As the legislative session ends, California State Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares reflected on the past year’s work and the challenges ahead, with a focus on addressing the state’s affordability crisis.
Valladares outlined her priorities since taking office: addressing affordability for families, improving public safety, and expanding opportunities throughout California. She reported that she authored or co-authored 89 bills and resolutions during the session, with 53 passing through the Legislature and now awaiting the governor’s signature. Valladares emphasized bipartisan support for many of these measures, stating, “The fact that many of these passed with strong bipartisan support underscores that when we come together, real progress is possible.”
She acknowledged progress in areas such as public safety and services for vulnerable populations but noted that affordability remains a pressing concern. Valladares criticized the majority party for blocking several proposals aimed at financial relief. “Many critical bills designed to bring tangible relief to residents — my proposals to exempt tips from taxation for service workers, provide tax breaks for veterans and teachers, and offer property tax relief for families affected by the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster — were killed by the majority party,” she said. Valladares also pointed out that all 17 Republican-introduced bills focused on affordability were rejected.
Despite these setbacks, Valladares highlighted two of her bills that advanced. Assembly Bill 30 aims to lower gasoline prices statewide by introducing a cheaper ethanol blend, while AB 1138 seeks to protect jobs in the entertainment industry and other sectors within her district. She also noted efforts to prevent energy mandates that could have increased utility bills.
On public safety, Valladares cited three successful bills: Senate Bill 571 increases penalties for looting during emergencies; AB 310 (the Sports Safety Act) requires automated external defibrillators at youth sporting events; and SB 221 increases penalties for stalking. “These bills are about more than laws; they’re about ensuring our families feel secure in their homes and communities,” Valladares said.
She described expanding opportunity as another central focus. Legislation passed this year includes SB 402, which improves autism services, and AB 1264, which guarantees healthy school lunches statewide. Valladares also mentioned securing hearing aids as essential benefits for children and preventing cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program.
In education policy, Valladares said she helped preserve charter school options by opposing AB 84.
Valladares detailed her community outreach efforts outside Sacramento, including opening three new district offices and holding over 23 hours of mobile outreach. Her team closed 575 constituent cases and secured about $300,000 in resources for families.
Looking ahead, Valladares pledged continued advocacy on issues such as property tax exemptions for veterans (SB 296) and those affected by environmental disasters (SB 816), protections for crime victims through Kayleigh’s Law, and tax relief for military retirees (AB 53). She stated these measures reflect commitments “to fairness, safety and respect for those who serve our communities and country.”
“California is a state of opportunity and resilience, but only if we confront our challenges head-on,” Valladares said. “Affordability, safety and opportunity must remain at the forefront of our work. I am honored to serve my community, and I promise to carry your voices with me as we fight for a better future — where every family can thrive and every individual has the chance to reach their fullest potential.”
The op-ed was published on October 4, 2025 in The Signal.
