And despite the historical discrimination and lack of recognition, my sisters in Arms have been dedicated service Members to our nation.

And as the examples that the center from Bakersfield has provided even beyond that, like our current Calvet Secretary Lindsey Sen, the first female secretary since 1975, or the late Bea Arthur who after her service in the Marine Corps went on to bring all of us years of laughter through her role as Dorothy and Golden Girls.

My sisters in arms are versatile, assertive, brave with thick skin, skills that we had to obtain. When you join a male dominated field, their stories are important to be shared and talked about.

However, just last week, under a presidential Executive order, the Arlington Cemetery removed their link to women's history that specifically shared the stories of female service Members. Now they'll just bury those stories across other pages. And even though female service Members are a proud needle in a haystack, it's still just a needle in a haystack.

And stories without being prominently and proudly displayed can easily be forgotten. Women in the military have jumped out of planes. We have died. They have died in combat. They have flown as blue angel pilots, our four star generals. They hike hundreds of miles. Our expert shooters hold black belts and can take you down with a swift move.

They deserve all the accolades as our male brothers and I ask you to join me in honoring the courageous women not just in California, but across the United States who have served in our nation's military.

Senator Umberg,

Thank you. Madam President and colleagues, thank you to my colleague from Bakersfield for recognizing Women in the Military History Month. It is unfortunate that our colleagues in the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. can't do that. And so it's important that we recognize that. But it's also important that we recognize the contribution of women in the military. Thank you.

Also to my colleague from San Fernando Valley. Women, as many of you know, I spent many years in the military, and women in the military have strengthened our military. Women in the military have added immeasurable, immeasurable benefit to our nation's defense. I, of course, have a special relationship with female veterans. In fact, I married one.

She happens to outrank me. And those of you in the military know that the military has an inherent bias. And that's the only reason she outranked me is because this inherent bias that exists in the military in favor of people that are smarter and better leaders. And that's the only reason that she outranked me.

We're also, I'm blessed today to have my sister in law on the floor. My sister in law is a proud female veteran, retired Navy Commander Linda Umberg. So it is appropriate that we here in California exalt and lift up those women who have provided our nation's defense. And I thank you again to my colleague from Bakersfield for recognizing me.

Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise as the chair of the Military and Veterans Committee. On a personal note, my daughter in law, Tiffany Archuleta, army captain, paratrooper, intelligence officer, two combat tours, Afghanistan and Iraq. She was distinguished because of her leadership.

And when I served President Barack Obama on the Board of Visitors there at West Point, we had more women graduate with honors of distinction from West Point. Same thing at the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard, women in leadership. I rise to recognize their leadership, their future, and of course, their combat, no doubt.

And when I would visit my son at West Point, some of the women that were about to graduate, they said they're going to fly helicopters, Blackhawks, they're going to be in the armor, they're going to be the infantry, they're going to try out to be Rangers and so on. And they succeeded.

So my son, who's a lieutenant colonel now in the army and so is my other son who's a major, their friends are women warriors as well as the men that they served with. So their leadership, the leadership as I recognize today. So as women go forward in these ranks, I will tell you this.

Our country is a better country because we rely on women to lead us whenever we can. And with that, I honor SCR38 and ask our colleague to continue each and every year when she can, to bring it forward.

Thank you, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas.

All right. I wanted to just stand and say thank you to good Senator from Bakersfield and my colleagues from Los Angeles and Orange County. I stand in recognition of my mother who served in the United States Navy as a Navy nurse.

It was my mother who decided as a young mom that she was going to join the Navy as a young woman home care worker in Newark, New Jersey, and joined the Navy. And that's how we actually got to California. Came to California with the dream of her becoming a nurse and us starting our lives here.

And I want to say I was so proud to see my mother in her uniform on her commencement and graduation, having braved that basic training and all that she went through, to find her own inner physical strength and mental strength to withstand it. And she retired and is now a Navy veteran.

Retired and very proud of that service and of the great men and women that she served with. So I am proud to support SCR38 today and ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no further debate. Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I do really appreciate your comments. All veterans, anybody that puts their hand in the air to swear to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, should be honored because they offer us the freedoms that we have today.

And so to throw women into the mix that are earning rights every single day within the areas of the military which they serve is really distinguishable. And it is my honor to present this resolution and I do thank my good colleague. We're two of 2 million, girlfriend, and that's pretty cool. So I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Members, this is eligible for unanimous roll call. Is there any objection saying none? Ayes, 38, no's, zero. The resolution is adopted. Members are going to move on to Committee announcements. Senator Laird.

Thank you, Madam President. Budget Subcommitee number one on education will have an animated, transparent public hearing in swing space, room 2100 upon adjournment.

I invite all my colleagues to come. To sub 2 and see our process. As we debate and discuss important budget matters in room 2200.

Senator Weber Pierson.

Thank you, Madam President. Budget sub three will meet immediately following adjournment of session in room 1200.

Budget Subcommitee number five will be meeting immediately upon adjournment in room 112. And it will be live and in color and quite transparent and invited for everyone to participate.

Thank you, Senator Cabaldon. And I guess you got a budget hearing too.

I do. Budget sub 4. We'll be meeting immediately upon adjournment in. Room 113, where we'll be taking up. Budgets for Veterans affairs today.

Very good. Members are going to return to motions and resolutions. This is the time for the adjourn in memory. So if you could please focus your attention on Senator Umberg.

Thank you. Madam President and colleagues, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of former congressman Jerry Patterson. Or as he would tell you today, he prefers to be referred to at least at the end of his life as school board trustee.

Jerry Patterson was born in 1934 in El Paso, Texas to his parents, Levin and Ella Patterson. He moved to Tucson, Arizona where he graduated from Tucson Tucson high school in 1952.

Following the death of his father, Jerry and his mother moved to Long Beach, California where Jerry enlisted in the United States Coast Guard as a medic, where he served from 1953 to 1957 before returning to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree at Cal State Long beach in 1960. He then enrolled in UCLA Law School and practiced law in Santa Ana. Jerry Patterson was elected as mayor of Santa Ana in 1968.

Under his leadership, the City of Santa Ana achieved significant milestones including the acquisition operation of the bus system, the establishment of the first housing authority for Low income housing, acquiring land and buildings for the Civic center and doubling the amount of city owned parks, and creating the nationally recognized golden circle Bikeway in 1974.

Jerry was one of the nation's hundreds of Watergate babies. He. He was a Democrat. So before there was a Loretta Sanchez or a Tom Umberg, there was a Jerry Patterson where he championed in the Congress clean water, clean air and waste recycling.

As a Member of Congress, he was also instrumental in passing the Refugee act of 1980 with then Senators Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden helping refugees from Vietnam relocate to the United States. Something that's had a tremendous impact on our state and in particular Orange County as a lawyer, mayor and Member of Congress. These are notable accomplishments.

But his proudest accomplishment was marrying his partner, Linda Moulton Patterson, in 1983. Linda, in her own right is quite well known in Orange County. She was the mayor of Huntington Beach for a time. And after Leaving Congress in 1984, Jerry resumed his law practice and he served as city attorney for a number of cities in Orange County.

But also he was elected and served for many, many years, including up to nearly the end of his life as a community college school board trustee. He passed away this past November. He had celebrated his 90th birthday just a few weeks before his passing. He was survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda Moulton Patterson.

His daughters, Jane Patterson, her husband, Richard Ernest Wendy Moulton Tate, Julie Petty son Patrick Patterson and his wife, Lynn and grandchildren Jordan, Kyle, Sierra, J.J. Adam, Lindsay and two great grandchildren, Zach and Zoe. Jerry's legacy continues in Orange County and his loss is felt by tens of thousands.

He was an incredible friend, husband, Member of the Congress and public servant. I ask that we adjourn his memory. Thank you.

Please extend our condolences to the family. And if you could please bring his name forward to the front desk, we will memorialize him. Thank you so much. If there is no other business, Senator Mcguire.

The desk is clear, Madam President. Thank you so much to all of our colleagues. Thank you for the respectful debate discussion. Here on the floor today. Very grateful for that. Senator Jackson, it's wonderful always to have you here. Thank you so much. The next floor session is scheduled for Monday, March 24th at 2pm Have a wonderful weekend. Thank you so much.

The Senate will be in recess until 3:30, at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, March 242025 at 2:00pm.