Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Acor. Ms. President. Members, would you please rise. And I ask that our guests behind the railing please rise. Will be led in prayer this morning by Sister Michelle Gorman. After which please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us remember this. We are always in God's presence. In his world renowned book, the Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz offers a practical guide to personal freedom. Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions and always do your best. Gracious and loving creator, we thank you for the leadership of today's Latino Spirit Awardees.

By the witness of their lives, they have shown themselves to be role models in the art of bringing the best of themselves to all their accomplishments. Their generosity of spirit has led them to focus on health care, social justice and service to others, as well as the joy they bring through philanthropy, arts and and entertainment.

We ask you to keep them in your care as they continue to inspire courage, strength and resilience in all those seeking to flourish in an intercultural and often alienating society. May they continue to exemplify the spirit of their rich and diverse Latino heritage. For the benefit of all those who will come after them.

We ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag. We're starting off today with privileges of the floor. Senator Allen has the first privilege introduction from the Majority Leader's desk. Senator Allen.

Well, thank you so much, Madam President. We have so many wonderful cultural celebrations in the capital these couple days. Obviously we're doing Latino Spirit Awards today. It also so happens that the Jewish Public Affairs Committee is having their annual visit to the Capitol today.

There's going to be a big dinner tonight and one of the many groups that is here as part of that convergence here is the wonderful Routenberg New Leaders Project which is a a group of young Angelenos who convene every single year. It's a program that I participated in.

For over the last 30 years, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has used their New Leaders projects, also known as nlp, to invest in the development of talented and engaged young people in the Jewish community and ensure that they have the skills and the knowledge to be impactful civic leaders for our broader community over the course of of the year.

This is an annual program. Those selected for the program, it's a competitive process. Those selected engage with the institutions at all levels of governmental leadership. They tackle the complexities of issues facing Los Angeles and California.

They may focus on the challenges and the opportunities of a particular policy area or meet one month, or they may focus on a particular neighborhood or ethnic groups leadership.

And so it's a wonderful program and it seeks to really focus on understanding the systems that we have in place, the opportunities to move the community forward in a positive direction. It was a wonderful experience for me. I did this before I got into the Senate. I know one of our other colleagues as well from Los Angeles.

I believe Senator Stern participated in the program as well. But I can certainly speak firsthand to how meaningful the experience is and the incredible work that the group is doing to help the people of California. Let me also just recognize the leadership, the folks who make this possible.

Rachel Wallace, who's here from the Federation, she's the Director of Civic engagement. I know Joanna Mendelsohn, the senior VP of community engagement for the Federation. Also Mara Lande, who's the VP of government affairs and strategic initiatives. They're not here with us on the floor, but they're here in Sacramento right now.

I just wanted to welcome this wonderful cohort of young leaders from Los Angeles here to the Senate Floor. These are folks who have taken on important leadership roles in their own right, whether it be in government and business and journalism, nonprofit sector education across the board. And they are an important part of the convening this week.

And so, Members, I just wanted to ask you to join me in a warm, warm Senate welcome to the 2025 New Leaders Project class. Welcome to the California State Senate.

The State Senate Welcomes this class. Don't worry, we got this could go really wide. Without objection. Members, we are now going to skip to a second third reading to take up three items out of order today. That's going to be file item 33, file item 42 and file item 37. After adoption of each resolution, we will move back to privileges of four for the Senator, the author, to introduce their guests. Senator Umberg has file item 33. He is ready.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 by Senator Umberg relative to peace officers.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues.

Senator, give me one second. Colleagues, Senator Umberg has the floor right now, respectfully asking you to take your Conversations off the floor.

So, Madam President, permission to read?

Without objection.

Let me read from the Bible, the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, verse 12. So this is my command. Love each other deeply, as much as I've loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. Greater love hath no man, than that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Today we honor those in the line of duty who've laid down their lives for all of us, and we recognize them and their families. We recognize, in particular, Officer Matthew Bowen, Vaville Police Department. We recognize Officer Bowen's service to the Vacaville Police Department for one year, but before that he was with the Concord Police Department.

End of watch July 11, 2024. He survived by his wife, Elizabeth two sons, Mason and Everett, and his parents and brother. Deputy Alfredo M. Flores, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. End of watch April 202024. He served with Los Angeles Police Department for 20 years.

Alfredo was survived by his wife, Margarita Gonzalez Flores his children, Nathaniel Nicholas Flores, Kayla Arellano Flores, Victoria Faith Flores, Adrian Gardilla his parents, dimencio and Victoria Flores, and his sister, Leticia Flores. Officer Austin Christopher Machitar, San Diego Police Department. End of watch August 26, 2024.

He's survived by his parents, Christopher McTiar and Leslie Redondo Maktiar, and sister, Asia McTiar. Officer Chad E. Swanson, Manhattan Police Department. End of watch October 4, 2023. Officer Swanson served with the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 13 years and previously served with the Hawthorne Police Department.

He's survived by his wife, Hayley Swanson his three young sons, Jameson, age 6, Declan, age 4, and Easton, age 2, his mother and father.

This morning we had a small ceremony at the IMAX Theater with the family and the Governor and the Attorney General and some of the folks who were the friends and family of those who are departed. And when Officer Swanson's picture was displayed in the theater, a young 2 year old yelled, that's my daddy.

He was 10 months old when his father was killed. When I knelt down to talk to him, he pointed to the picture and said, that's a hero. Indeed he was. Officer Terry D. Long El Monte Police Department End of watch August 22, 2004 I know many of you were out today and watched the Peace Officers Memorial ceremony.

And it's appropriate that we do, because it's appropriate that we see the sacrifice that ensues when we ask those to enforce the laws that we pass here on the floor that's signed by the Governor. We expect them to act with integrity and fairness, and indeed they do.

And they form that very thin blue line that stands between civil society and those who are evil. We honor the families with the blue light on the Capitol. We honor the families with the ceremony both last night and this morning. And we honor them not just to recognize them, but it's for us as well.

We honor them because we need them and we need others. And to the extent that we need folks to occupy that thin blue line, it's important that we revere them as a neighborhood, as a community, as a state. We recognize them and their sacrifice and their family's sacrifice.

And quoting from our first President, he said, George Washington said, I'm paraphrasing here, the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve shall be directly proportional to, to how they perceive those who've gone before them and were treated and appreciated by their nation. And that is exactly it. That is exactly it.

And so today we recognize them, we recognize their families, we recognize the California Peace Officer Memorial foundation also who is responsible for the ceremony that we saw today, but also responsible to provide sustenance and support to the survivors. And so we honor them. And so, colleagues, I urge an aye vote.

Senator Richardson, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today. Also I want to commend the gentleman for bringing forward SCR23 today. When I was on the City Council in Long Beach, we had an officer by the name of Darrell Wayne Black. Police officer Darrell Black was shot and killed when he and his partner were ambushed by a gang Member with an AR15. This was April 302000.

The two officers, Members of the Long Beach Police Department's anti gang unit, were driving in an unmarked vehicle at approximately 11pm when they were struck by gunfire in an ambush style attack in the 1900 block of North Lyme Avenue.

After both officers were shot, one officer was able to call for assistance, drive down the street to get out of the gunfire. Both officers were taken to the hospital. But Officer Gerald Black died approximately one hour later.

I bring this up because when I was a Council Member, I'll never forget it, because you feel very responsible, and I think as we, too, we feel responsible for those who work on our behalf, our community. It was one, when I first got there, was number one in murder, manslaughter, rape, and assault.

And at the time, I was actually a wife of a police officer there in Long Beach. And I will tell you that, you know, for those of us who enjoy their service and their sacrifice, it's the least that we can do on this day to remember them.

I know when I've been to those funerals, we say we'll never forget. Well, today is the example of when we actually keep that promise and we don't forget. So with that, I want to commend my colleague for bringing forward this scr 23 to this body.

And I ask others to support it and our brave men and women who work in law enforcement every single day, despite. Despite the danger that they face. With that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Archuleta, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Just a few weeks ago, actually, a few months ago, I was able to stand before you acknowledge the loss of my granddaughter to a drunk driver. And I appreciate your condolences and your thoughts. But I also have to share with you that I have two grandsons that wear the uniform in law enforcement.

One with the Anaheim Police Department, Blake Archuleta, that I worry about him every single day. And Zach Hahn, the son of my daughter, my grandson, Zachary Hahn, who's with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department and the area he serves in San Bernardino, he's got to drive 30 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles, sometimes 40 miles on a call because he's way out in the desert area.

And today, when Senator Umberg and I and a few of you were there at the memorial, we witnessed the families who were there to pay tribute and honor their fallen. Madam President, I, too, rise today and support SCR 23, proclaiming Monday, May 5, California Peace Officers Memorial Day.

This resolution is personally important to me as also as a former Member of the Montebello Police Department, who we have one officer that was killed and his name is on our monument in Montebello. Officer Acuna, who responded to a call, it's called a 211 robbery in place, and he was shot and killed.

And I've been at the memorial for him time and time again when I'm called. But as we were Called today, we were called as a state, as a nation, as a country, to honor these fallen officers who lost their lives. But they're sworn peace officers to protect our communities each and every day.

Their work is dangerous and difficult, yet they proudly go out and serve each and every day, knowing that that day might be their last. And as Senator, as a wife, I know that you felt as my wife did, that when I went off, would I come back? And I know you felt the same way.

So peace officers who are public servants to protect us, serve us and keep us safe, and genuinely care about our communities they serve.

So the laws that we enact, the things that we do, that responsibility is on our shoulders to make sure that communities understand that we do support law and order, that we are a state that cares about law enforcement. Our officers join the force because they have a strong desire to help people.

They often go above and beyond the call of duty that's required of them each and every day, whether it's saving a child or pulling someone out of a flaming car, the dedication to keeping our community safe by law enforcement.

Sometimes it's impossible to overstate, but we have to continue to understand we in debt, that we are indebted to them for their service and their line of work as fellow Californians. And so many, as we see at the monument, ultimately paid the price. They are truly our fallen heroes.

Today we honor their memory and their legacy they leave behind. We stand alongside their families to bear the weight of their loss and offer our deepest condolences and gratitude and the support for the remaining family Members.

Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and neither is the love they carried with them when they wore the badge and badge of honor as they left home. So saying goodbye to their families now, they are now entrusted to the good Lord.

It was an honor to be there today, as I mentioned, with some of you, and we saw hundreds of law enforcement officers, men and women this morning. The Peace Officers Memorial ceremony. The Governor was there, and of course, our Attorney General and so many other dignitaries.

But what was important was the families, the small children, those that were crying, the tears in her eyes, knowing that, yes, that's Daddy. The families that came home today. And the lay of the flowers at the foot of the memorial was touching. It was sad. Tears in the eyes.

The grief we will never know because we're not part of that. But yet we are. Because we should all be part of the law enforcement family. And I truly believe that all of us in this room are Members of that family. So as we reflect on their lives.

Let it not be lost that we too must show an example of strength to honor them, to honor their memory, to understand the courage, integrity, and the work they do together to build California, to make it a peaceful, safe and just state. So for these reasons, I urge us all to vote aye on SCR23.

We appreciate your words, Senator. Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today, I also stand in strong support of SCR 23. I want to thank the good Senator from Santa Ana for bringing this forward. Today was a very important day for us here in the Capitol as we honor those that have fallen.

The memorial tribute this morning was incredibly impactful for me. It was incredibly difficult to see what is left behind when an officer puts their life on the line. This morning, I witnessed a mother walking with her three little babies, one of them crying, and I venture to say he was about 2 years old.

And the husband passed nearly three years ago. So somewhere along the line, that child was born. The child was born into a world where he will not have his father. And I want to just share a personal story for my community. I know that it's difficult to see courage and what it looks like.

And in my community, in the City of Baldwin park, in the community of El Monte, I've seen up close and personal what happens when the family's left behind to grieve. In El Monte, two young individuals, two young officers with small children, stepped into a dangerous situation when a perpetrator was going to kill his wife.

They knew it was dangerous. They knew that this man had guns, and yet they still went to save this woman. Needless to say, unfortunately, this man shot those two young officers and I had to see their mother grieve, the wife cry.

And it was really shocking in our communities to see such pain, such loss, such devastation and months later, at the same time, we didn't know at the time, but Chief Laurie, who had to endure the pain of his police force, was dealing with cancer. Privately, no one knew because that's what self sacrifice looked like.

He didn't want to tell people because our community was grieving over the loss of these two officers shortly after he passed from cancer. And that was three incredibly important people in our community, very brave individuals who knew, knew what it meant to step into that uniform and to step into a community where anything could happen.

Their loss left a really, incredibly difficult hole in our hearts. And the community rallied the community rally behind the family, the officers, and years later, it's still very present in our Community. It's the choice to keep showing up every day when some of us wouldn't do it.

It's the choice to leave your wife at home and say goodbye, not knowing if that's going to be the last time you're going to see them say goodbye to your children, not knowing if you're going to come back home.

And today again, seeing all the families there crying, those little kids crying, and all the officers standing in uniform saluting, it was a reminder of how important that work is. Their courage, sometimes it's missed, their courage, sometimes it's overlooked.

But I want to say that I try to do my best to honor their legacy, to honor their work with policy. Policy that balances the. The dangerous work they do, but at the same time respecting our community. I know as victims of domestic violence and victims advocate, I want them to come if I ever need them.

I want them to be on the side of victims when they are getting assaulted. And I want us all to remember that they don't know when that day is going to come, but they still show up. They still show up to protect our community.

So today I want to not only honor those two officers who passed and their names were Sergeant Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who again, continue to be felt in our community. Their mother is not giving hope. Their mother continues to fight. Stepfather was an officer as well.

And I just want to say that today, as we say thank you to these courageous officers, we have to remember, as colleagues have already stated, we have to remember with policy.

Policy that says thank you, policy that doesn't dismiss the work that they do, policy that says your life also matters when you step into that uniform and you don't come back home. So I just say that there is a balance out there. But we have to remember to say thank you whenever we can. And with that, I ask for an aye vote. Thank you

Senator Wahab. You're recognized.

Thank you. I rise in support of SCR 23 California peace officers Memorial Day. Peace officers are tasked with going above and beyond the call of duty every day. Their role in keeping our communities safe has ballooned into them being experienced and expected to be social workers and other types of professions.

As we recognize the lives of those lost every day, their acts are often overlooked. Let's ensure we are supporting our peace officers in being able to fulfill their core roles in our communities, which is keeping us safe and maintaining law and order.

You know, there are many studies that show that our peace officers have high rates of suicide, addiction and trauma because of their jobs. In fact, today we also see a very high vacancy rate in almost every single city when, when it comes to law enforcement professionals, these jobs are hard and ever evolving.

In fact, I was at dinner with two friends who both serve in one of my local cities, and one of the sergeants was telling me over dinner that one of the most traumatic cases he had was a gang drive by that happened in the city where two little girls that were playing on their scooters died and how they were trying to ensure that there's enough time before their lives were lost and the ambulance came trying to make sure that they live.

And both of those two little girls died because of the senseless act of violence of a drive by. And this particular individual3 talked about how that was one of the most brutal days of their entire service. They remember that even though years has passed by.

So we as policymakers can debate the scope of work and policies on a public safety platform of what we are doing for our societies. We can debate many, many things. But I also want to highlight the work that these individuals have, and it's not often shared or described.

I've gone on many, many ride alongs, some at midnight, some even in the crack of dawn. And even a call that I've even seen where an individual is walking the train tracks and neighbors are calling us to what is going on? And I ask one of the sergeants that I'm riding with, what's going through your head?

And they said that I really am afraid that this person wants to commit suicide by cop. And those are things that we as regular folks don't even think about. Don't even think that it's going through the minds of these officers. Right?

And this is happening literally at midnight when somebody is in crisis and they call 911 and these officers show up to what? Something they don't even know what to expect, but. But they have to think about every little thing and again, protect lives.

So I really want to highlight some of the things that I've heard directly and I've seen directly, and the fact that these individuals not only dedicate their lives every single day, but they do it oftentimes being criticized.

And some of the criticism is warranted and some of it is not necessarily warranted if people don't actually know what they do. And so I really just want to honor those that have passed, specifically Sergeant Lunger and Captain Bobbitt in my district who will always be remembered.

And again, many of these people sign up knowing that they may have to give up their Life in their duty in maintaining law and order so one may they rest in peace. And in honor of them, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

See no other mics up. Senator Umberg, you may close.

Thank you, Madam President. Officer Matthew Bowen. Deputy Alfredo M. Flores. Officer Austin Christopher McTarge. Officer Chad E. Swanson. Officer Terry D. Long. In honor of these officers and their families urge and I vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes. 38. No zero. The resolution is adopted. Senator Umberg, you have some guests to introduce.

I do. Thank you. Madam President, I mentioned a moment ago the California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation. It's appropriate that we recognize the President Juan Yarramontes, and as well as Executive Director Mark Nichols, who are present here with us also Michelle Gray and Cameron Gray.

Michelle is the spouse of a fallen officer and Cameron is the child of the fallen officer.

Also with us here today, Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, Santa Ana Deputy Police Chief Chuck Elm, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Mesqua, Santa Ana Council Member Phil Becerra, Santa Santa Ana Councilmember David Penalosa, Santa Ana Police Officers Association President John Kaczorinski, Vice President Luis Barragan, and police officers Jose Mendoza, Pedro Duran, Renee Guerrero, Matt Wharton, Griselda Cisneros.

Also here is Claudio Gallegos. I ask that we welcome to California State Senate. Thank you.

Welcome. The Senate rises in appreciation of the sacrifices the officers and their families have made on behalf of Californ. Before we move on to our next file item, I would like to give a special shout out and welcome to retired Assembly Member Mark Levine. In the back, Senator Laird has file item 42, SR 51.

He's ready to go. Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 51 by Senator Laird relative to Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

Thank you very much. Madam President. SCR51 declares May a Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Cystic fibrosis, or CF, as is known as a chronic and progressive genetic disease. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. With a median life expectancy of only 37 years, it is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States.

Early diagnosis and treatment, including new emerging drug therapies, can be immensely beneficial and extend the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis. It affects people of every race and every ethnicity. But people of color are far more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis Due to disparities in health care.

Raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and the diversity of those impacted can lead to earlier diagnosis and care. Since 1975, the Cystic Fibrosis Institute has funded research to move us closer to a cure while providing education and support services to those impacted by the disease.

There's still work to be done to find a cure and to ensure that all of those affected receive a timely diagnosis and are able to access effective treatment for this disease. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Any discussion of fire? Item 42 item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Do we have any Objection? See none. Ayes. 38. No 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator Laird, please proceed with your introduction.

Thank you very much. Today with us in the balcony, we have siri veth and advocates from the cystic fibrosis research Institute. I know they've been visiting many of your offices. They're here watching us today, watching this resolution. Thank them for all their hard work to raise awareness on this important issue.

Thank you so much. Up next, we have file item 37 SR 27, by Senator Gonzalez. She is ready to go. Secretary, please read

Senate Resolution 27 by Senator Gonzalez relative to Cinco De Mayo week.

Majority leader.

Thank you, madam President. Members, as chair of the Latino caucus, it's my honor to rise today to present s which memorializes Cinco De Mayo as a significant date in Mexican and California history. Cinco De Mayo is not what you think. It's not about a party, and it certainly isn't Mexican Independence day that is in September.

It really signifies a celebration of courage, culture, and Latino resistance. On May 5, 1862 at the Pataya De Puebla in Mexico, a small a small army of indigenous Mexicans, outnumbered and outgunned, formulated a strong resistance and defeated a French colonial force, A force that was larger, better trained and very equipped.

Despite a severe lack of resources, the Mexican army's determination to be free from colonization carried them to a historic victory. We recognize Cinco De Mayo because it serves as a symbol of Mexican pride and strength. And though all and through all the adversity that Latinos are facing today.

We know that Cinco De Mayo also serves to remind us that the foundation of any nation and state is its people. In their spirit and courage in the face of adversity and in their strength and drive to achieve self determination and in their willingness to sacrifice even life itself in the pursuit of freedom and liberty for all.

Latinos in California have challenged the frontiers of social, economic, environmental justice and have strengthened and uplifted our respective communities in countless ways. Latinos, Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and like many of us here in the Chamber, are at the forefront of issues that impact our community's livelihood.

And as leaders, we will continue this mission to ensure these days, this day of Cinco De Mayo symbolizes what that spirit and courage means and will always be remembered. Members, on behalf of the 38 Members of the Latino Caucus, I urge your support and ask for your aye vote on SR27.

Thank you, Senator Becker. You're recognized.

Thank you, President, Colleagues, I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus to express our full and heartfelt support for SR27 in recognition of Cinco De Mayo and honorees of this year's Latino Spirit Awards.

As was just eloquently stated by my colleague from Long Beach, Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of historic victory and a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of resistance against oppression and the unyielding pursuit of dignity and freedom for all peoples.

During the Holocaust, many Jews found refuge in Mexico, a nation that chose compassion over fear and solidarity over silence. The Mexican people offered sanctuary when most much of the world turned its back. Even the United States turned away boats full of European Jewish refugees during World War II.

That legacy of humanity and courage must not be forgotten by us. Today, those same values are needed more than ever. Last week, this House commemorated Yom Ha Shoah voted on a resolution that committed ourselves to never forget and never repeat the horrors of the past.

As we celebrate Cinco De Mayo, we must acknowledge the warning signs that are before us. Immigrants are being targeted for mass deportation, families are being separated and communities are living in fear.

While we cannot compare anything to the atrocities of the Holocaust, the forced removal of people from their homes simply for who they are evokes chilling parallels of experience of Jews who are rounded up in Europe. We cannot ignore what is happening in our communities, our schools, our hospitals, our courtrooms.

We must act to ensure that never again is a promise kept for all communities. In that spirit of shared history and shared struggle, I express my deep pride in joining with our Mexican American community in celebrating Cinco De Mayo. I also extend my congratulations to this year's Latino Spirit Award honorees.

Their work uplifts this community and strengthens our collective moral fabric. Thank you, Senator from Long Beach, for authoring this important resolution and to the entire Latino Caucus for your tireless efforts to make our state a better place. As for an aye vote for SCR27.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise both as a proud co author and of Senate Resolution 27 and on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus. In honor of Cinco De Mayo.

Today we commemorate the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5, 1862 in which Mexico won a victory against the French under the leadership of its first Zapotec indigenous President, Benito Juarez. Though often misunderstood or commercialized, Cinco De Mayo has always been more than a cultural holiday. It's a political one.

It was first celebrated here in California 163 years ago by Mexican Americans who saw the victory in Puebla as a symbol of resistance to tyranny and rally cry in support of freedom. That story, a small under resourced army defeating an imperial force, is echoed in Latino communities across California and our nation.

It is a familiar tale of perseverance, of dignity in the face of hardship, of succeeding despite the odds. Some try to diminish Cinco De Mayo with stereotypes, to reduce it to sombreros and margaritas. But we must reclaim its true meaning.

It is a powerful declaration that we too have a place in this democracy, that our voices, our histories and our struggles matter. Together, we fought for voting rights, labor rights and equal protection under the law. Latinas were and are at the front lines of these very fights.

From the Delores Huerta demanding justice in the fields, to the countless unnamed women who organize, who march and raise their voices for justice, equity and liberation, Latinas are one of the fastest growing demographics in our country. Latinas are opening new businesses at the highest rate nationwide.

They're enrolling in college and earning degrees in historic numbers and running for elected office and winning. We lead in every sector, from science to the arts, from classrooms to the courtroom. Yet our contributions are too often overlooked. That is why today's recognition matters.

We celebrate Cinco De Mayo not only in honor of the past, but as a vision for the future. When Latinos have access to real opportunities, well paying jobs, quality education, homes to call our own, affordable health care. Our communities thrive, so does our economy. But our worth is not only a result of our economic productivity.

We deserve dignity, joy, rest, safety, equity and freedom, not just survival. Cinco De Mayo reminds us that no fight is too small, no challenge insurmountable. It is a call to action to keep pushing for justice, for inclusion, for the recognition of our humanity. So today, we honor the Latino Spirit Award recipients, an extraordinary group of trailblazers.

Among them is a powerful cohort of Latinas who remind us that our stories, our voices and our leadership are essential to California's future. On behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I thank the Latinos across our state who make immeasurable contributions every single day.

We are proud to stand with you, to uplift you, and to continue the work to ensure your stories are not just celebrated, but centered colleagues. For these reasons and more, I respectfully asked for an aye vote on Senate Resolution 27.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Choi, you're recognized.

Madam President and the colleagues. I represent a substantial number of Mexican heritage in my district 37. Today we rise to commemorate the Cinco De mayo marking the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Though outnumbered and outgunned, stood firm against the French empire. This day is more than a military victory.

It is a symbol of national dignity, resistance and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. In California, Cinco De Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican American culture, resilience and contribution. From our classrooms and city halls to our farms, neighborhoods and small businesses. As a Korean American, I recognize the shared history among immigrant communities.

Stories of struggles, pride, and building a future in a land of opportunity. Today's resolution honors both pivotal moment in Mexican history and the vibrant, living legacy of Mexican Americans in California. Let us rise together as we celebrate this day of courage, culture and cross cultural unity. I urge you an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Perez.

Thank you. Madam President. Today I rise in support of SR27 on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Cinco De Mayo is a reminder of the courage and resilience of the Mexican people who fought against tyranny and oppression. As Members of the LGBTQ community, we can relate to this struggle and draw inspiration from it.

The bravery of the Mexican forces at the Battle of Puebla and the Latinos who fought to defend the freedom of the United States in every armed conflict, including LGBTQ individuals, remind us that we all have a stake in protecting our democracy and human rights. Latino resilience has helped to ensure the eventual triumph of justice and equality.

We must continue following this tradition by working towards a more just and inclusive society. Latinos in California have been at the forefront of social and economic justice movements, fighting for the rights of workers, immigrants and marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community.

Today we are in the company of some amazing people from all across the State of California that exemplify the spirit and advocacy of Latinos and California's history, present time and future. These folks are a reminder of the immense contributions that Latinos have made to our cultural and artistic landscape, including LGBTQ artists and creators.

By recognizing and celebrating Cinco De Mayo Week, we honor the courage and contributions of the Latino community and reaffirm our commitment to working together towards a more just and inclusive society for all. I respectfully ask for your support of ACR27.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to recognize Cinco De Mayo, a day that marks the bravery, as has been stated earlier, of the Mexican American Battle of Puebla in 1862.

It is a moment of history when a small force defied the odds and stood firm against one of the strongest military powers of its time. Cinco De Mayo stands today as a symbol of resilience, resistance, and national pride.

It is a story that resonates deeply with many generations before them, of indigenous people, African Americans, Italians, Jewish Americans, and more recently, the LGBTQ community. I was fortunate earlier in my legislative career when I had a chance to work for, for five years, the highest, I believe, ranking Latino in California legislative history, Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante.

He taught me history, he taught me culture, he taught me about barriers, but most importantly, he taught me about the Latino family. As we honor Cinco De Mayo today, let us celebrate not only Mexican heritage, but also the spirit of unity and shared struggle that binds us.

Let us this day remember that cultural pride and historical understanding goes hand in hand, not just with music, which we enjoy, not just with the parties, which we also enjoy and the parades, but rather what we enjoy most is the battle, the battle for freedom, for freedom to live, to work, to travel, and so much more. Feliz Cinco De Mayo. Gracias.

Senator Alvarado Gil.

Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to welcome the guests to our chamber who are being honored today as part of the Latino Spirit Award ceremony and let you know that we, as a Republican Party, welcome you and are going to join in honoring you here today.

But we were not part of selecting or having a conversation because the Latino caucus for over 50 years, has not practiced what they preach in terms of. Being a more just and inclusive society.

Senator, if you could say the merit of the resolution. This is the resolution. The merit of the resolution Senator.

The resolution didn't talk about the. Latino Spirit Awards, but many of my colleagues on the floor talked about us having a more just and inclusive society.

And unfortunately, we are still struggling for that here in Sacramento and in the Senate, and that we are not inclusive and we do not always work well together because of our different parties. And I bring this up because when. We come together for ceremonies like this. The least that we can do is work together.

The least that we can do is share in our experiences so that those. Of us who come to the floor. To be honored here today are truly honored by the 40 sitting elected here on the floor.

Senator Senators The the language and the resolution which is Cinco De Mayo. The language is Cinco de Mayo. For what purpose do you arise, Senator?

I do believe the the author or. The person speaking is speaking to Germanus of this issue.

The desk is confering

Senator Alverado- Gil We will be right with you. We are conferring on the content of the resolution. Yes, ma'am. Senator Strickland, You are recognized for what purpose? Objection with objection. Senator. One minute. Senator. We'll be right back to.

I do see some additional mics up. We are going to. We're going to go return the floor to Senator Alvarado-Gil.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to continue. In my speech, I am speaking to. A resolution where it clearly asks all of California Latinos to contribute. And I am recognizing myself as a Latino even though I am not recognized by the California Latino Caucus as a Latino.

And so when I look at this resolution that has language of being just and inclusive, I have to question the behaviors and the acts that we have here in our Legislature and whether or not they truly reflect the resolution that. We have in front of us.

In this resolution, it asks for all Californians to celebrate in Cinco De Mayo honoring an episode in Mexican history. It doesn't define only those who are Democrat or only those who are Republican or no party preference. So in that I agree with this resolution, so what this resolution does not do, it does not recognize the freedom Of thought that we so wonderfully have here in our country.

And when the leaders of this House produce a resolution that cuts down the value of a Latino, that minimizes the contribution of a Latino, that ignores the voice of a Latino and asks us to support a resolution that we are explicitly excluded from, I have to question whether or not these are resolutions that we would like to have on the Senate Floor.

In Senate Republicans caucus, a third of us identify as Latino, very similar to the Democrats. In the Democratic Latino Caucus, you're about. A third of our Senate. So when I look at this resolution, I look at the language of this resolution, I have to question not only the background of where this resolution came forward, but why.

Why are we talking about a just and inclusive society when what we have modeled right here on the floor for 50 plus years is the exclusion of freedom of thought, is the exclusion of Latinos who do not agree on every value that Democrats want us to agree on. We're gonna guide you back. Yes. Back to this resolution.

Yes. And in the resolution, it does talk about celebrating all California Latinos who have contributed to culture and society through their many achievements of music, food, dance, poetry, literature, architecture, entertainment, sports, and a broad spectrum of artistic expression. So I have to ask. Is this. A celebration only of Latino Democrats who contribute to?

Senator Is that a question through the President to the author?

Not a question. This is a thought that I'm sharing in regards to this resolution. But as I do look through the pamphlet that was left on our on our desk, I do see in. Permission to read, Madam President, I do see here an excerpt About Cinco De Mayo.

And in here it doesn't talk about the differentiation between political parties. It does talk about unifying. And I agree with that message. But when I do go further into this booklet, there is a pin on the front of it. And I question whether or not this pin.

Senator. Yes, ma'am. I recognize you're speaking on a pamphlet that was left on our desk. Correct. We're debating on the language of the resolution and not what is inside the pamphlet. but without objection. But ensuring that the debate is on the language of the.

Of the resolution and not of the language that is inside that booklet. Correct. And I first have a point of order that I'd like to recognize here first. I heard one on the left hand side. Senator. Dr. Weber Pierson.

Thank you. Madam President was just requesting that she speak to the merits of the resolution, which has nothing to do with the pamphlet on the desk.

The desk has noted. Senator Strickland, what is your point?

Point of order that there's previous speakers who refer to the 23rd Latino Spirit Awards. And there was no objection when other Members mentioned that in their presentation of the.

Senator I hear your point, but they referenced a booklet. They did not reference the language inside the booklet. So the Senator has the ability to reference the Latino Spirits, but has not the ability to reference the language with inside the booklet. The language that she can debate on is the language of the resolution.

Only she can reference Latino Spirit Awards.

So point of point of order. So what the ruling of the chair is that you could reference the the booklet but not the contents within the booklet. The language would. So the con. You could reference the booklet but not the language that you passed out to every Member on this floor. Is that the ruling of the chair?

One moment, Senior Senator Strickland, Coming back to what I was privily mentioning. So while the Senator and any Senator can reference Latino Spirit Awards and can reference referenced the booklet and the materials that were left on each desk, what is debatable on the floor today is the language within the resolution and not the language found anywhere else.

So. So I just want to make sure I understand the ruling of the chair correctly. You're allowed to mention the cover of what you send out to every Member of this floor, but you're not allowed to mention anything within the booklet knowing that we're going to honor these people that are within the booklet. So you're, you're. Your ruling is we can't read what was in the booklet just outside of the booklet.

The ruling is what you're going to vote on today is the language within the resolution and not the language within the booklet.

I just want to make sure that was clear.

Senator. Senator Alvarado. Gil, we're coming back to you.

Point of clarity, madam, just in terms. Of your most recent ruling. So the resolution does not mention the Latino Spirit Awards, but yet we are talking about Latino Spirit Awards.

Senator, as you've seen in the two previous file numbers with introductions to resolution, none of those resolutions mentioned the names of fallen heroes. None of those mentioned any introductions of gallery Members that we have. This is the same kind of business the Senate Floor has proceeded in the past and will continue to do so.

Yes, and I acknowledge that, and I agree. I was also. Okay, so trying to get back to my thought here. I want to acknowledge and thank those who traveled from all over California to be recognized today and just want to underscore that you are welcome here and that the Republican Caucus is very happy to have you here.

And we lament that we were not involved in welcoming you here before today and being part of the ceremony that is so graciously being done today to honor you here on the floor.

We thank you for being here and we hope that you will continue to connect with your elected leaders at the local level so that we can partner to serve all Latinos in California and continue to be representatives of Latinos in California, as this resolution hereby states and calls. Question of the author, please.

Ma'am, would the author take a question? No, the author would not take a question.

Permission to continue Thank you. I know it is. It's difficult to take a question, so I'm going to just kind of close things down and just thank the Latino Caucus for this wonderful commemoration of leaders in our state.

Thank you for bringing them to the floor and I appreciate you allowing us to have voice on the Senate Floor to acknowledge these leaders. Thank you.

Thank you. On behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I rise in support of SR27 Cinco De Mayo. As an American and as a policymaker, as an elected who represents roughly about 25% in my district, Latino Americans, I really just want to highlight the individuals being recognized today on the floor.

But also just the spirit of what we are trying to honor. We are trying to honor the legacies of all community Members here.

And as a person who is an ally that highlights time and time again that each individual builds into the American fabric, from culture to language to achievements, I really want to highlight our guests and Recognize the talent and the leadership within this community, especially the Latino Americans that build my district, but also the State of California.

So as we celebrate the Latino Spirit Awards today, I lend my voice to all those who recognize the courage and the bravery and the commitment of our Latino community Members here in California. Especially in these times when it feels like everything is a challenge, everything is debated, everything is about us versus them.

When the reality is that we as individuals build community. And it is our responsibility also as policymakers to highlight every time we can to speak for those that can't speak for themselves, to uplift our most marginalized individuals. And we must remind ourselves that a small, small group of individuals can change history.

We are united by a common cause and we cannot let ourselves be divided. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

We're going to turn to our pro tem to finish our discussion and debate here.

Thank you so much. Madam President. Madam President, arise in solidarity with the Latino Caucus and to applaud these outstanding honorees. The talent and drive in this year's honorees is truly awe inspiring. You know, it's hard to quantify the rich Latino culture and history we experience in the Golden State.

But what we can do is quantify the prosperity this amazing community drives every day. 40% of the Golden State's entire population, 15 million strong, are Latino. You know, we always talk about California's pace among other world economies. California is now the fourth largest economy in the world.

But get this, California Latinos, if they were their own nation, would be the 20th largest economy on the planet. Latino owned businesses provide 650,000 jobs in the great State of California. And by the year 2040, a majority of our workplace will be Latinos. And let's be candid, the success of California's Latino communities. Success of the Golden State.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the central role immigrants play in this conversation. 10.6 million immigrants call the Golden State home, almost half of which were born in Latin America. One of the greatest strengths that this state has is our diversity.

And this community has faced relentless attacks in recent months, including a mass deportation campaign and violations of due process. We need to recognize the countless ways immigrants enrich our communities as business owners, employees, as fierce advocates and religious leaders, as moms and dads. And immigrants literally feed the world. You know, we're the nation's biggest ag producing state.

And thanks to immigrants, and by the way, in the Central Valley, 49% of ag workers are undocumented. Immigrants make up 76% of the Golden State's farm worker labor force. California is great for so many reasons, but the way we celebrate our diversity is truly special.

I want to take a moment to wrap up and say thank you to the Chair of the Latino Caucus. She works every damn day, every damn day to be able to uplift the 15 million Latinos, Democrats and Republicans, to lift up and to ensure the long term success of this great state.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Chairwoman. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Latino Caucus. We want to say thank you for your impactful advocacy and congratulations to this year's Latino Spirit Award honorees. I would respectfully ask for a bipartisan vote on SR27.

Madam Majority Leader, you may close.

Thank you. Madam President and colleagues, I just want to say thank you to my incredible colleagues from Riverside, San Pedro, San Mateo, Hayward, San Gary, Gabriel Valley and Orange County for their kind words on SR27. And I couldn't agree more. I think Latinos should be served by everyone.

Everyone should know that every issue that we face is a Latino issue. As we say in the Latino Caucus, regardless of this resolution and the debate we've had for over 15 minutes just on procedural issues. I know that Latinos want representation. Whether you're Republican or Democrat, they want representation. And we can certainly give that to them.

And I'm really, really excited that the folks that have been waiting so patiently behind me are now going to be honored because that's what we give, that's what we should give them. Here is the respect. They flew here, they came here. They're the representative of Latino excellence.

And I'm so very proud and honored to represent them and support them. With that, I respectfully ask for an IVAR vote on SR27.

File item 37 is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any Objection? Seeing none. Ayes. 38. No. 0. The resolution is adopted. Majority Leader, turning it back to you for your introductions.

Thank you again, Madam President, colleagues, it's now my pleasure to introduce you to those very special guests who've been waiting patiently. Joining us today are 2025 Latinos Spirit Award honorees. The Latino Spirit Award were founded about 24 years ago by the Latino Caucus to highlight contributions made by leaders within our diverse Latino community.

They've been put forward by many of our caucus Members. They are our respective constituents and we're just so glad to highlight them. Our honorees are bold, inspiring and successful leaders that truly embody a Latin spirit. And I am proud to share that their accomplishments with all of you. Today are exceptional. Also this Latino Spirit Award.

Permission to show this award. Thank you, Madam President. This beaded bear which we provide to each of the Latino Spirit Award winners every year is a bear made by the Huichol Chakira art style. It is from Nayarit, Mexico.

And we're just so glad to be able to provide each and every one of our awardees and honorees with one of them. So no two Latino Spirit Awards are actually the same. And that's what's really unique about those awards. So with that, I'd like to start off by introducing our very first honoree.

First, we have right behind me, Angelica Salas. Everyone knows her. A fearless advocate for immigrant communities, Angelica Salas has led the Coalition for Human Immigration Rights Los Angeles Chirla for over two decades, transforming it into one of the nation's most powerful immigrant rights organizations that empowers immigrants to win local, state and national policies to advance human, civil and labor rights.

Her leadership helped secure driver's licenses, legal services, DACA and education access for thousands of immigrants and their families across California. Please joining me and join me, excuse me, in welcoming our 2025 achievement and human human rights honoree, Angelica Salas. Next we have Luis Armona, a leader in construction, hospitality, gaming, broadcasting, food and finance.

In fact, if you ever go to the Sahara in Las Vegas, that is a Latino owned construction casino owned by the very own Luis Armona and family. And this he helps oversee Meruelo Enterprises, California's largest Latino owned utility construction company. And again, if you've ever been to the Sahara, please check it out.

It's pretty amazing and revamped all by the Merrello team. And Luis, his work empowers Latino communities including launching the Tuvos Tu Voto Tuvida, which is your voice, your vote, your life. A campaign to boost civic engagement across the state. His true passion has always been uplifting other Latinos, whether in business or his personal life.

And he strongly believes that supporting Latinos leads to greater opportunities for the entire community. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in business honoree, Luis Armona. Next, we have nominated by our good Senator from Berkeley, La Pena cultural center. For 50 years, latinya cultural center has united and uplifted communities of color through arts, culture and activism.

Born from the Chilean exile movement, this Berkeley based hub nurtures creative expression and justice across Latinx, Afro Caribbean and indigenous diasporas. Welcoming 10,000 plus people annually for performances, education and community building. Please join me in welcoming Consuelo Tupper Hernandez, the Executive Director of our 2025 Achievement in the Arts Honoree, La Pena Cultural Center.

Next we have Raffy Bitchakdjian from Senator Perez from the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena Fire Engineer Raffy Bitchakdjian has dedicated his life to service, rising through the ranks of the Pasadena Firefighters Association while protecting communities on the front lines during the Eaton fire.

His leadership helped save many families and their homes and he continued serving residents in need even after his shift ended. A true hero in our midst. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in public Service Honoree, Raffy Bitchakdjian. Next we have Luisa Ortega, EdD an indigenous first generation Chicana,

Dr. Luisa Ortega leads the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, advancing educational equity and civic empowerment for Latino Youth. With over 20 years of advocacy, she is a tireless voice for educational access, mental health and leadership in underserved communities. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 Achievement and Community Empowerment Honoree, Dr. Luisa Ortega. Next we have

Dr. Rene Ramirez, a dedicated clinician, leader and educator. He has spent his life career advancing surgical care while fostering a collaborative and service driven culture with Kaiser Permanente where he is now serving as Chief of Surgery. Beyond his clinical and leadership roles,

Dr. Ramirez is deeply invested in the future of medicine and medical education, working with medical students and surgical residents in developing their knowledge and a patient centered approach to care. At the heart of Dr. Ramirez Leadership philosophy is service to patients, colleagues and the broader medical community.

Please join me in welcoming our 2025 Achievement in Health and Science honoree, Dr. Rene Ramirez. Next we have Margarita Rocha By Senator Caballero from the Central Valley we have. For over 35 years Margarita Rocha has led Central La Familia Advocacy Services transforming it into a trusted lifeline for Latino families across Fresno County.

A lifelong civil rights advocate, her work has empowered thousands through programs that promote justice, health and family well being. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in public Service Honoree, Margarita Rocha. Thank you. Next we have Marcela Gutierrez Graudins is an award winning global ocean justice leader committed to reimagining power policy and leadership in climate justice.

She is the founder of Azul, an innovative movement and global network of Latinx leaders committed to galvanizing the climate justice field to boldly push for policies that serve the people. Marcela's work has reimagined environmental conservation policies to place care for people at the center and transform justice driven ocean policies locally and internationally.

She is also a dear friend and Member of the HOPE Sister Network. We actually graduated together. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in environmental justice honoree, Marcela Gutierrez Graudins. Next, we have honorable Xavier Becerra. The first Latino to serve as U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.

Secretary Becerra has spent his career expanding access to health care, defending civil rights, and fighting for working families. From the halls of Congress to the California Attorney General's Office and beyond. Under his leadership, our nation achieved the highest levels of health care coverage in history. A win for people from every corner of the United States.

Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in public Service honoree, the honorable Xavier Bacerra. He's got a lot. And we've got two more exceptional leaders. Thank you Members for bearing with us Jesus Morales. A first generation Mexican immigrant, Jesus, known as Juice, has raised over $200,000 to support local street vendors through surprise giveaways.

From $1,000 tips to life changing gifts, his viral videos uplift hardworking immigrant communities and inspire generosity worldwide. No matter who you are or what you do, the Juice is there for you. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in philanthropy honoree, Jesus Morales. And our final honoree nominated by Senator Rubio from the San Gabriel Valley.

A multi talented actress, Angelica Vale producer and radio host, she has entertained audiences for over 40 years. From starring in the hit telenovela La Fea mas Vella to voicing Mama, Imelda and Coco. She champions Latina, Latina representation and media while empowering her community through storytelling, radio and advocacy.

Angelica upholds the values of family perseverance and cultural empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and beyond. Please join me in welcoming our 2025 achievement in arts and Entertainment honoree, Angelica Vale.

Congratulations to the 2025 Latino Spirit awardees. We're going to welcome all our awardees up to what's called the bar here. All the way up. We're going to take two photos, colleagues. The first photo is going to be with Latino Caucus Members. The second photo will be with any Member that wishes to be part of the photo. If any other Member wishes to be part of this photo.

The Senate's going to reconvene in two minutes.

30 seconds. But the Senate was.

The senate will resume business. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read. And amendments adopted under motions, resolutions and notices. We have one motion to approve Senate journals.

Without objection, the Senate journals for April 28, 2025 through May 1, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the minute Clerk. Moving on to consideration of the daily file, we have items 1 through 23 on second reading files. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 423 with amendments, 18 with amendments, 312 with amendments, 30 with amendments, 17 with amendments.

Second reading will be deemed read. We have two items under Senate third reading. I'm going to ask colleagues to either return to their desk or take conversations off the floor. We're going to start off with file item 76. Senator Arreguin is ready to go. Secretary, please read.

Senate Joint Resolution 3 by Senator Arreguin relative to food assistance.

Well, thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to present Senate Joint Resolution 3. To oppose devastating cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. California, which is now the fourth largest economy in the world and the Breadbasket of America, is home to great economic prosperity.

Yet, despite our progress, millions of Californians face food insecurity. An estimated 1 in 5 Californians face some level of food insecurity. And that's why, as the chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services, we hosted an informational hearing earlier this year on the State of hunger in California.

Despite the expansion of nutrition assistance programs such as the Universal School Meals program and Sunbucks, our food banks and programs continue to see a growing demand for free groceries. And enrollment in the state's largest anti hunger program, CalFresh, continues to increase.

Around 5.5 million, Californians use CalFresh, including over 1.1 million people over the age of 60 and 1.9 million children under the age of 18.

Rural communities, single parent households, fixed income seniors and students are more likely to be in need of these services that play a critical role in supporting the health and well being of our residents. We know that during the pandemic, food insecurity in California worsened.

But fortunately, due to an influx of funding, such as through the American Rescue Plan act and state budget investments, we were able to provide additional funding in partnership with many local organizations providing mutual aid on the ground.

This meant not just making food accessible to our most vulnerable residents, but delivering that food in communities where people were not able to pick up food because they were essential workers or were sick or disabled or at risk of getting sick. Some of these organizations are our local food banks.

Currently, food banks serve over 6 million people per month in California, with that demand continuing to increase. Early this year, the Sacramento Food bank and Family Services served the largest number of people they have ever served in a single month.

And the Community Action Partnership of Kern County shared that they're seeing a 150% increase in the lines at their food distributions compared to two years ago.

I'll just note, in my district of Alameda County, one in four community Members experience hunger, and about 30% of all Bay Area tenants pay more than 50% of their income on rent, which impacts their ability to afford sufficient and healthy food.

Currently, deep cuts have been proposed in Congress to the SNAP program, which will hurt families in devastating ways. It's important to remember, while food banks play a critical resource to millions of people across California, they only provide one in every nine meals that SNAP provides.

So food banks will not be able to fill the gap if SNAP was cut. CalFresh, which is funded through the federal SNAP program, provides $6 in benefits per person per day totaling around 12 billion annually, which when compared to the entire federal budget of $6.8 trillion, it's not that much.

In fact, we shouldn't view this as an expenditure, but as an investment. And According to the USDA, every $1 in SNAP funding generates 1.54 to 1.$80 in local economic activity supporting our farmers, which is very critical to our state's economic growth as well.

The cuts that have been proposed to the SNAP budget, which would be about a cut of one fifth, means that vulnerable Americans could lose $230 billion in benefits.

SJR3 calls on Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP or else our communities will face irreparable harm that will lead to more food insecurity impacting our most vulnerable residents like our youth and elderly, and risk our farmers economic security. As elected officials, colleagues, our constituents look up to us in times of need.

And SJR3 sends a message to both Congress and the people that we serve that we recognize the importance of SNAP and CalFresh as a way of alleviating hunger and that we will fulfill the oath that we took to serve and protect the people of this great state. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator McNerney, you're recognized.

I thank the President, colleagues outright today in support of SJR3. I would like to thank the author for bringing this resolution forward. California feeds the nation and yet too many of our own families, especially in Stockton and San Joaquin county, struggle to put food on the table.

In my district, food banks serve tens of thousands of residents each month, including working families, seniors and children. Stockton and surrounding communities face some of the highest poverty and insecurity rates in the nation. In California, SNAP through CalFresh reaches thousands of residents, reducing hunger and lifting people out of crisis.

I'm proud to be an ally to the anti hunger movement and I strongly support the these programs. I urge you an aye vote on SJR3 highlighting the importance of SNAP, CalFresh and the hard working California food banks.

Senator Dr. Weber Pearson.

Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon Senators. I rise today as a proud co author of SJR3 which urges Congress to not cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In my role as budget sub 3 on health and Human Services, I hear about the impact these programs have every week. Hunger is an issue everywhere.

The U.S. census data from September 2024 shows that 22% of California households are food insecure and 27% of households with children are food insecure. Rates of food insecurity are higher than statewide average for black and Hispanic or Latino households. With black households with children at 43% food secure and 33% for Hispanic or Latino families.

CalFresh is California's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which provides monthly benefits to purchase foods eligible for households. The households that qualify must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and receive an average monthly benefit of $189 per month to purchase food.

As the Senator from Berkeley stated earlier, millions of Californians are using CalFresh, making CalFresh our state's primary anti poverty program. And since 2019, CalFresh caseloads have increased by 60%. Without CalFresh, nearly 700,000 additional Californians would be in poverty. According to the Public Policy Institute of California. CalFresh is also an economic stimulus for our state.

Every $1 in SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 sense and economic activity for local businesses, farmers and communities. CalFresh benefits help families afford healthier foods and can reduce overall health care cost. Cutting this critical service would put thousands of California households into deeper food insecurity and take money away from California farmers. It would also create unhealthy Californians.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SJR3 and join me in urging Congress not to cut this critical funding. And I want to thank our Senator from Berkeley for bringing this very important issue forward. Thank you. Senator Becker.

Thank you. Just want to rise quickly in support of this resolution and to note, number one, how critical it is, as my colleagues have also recognize that in California, we still have many folks eligible for CalFresh that are not signed up.

Good news is we've gone from 60% of people that are eligible who are signed up to 80%. So that's a really big increase, but we have a long way to go. I know the author of this resolution, our chair of human resources, very focused on this.

I appreciate those in our state government who have worked to close that gap and will continue to do what's necessary to get those numbers up. Thank you. Senator Ashby.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to the Senator from Berkeley for bringing this important resolution forward. And thank you to the Senator from San Diego for sharing so many important facts. I associate myself with her comments, particularly those around what this means for economic development and for families that are food insecure.

And also to the Senator from Menlo park who talked about how we can get more people involved in this important asset for their lives.

I have a Bill in this space this year to help get more students who are in college that are eligible but don't know that they're eligible to be able to also receive the benefits of SNAP.

But I rise today because I remember very clearly the first time I ever walked into a grocery store and was using what was then food stamps. I did not grow up in a household that used food stamps, so I didn't know how they worked. And I was nervous and unsure and had a baby on my hip.

I can tell you exactly which grocery store I walked into is the Bel Air in pocket Green Haven. And I walked up to somebody who looked kind and asked them, how do you use these, and do you take them here and. And what can I use them for.

And I don't know who he was, but the kindness that that young man showed me and put both of his hands on my shoulders and said, those are just like dollars and you are welcome here and you can use them for any food item in the store made all the difference in the world for me in terms of tearing down a stick stigma that I was really afraid of.

And I will tell you, I moved out of that neighborhood a few months later.

But I still drove back to that grocery store for many, many years because of how I felt accepted in that space and what those food stamps did for me and my young son as I made my way through college and worked full time and raised him.

But I was able to feed him, healthy nutritious meals because of this program. I hope that the Federal Government will continue to support everyone in the United States who needs them. And I hope that we here on this floor will continue to value that resource.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Arreguin, you may close.

Well, I want to thank my colleagues for the comments, particularly Senator Ashby, reinforcing the importance of this program for working families.

And that's why it's essential that we all, collectively across the aisle, take a strong stand to say that we cannot afford any cuts because of the impact it would have on vulnerable Californians, as well as the farmers who make our state great. With that, I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Members, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. I see no objection. Ayes, 38. No, 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator Becker, you have the last item on Senate third reading.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 62 by Senator Becker, relative to National Public Works Week.

Thank you. I know it's been a long session. I appreciate all my colleagues. I rise to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 62 relative to National Public Works Week. Public works professionals play an essential role in keeping California's communities running smoothly and safely. Every day.

These dedicated individuals maintain the infrastructure, facilities and services that sustain life in both our most densely populated cities and our most expansive rural regions. It's fitting that today we take a moment to honor these hardworking professionals whose efforts often go unnoticed, but whose impact is felt by every Californian. Their importance goes beyond daily operations. They're absolutely vital.

In times of crisis. Public works teams are often among the first on their scene during emergencies, working behind the scenes to restore critical services, repair damaged infrastructure, and to protect public health and safety. And they're frequently the last to leave, committed to helping communities recover and rebuild long after the immediate danger has passed.

As a state, we must continue to raise public awareness about the vital role public works plays in. In everyday lives and in our resilience during times of need.

2025 marks the 65th annual National Public Works Week, a chance to celebrate the achievements of public works professionals across the country and reflect on their indispensable contributions right here at home. Urge all Californians to take a moment this week to thank the public works professionals in their lives and in our cities.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote on this resolution.

Seeing no mics up item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. No objection to that. Ayes 38. No zero resolution is adopted. Moving on to consent calendar. Members, we have items 107 through 110. Would any Member wish to pull an item off the consent calendar? Secretary, please read the consent calendar.

Senate Bill 798 91621851.

Please call the roll on the first item.

[roll call]

[roll call]

Please call the absent Members.

Padilla, Perez, Aye. Reyes.

Ayes 38 and no zero consent calendar is adopted. Coming back to motion and resolutions, we have two adjourning memories under this section. Senator Umberg, you have the first one.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I would like to say a few words in memory to honor the life of Ron Schwartz. Ron was a dedicated attorney and resident of Orange County. He was extremely successful and well respected personal injury lawyer in Newport Beach. Known for his dedication, commitment to justice and loyalty to his clients.

He attended UCLA as an undergrad in law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego. He was awarded The Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award by the Orange County chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, known as ABODA, for integrity, civility and professionalism. Ron had a number of passions beyond his legal work.

He was the founder of Muldoons Irish Pub in Newport Beach. Anybody who's familiar with Orange County or Newport Beach is familiar with Muldoons. Muldoons hosted a number of different events for elected officials throughout the county and the nation.

He served on the board of directors as President of the Laguna Playhouse where he championed the performing arts and supported local theater community. He survived by his wife Cindy, daughters, Judge H. Shana Culliver and Marissa Armstrong, son in law, Dr. Kurt Armstrong, nieces Laurie Furstenberg and Julie Commons, and grandchildren Ella, Jack, Lee, Liam and Heliana.

He was a friend and a wonderful human being. I ask that we adjourn in his memory today.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring his name forward so that we may properly memorialize him. Senator Choi.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise today with a heavy heart to request that we adjourn our session in memory of Mr. Jae Hyung Yoo, a cherished Member of our community who passed away suddenly at the age of just 53. Mr. Jae Hyung Yoo was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1972.

He immigrated to the United States in 2009, bringing with him a deep well of talent, creativity, and generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him. Mr. Yoo graduated from Kwangwoon University with a degree of Journalism and broadcasting in 2001.

He later pursued his passion for storytelling through film, earning a graduate degree from the prestigious Arts and Technology in College of Design in 2012. In Korea, he worked as a producer in an advertising industry for eight years, building a strong foundation in visual communication.

After moving to the US, he continued to pursue his creative journey as a videographer for over a decade, crafting narratives that captured both the beauty and the truth. But his contributions went far beyond his professional achievements.

For eight years, Jae Hyung served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 1747, mentoring young people and the leading by quiet, consistent example. He also played a vital role in my own 2024 Senate election campaign, offering his time, talent and heart to support the democratic process alongside his family.

Earlier in life, he completed his mandatory military service as a police conscript in Korea, where he provided translation services for foreigners at police stations and courtrooms. Demonstrating both linguistic skill and a deep commitment to public service, he was a devoted husband and the proud father of two children.

Fortunately, before his passing, he was elated and proud of his first son, Jaden, when he got the news of Jaden's acceptance by the Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music on early decision. His legacy lives on in the and in the countless lives he touched through the kindness, humility and dedication to his family.

We extend our deepest sympathies and gratitude for sharing his talents and services with us. Though his time with us was far too short, Jaewon Yoo leaves behind a lasting impact both in California and far beyond. In his memory, I respectfully request that we adjourn today's session. May he rest in peace.

Senator. His name will forever be memorialized in the Senate Journal. if there is no other business. Senator Mcguire. The desk is clear.

Madam President, nice job today. Members, welcome back to the Capitol. The next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025. Happy Cinco De Mayo.

The Senate is adjourned. We will reconvene Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:00am.