Ben Allen
- Senate: 2014-present
Bio
Ben Allen, 48, authored the legislation behind California’s regulations that discourage the use of plastic straws and other single-serving plastic utensils. It was one of several pieces of environmental legislation that Allen authored since being elected in 2014. Previously, he was president of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education, a lecturer at UCLA Law School, worked as an attorney and was communications director for U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano, a Democrat from New York. He has a bachelor’s from Harvard University; a master’s from University of Cambridge and a law degree from UC Berkeley. He’s married with a son and a daughter.
Leader Badges
Ideology
Bill Activity
For this session year, this legislator initiated 47 bills: 26 passed, 4 failed, and 17 are currently pending.
Alignment Meter
See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.
No Results
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Influence
There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Association of Global Automakers | $43.34 | May 20, 2014 | Food and Beverage* |
| California Professional Firefighters | $18.5 | Dec 18, 2014 | Lunch |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 25th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $225.87 | Feb 13, 2020 | Dinner (Caucus Retreat) |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $220.5 | Dec 20, 2020 | Dinner (Hanukkah Party) |
| California International Relations Foundation | $155.8 | Jan 15, 2020 | Dinner; Japanese Legislators |
| Sierra Health Foundation | $142.22 | Feb 4, 2020 | Food, Drink, Services (Senate Caucus Policy Retreat) |
| California Science Center Foundation | $130 | Mar 7, 2020 | 2020 Discovery Ball |
| Rendon for Assembly 2020 | $113.08 | Jan 23, 2020 | Gift Basket |
| California Democratic Party | $94.88 | Feb 4, 2020 | Bowling & Food |
| California Democratic Party | $64.52 | Dec 6, 2020 | Dinner (Incoming Senate Members - Virtual) |
| Atkins for Senate 2020 | $54.42 | Dec 6, 2020 | Gift Bag |
| California Democratic Party | $48.49 | Dec 6, 2020 | Gift Bag |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $21.07 | Feb 13, 2020 | Lunch (Caucus Retreat) |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $20.01 | Jan 29, 2020 | Breakfast (Mini Retreat) |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $17.63 | Feb 26, 2020 | Lunch (Caucus Meeting) |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $13.73 | Feb 13, 2020 | Lunch (Caucus Retreat) |
| California Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $7.36 | Feb 13, 2020 | Wine (Caucus Retreat) |
| Atkins for Senate 2020 | $6.68 | Feb 4, 2020 | Bowling |
| Atkins for Senate 2020 | $5 | May 20, 2020 | CA Bear Mask |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 1st highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Alastair Mactaggart | $367.03 | Mar 1, 2021 | Case of wine |
| Frank McCourt | $200 | Oct 6, 2021 | Two Baseball Tickets |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundativ | $175.48 | Jan 28, 2021 | Jacket |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $140 | Jun 21, 2021 | Dinner |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $92.79 | May 4, 2021 | Dinner |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $80.71 | Feb 23, 2021 | Jacket |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundativ | $67.43 | Jan 28, 2021 | Tzedakah Box |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundativ | $33.15 | Jan 28, 2021 | Food & Beverage |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundativ | $32.41 | Jan 28, 2021 | Yeti Mug |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundativ | $26.6 | Jan 28, 2021 | Gift Box |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 24th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| National Stewardship Action Council | $306.63 | Aug 22, 2022 | Award/Art |
| Equality California | $209.17 | Oct 1, 2022 | Food/Award Reception |
| Wine Growers of Napa County | $144.65 | Aug 17, 2022 | Senate Dinner |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $116.12 | May 3, 2022 | dinner |
| Visit Napa Valley | $102.5 | Aug 17, 2022 | Transportation/Gift Bag |
| California Democratic Party | $102.49 | Mar 15, 2022 | dinner |
| City of Beverly Hills | $100 | Aug 10, 2022 | Baccarat Ornament |
| Coalition for Clean Air | $88 | Mar 23, 2022 | dinner |
| CA Foundation on The Enviroment & The Economy | $80 | Jan 10, 2022 | dinner |
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $57.33 | Apr 20, 2022 | lunch |
| California Democratic Party | $51.18 | Dec 4, 2022 | reception |
| National Stewardship Action Council | $44.24 | Aug 22, 2022 | reception |
| California Democratic Party | $41.28 | Mar 16, 2022 | Group Snacks |
| California Democratic Party | $39.63 | Mar 16, 2022 | breakfast |
| California Democratic Party | $30.99 | Mar 15, 2022 | Group Snacks |
| City of Beverly Hills | $25 | Aug 10, 2022 | bookmark |
| City of Beverly Hills | $25 | Aug 10, 2022 | plaque |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 40th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Attractions and Parks Association | $421.52 | Jan 28, 2023 | Sneak Peek of Nintendo World plus dinner and event |
| Congress of Oaxaca | $360 | Jul 17, 2023 | Ground transportation and two meals |
| Frieze LA | $288 | Feb 18, 2023 | Tickets for Santa Monica Event |
| Smart Justice California | $250 | Feb 4, 2023 | Room Credit |
| Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce | $200 | Feb 4, 2023 | Dinner for Senator and Guest |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $184.9 | Jun 15, 2023 | Vest |
| Visit California | $175 | Mar 7, 2023 | Dinner |
| Palmaz Vineyards | $165 | Aug 15, 2023 | Dinner |
| Resources Legacy Fund | $129.37 | Feb 1, 2023 | Dinner |
| Steve Glazer for Lieutenant Governer 2026 | $125 | Aug 16, 2023 | Dinner |
| Bernardo Riojas Achutegui | $119.3 | Jul 20, 2023 | Reception for Senate Visit |
| California Democratic Party | $101.42 | Feb 7, 2023 | Senate Caucus Policy Retreat Day 1 at the Sierra Health Foundation |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $91.25 | Feb 7, 2023 | Jacket |
| California Enviromental Voters Education Fund | $91.03 | Jan 18, 2023 | Dinner |
| Governor of Oaxaca | $90 | Jul 17, 2023 | Lunch and commemorative gift |
| California Democratic Party | $82.72 | Jan 24, 2023 | Senate Caucus Budget Retreat at the Standford Mansion |
| Fuerza Migrante | $70 | Jul 16, 2023 | Dinner |
| Visit Napa Valley | $66.48 | Aug 15, 2023 | Transportation |
| California Environmental Voters | $54.3 | Sep 18, 2023 | Dinner |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $51.27 | Jan 31, 2023 | Back to session reception dinner |
| California Democratic Party | $48.74 | Feb 8, 2023 | Senate Caucus Policy Retreat Day 2 at the Sierra Health Foundation |
| California Environmental Voters | $38.9 | Feb 15, 2023 | Dinner |
| California Environmental Voters | $20.91 | Mar 15, 2023 | Dinner |
| California Environmental Voters | $15.63 | Apr 19, 2023 | Dinner |
| California Environmental Voters | $10.01 | May 17, 2023 | Dinner |
| California Environmental Voters | $2.16 | Jun 21, 2023 | Dinner |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 33rd highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | $475 | Nov 24, 2024 | Soccer and Dinner |
| Anne-Marie Spataru | $223 | Apr 6, 2024 | Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Gala |
| Frieze LA | $202 | Mar 1, 2024 | Two Entry Tickets in Santa Monica |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $189.48 | Aug 24, 2024 | Outgoing Member Dinner |
| California Democratic Party | $180.93 | Aug 7, 2024 | Departing Member Dinner on the Delta King |
| Natural Resources Defense Council | $177.93 | Apr 16, 2024 | Dinner |
| League of California Cities | $144.52 | Apr 17, 2024 | Dinner |
| Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California | $144.52 | Dec 9, 2024 | Policy Retreat |
| California Democratic Party | $139.52 | Feb 27, 2024 | Senate Caucus Budget and Policy Day 1 Conference |
| Josh Newman for Senate 2024 | $131 | Apr 15, 2024 | Dinner |
| Antinori Napa Valley | $125 | Aug 6, 2024 | Glass of Wine & Appetizers |
| University of California, Los Angeles | $118 | Feb 18, 2024 | UCLA Men's Basketball Game |
| University of California | $116.79 | Jan 31, 2024 | Legislative Dinner |
| CA Climate Leadership Dialogue | $113.39 | Apr 4, 2024 | Policy Dialogue Lunch in Sacramento |
| Visit Napa Valley | $110.51 | Aug 6, 2024 | Transportation |
| University of California, Los Angeles | $105 | Mar 10, 2024 | UCLA Institute for Carbon Management Speech & Dinner |
| Port of Long Beach | $103.22 | Sep 23, 2024 | Dinner |
| Wine Institute of California | $103 | Aug 6, 2024 | Dinner and Entertainment |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $77.39 | Sep 20, 2024 | Shabbat Dinner |
| Hall Wines | $75 | Aug 6, 2024 | Reception |
| California Democratic Party | $65 | Jan 25, 2024 | VP Lunch Reception |
| William Morris Endeavor | $64.49 | Sep 20, 2024 | Shabbat Dinner |
| California Chamber of Commerce | $62.97 | Aug 7, 2024 | Annual Mexico Advocacy Day |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $60.21 | Apr 3, 2024 | Caucus Purim Event |
| Tasha Boerner for Assembly 2024 | $57.34 | Mar 13, 2024 | T-shirt |
| California Democratic Party | $38.4 | Feb 28, 2024 | Senate Caucus Budget and Policy Day 2 Conference |
| California Environmental Voters | $30.36 | Aug 21, 2024 | Dinner |
| California Environmental Voters | $29.69 | May 9, 2024 | Lunch |
| California Democratic Party | $25.66 | Apr 9, 2024 | Caucus Lunch at UC Center Sacramento |
| California Environmental Voters | $17.25 | Jan 17, 2024 | Dinner |
| Visit Napa Valley | $9.56 | Aug 6, 2024 | Gift Bag |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 22nd highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Legislative Black Caucus Policy Institute | $1,815 | Oct 18, 2013 | Conference participant/meals and lodging |
| NAACP | $500 | Feb 1, 2013 | Award show ticket |
| University of California, Los Angeles | $225 | Aug 31, 2013 | Tickets |
| County Welfare Directors Association of CA | $219 | Oct 4, 2013 | Crystal Award |
| CA Legislative Black Caucus Policy Institute | $150 | Oct 18, 2013 | Spa Services |
| University of Southern California | $130 | Oct 26, 2013 | Tickets |
| CA Democratic Party | $123.94 | Feb 26, 2013 | Dinner |
| LA Mayor's Office | $90 | Jan 1, 2013 | Airport Parking |
| LA Mayor's Office | $90 | Apr 1, 2013 | Airport Parking |
| Entertainment Software Association | $80.06 | Jan 29, 2013 | Dinner |
| John A. Perez for Assembly 2012 | $74.75 | Feb 26, 2013 | Jacket |
| Women in California Leadership | $70.52 | Aug 21, 2013 | Catering Event |
| Fox Entertainment Group | $67.05 | Oct 25, 2013 | Movie Screening |
| John A. Perez for Assembly 2012 | $66.85 | Feb 12, 2013 | Dinner |
| CA State Protocol Foundation | $65.92 | Feb 5, 2013 | Dinner |
| CA Dental Association | $60.71 | Dec 4, 2013 | Dinner |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 19th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Charter Schools Association | $972.68 | Dec 8, 2014 | Lodging, meals, and travel during the Inaugural Education Symposium |
| California Healthcare Institute | $534.25 | Dec 4, 2014 | Lodging, meals, and travel during the 2014 Life Sciences Academy |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 12th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CDA Foundation | $3,072.63 | Oct 26, 2017 | |
| CA Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $657.21 | Feb 2, 2017 | |
| Carla and David Crane Foundation | $295 | Dec 5, 2017 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 1st highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Foundation for the Environment & Economy | $3,138.45 | Oct 11, 2020 | |
| California Foundation on the Environment & the Economy | $2,690.18 | Nov 12, 2020 | |
| California Foundation for the Environment & Economy | $695 | Mar 5, 2020 | |
| California Foundation for the Environment & Economy | $111.07 | Feb 6, 2020 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 1st highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation on the Environment & the Economy | $6,364.64 | Sep 19, 2021 | |
| British-American Project US | $2,769.98 | Nov 18, 2021 | |
| Urika Center for Policy Research | $861 | Nov 1, 2021 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 9th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Jewish Legislative Caucus Leadership Foundation | $12,540 | Jul 5, 2022 | |
| CA Foundation on the Environment & the Economy | $7,323.97 | Jul 24, 2022 | |
| CA Foundation on the Environment & the Economy | $2,521.38 | Dec 11, 2022 | |
| CA Foundation on the Environment & the Economy | $769.11 | Mar 3, 2022 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 10th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $7,765.17 | Jul 29, 2023 | Educational Tour on Recycling and Waste Management |
| Smart Justice California | $1,678.54 | Feb 2, 2023 | Policy Summit |
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $1,007.49 | Feb 9, 2023 | Conference on Energy |
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $954.1 | Jun 22, 2023 | Conference on Transportation |
| Ideate Labs | $896.76 | Oct 15, 2023 | Policy Summit on El Salvador’s political and business landscape |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 12th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $6,057.96 | Jul 13, 2024 | Denver, Boulder and Santa Fe, New Mexico: Recycling Study Tour |
| California Environmental Voters | $1,270.87 | Dec 12, 2024 | Palm Springs, California: Water Conference |
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $1,002.42 | Feb 8, 2024 | Napa, California: Energy Conference |
| California Environmental Voters | $619.84 | Apr 11, 2024 | Berkley, California: Conference: Discussions about obstacles and opportunities to making progress on climate action. |
| California Legislative Jewish Caucus Foundation | $229.77 | Jan 10, 2024 | Sacramento, California: Jewish Caucus Policy Retreat |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 37th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Barona Band of Mission Indians | $5,000 | Apr 24, 2015 | Educational |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 13th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| The Barona Band of Mission Indians | $5,000 | Sep 4, 2018 | EDUCATIONGRANT FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS FOR THE SCHOOL LIBRARY |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 23rd highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Baye Foundation, Inc. | $25,000 | Dec 17, 2019 | Charitable Funding |
| Stern for Senate 2020 | $20,000 | Nov 12, 2019 | Charitable funding |
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $5,000 | Oct 21, 2019 | Charitable Funding |
| Edison International c/o Southern California Edison | $5,000 | Dec 19, 2019 | Charitable Funding |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 16th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloom Energy Corporation | $5,000 | Jan 31, 2020 | Charitable Funding |
| LS Power Tomorrow, LLC | $5,000 | May 29, 2020 | Charitable Funding |
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $5,000 | Dec 9, 2020 | Charitable Funding |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 34th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Strategies on behalf of Meta | $10,000 | Dec 22, 2025 | Donation made following a toy drive |
| Sage Strategies on behalf of Meta | $10,000 | Dec 16, 2025 | Donation made following a toy drive |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 68th highest for the amount of behests received.
