Press Releases

Contact: Richard Stapler

Richard.Stapler@sen.ca.gov

Long-Term Wildfire Mitigation Planning Bill Heads to the Governor

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senate Bill 456 passed the Senate with a bipartisan support. Senate Bill 456 will require the state to establish a long-term fire-prevention action plan to ensure statewide investments to combat fires are comprehensive, science-based, and utilize complementary partnerships.




Contact: Richard Stapler

Richard.Stapler@sen.ca.gov

Assembly Approves Senator Laird’s Legislation to Improve the EDD




Contact: Samantha Samuelsen

Samantha.Samuelsen@sen.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the signing of Senate Bill 258, the HIV & Aging Act, authored by Senator John Laird (D – Santa Cruz). Senate Bill 258 will ensure HIV+ seniors are included in the definition of “greatest social need”.




Contact: Richard Stapler – 916 549 9630

Richard.Stapler@sen.ca.gov

Senator John Laird Secures State Budget Funds for Atascadero, City and County of Santa Cruz, and Point Sur Lighthouse

SACRAMENTO – Senator John Laird announced today nearly $22 million will be provided to address critical needs along California’s Central Coast.




SACRAMENTO – State Senator John Laird (D- Santa Cruz) recognized El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) as the 17th Senate District’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year for their work to enhance the quality of life of local residents. ECHO is a three-facility, 140-bed homeless organization supporting those facing homelessness in the San Luis Obispo community and instilling a strong sense of pride in the community members they serve.




The proposed budget builds on priorities put forward in Senate’s “Build Back Boldly” plan and the Assembly’s “A Budget of Opportunity” blueprint. This budget package authorizes General Fund expenditures of $195.5 billion, and assumes $201.9 billion in total General Fund resources, representing a historic investment in the lives of all Californians.