The 2025 legislative session included new investments to keep jobs in California, protect the civil rights of the most vulnerable communities, support local schools and help Californians rebuild after devastating wildfires. With 2026 right around the corner now is a great time to share your views on the issues with the District Office.

As we take stock of the 2025 legislative year, it’s clear that despite noteworthy accomplishments we have more work to do in the coming year. Affordability will continue to drive the bulk of policy discussions in Sacramento.

When the legislature reconvenes in January, it will be imperative that we take strong and decisive action to reduce the costs of housing. We will also need to work closely with our business and non-profit partners to raise wages, address deep poverty, encourage investment in emerging technology and explore new incentives for entrepreneurship.

I will remain fully committed to fighting for universal health care and world class education systems for all Californians. I believe in policies that expand access to quality education and ensure universal coverage for all who call our state home. I also remain committed to creating and passing policies that ensure everyone has a safe community, clean air and water, and economic opportunity. 

Unfortunately, California’s ongoing budget crisis will pose serious obstacles to accomplishing many of these goals.  For the third year in a row, our state faced a budget deficit. Even with an uptick in revenue due to a strong stock market and growing artificial intelligence industry, our ability to maintain rainy day reserves and shield vulnerable Californians from cuts at the federal level will be challenged in 2026.  The Newsom Administration projects annual operating deficits ranging from roughly $15 billion to $25 billion over the next few legislative years.

As my staff and I prepare for the 2026 legislative year, we are looking at cost-effective ways to address our core policy focus areas while not adding to a persistent budget deficit.

I have always believed that representative democracy requires the participation of both the elected official and the public. As such, I invite you to engage with our office and provide your thoughts and ideas for shaping California’s future.

By using our website, you can propose a legislative idea for review by our dedicated team. We look forward to receiving legislative bill ideas from constituents of the 44th Assembly District. Please note that the idea must be appropriate for statewide legislation and we ask you to be as detailed about the issues and how your bill idea would solve them. You can submit your proposal today by visiting https://a44.asmdc.org/there-ought-be-law.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our district office if you have questions or if we can be of assistance. Our phone number is (818) 558-3043, and email address is Assemblymember.Schultz@Assembly.ca.gov.