Reaching Across the Aisle in Sacramento
For many of you – of the words you would ascribe to Sacramento, “bipartisan” probably is not one.

Out of the 80 members of the Assembly, 55 are Democrats and 25 are Republicans.  Within those ranks, you have every shade of blue and red running from the most progressive to the most conservative, and every point in between. Yes, our Capitol tends to be colored by a particular partisan tint, especially when it comes to how we solve our greatest challenges. However, the truth is there is plenty of great work being done in the legislature through representatives working with their colleagues across the aisle.

In this current political climate the sentiment seems to be that partisanship, both between and within the parties, is at an all-time high. I agree; our last election was particularly divisive throughout communities, families, friends, and co-workers – with many feeling these rifts are only growing.

To be fair, having your own principles, applying them to your politics, and pouring your energy into shaping our society based on those beliefs is the keystone of our democracy. Our country was founded on and through intense disagreement and polarity. However, through respectful conflict, even if burdensome to the process, we can usually find the best answer.

Because a good part of the tension from our pronounced differences comes from how often conversation is what we disagree on, I thought I would share with you good news about a portion of the many bipartisan successes from this year’s legislative session that we’ve seen so far:

In healthcare policy we saw several bills receive bipartisan support. My bill, AB 1560, which expands the number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified nurse-midwives who can work in community clinics, hospitals and other settings, passed with 73-0 votes. AB 148 (Mathis) that will help rural areas recruit and retain physicians, passed with 74-0 votes.

AB 1665 (Garcia et al.), which expands access to broadband technology and sets a goal of 98% access statewide in five years, was authored and co-authored by members from all across the political spectrum. This bill passed with 65-5 votes and is a tremendous example of a high-impact bill that was developed and supported far across the aisle; here the legislature clearly saying that all Californians should have reliable access to the Internet in all communities across the state

In the realm of public safety: AB 41 (Chiu), which deals with data collection on DNA analysis of rape kits, as well as AB 611 (Dababneh), which extends the requirement to report suspected elder abuse to holders of powers of attorney, both passed with resounding support.

Believe it or not, we’ve found common ground on environmental issues, too. Earlier this month, the Assembly passed my AB 1414 which caps the fees that local government can charge residents and businesses for permits to install solar energy systems. The goal is to make solar more affordable to all, and it garnered support from both parties.

Even bills to improve our business climate have seen consensus. Just look at AB 657 (Cunningham) that requires state agencies to have a small business liaison on staff to help businesses navigate the confusingly bureaucratic system. It passed on a vote of 76-0.

The above examples are just a small collection of the successful bills that received overwhelming bipartisan support that will have a positive impact on the lives of people across the state if they become law.

Admittedly, I am not one to back down from working towards the principles I was elected on: protecting our environment, supporting rights for all people, access to healthcare, and supporting programs that lift up those in need. Yet, as a representative, it is my duty and pleasure to listen to and take to heart all perspectives from all sides.  

It is the consensus of perspectives that elects a representative. We do not have to agree on everything, we just have to listen, and to try to learn at least one thing from the other person. These bills were only successful because members of our legislature did just that … they ignored which party the member was from and listened to the idea of the bill.  

At the end of the day, we can all agree on the same priorities – we all want quality health care, good schools, safe streets and clean air. This is certainly a valuable lesson from Sacramento, one I take with me back to our district, a reminder to take our time to listen to all perspectives and to appreciate the conversation, looking issue-by-issue and point-by-point for the many things we have in common.

This perspective is promised in our district office where you are always welcome to share your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or ask questions at any time.

District Office: 818.558.3043
Website: https://a43.asmdc.org/