Creating Change
April 2025
It’s been a difficult few weeks for our country. From economic uncertainty fueled by reckless tariff policies to threats of mass deportations tearing families apart, people are feeling anxious about what’s ahead. In moments like these, I’m reminded why public service—and staying connected to our communities—matters more than ever. These weeks have been a full sprint: from hosting Sustainable San Mateo County on Thursday, to a town hall on Ukraine and democracy, standing up for public education, and joining a major climate event in LA. I followed that with press conferences on key bills I’m authoring. It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment, and I’m committed to showing up to defend our values and fight for our community.
|
SUPPORT FOR EDUCATION |
Pictured here: Senator Josh Becker and Councilmember Pam DiGiovanni of Daly City joining education supporters of education in San Mateo County.
I joined dozens of concerned parents, teachers, and students to voice our concerns over the threats to cut education. Our kids are our greatest treasure—they shouldn’t be caught in political crossfire. While federal leaders threaten school funding and vital programs, California is stepping up. Since I began serving in the Legislature, we’ve increased funding in the amount of $7 billion every year for K-12 education. I know we have more work to do—but reckless cuts aren’t the answer. I’ll keep fighting to protect public education and invest in our children’s future.
|
STANDING UP FOR UKRAINE AND DEMOCRACY |
Pictured here: Senator Becker with Ukraine Consul General Dmytro Kushneruk.
I hosted my third “Democracy Series,” which focused on Ukraine and the broader global struggle for democracy. With the recent White House meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy raising serious concerns about how America treats its allies, it was important to bring this discussion home. For many of us, and especially for members of the Ukrainian community here in California, this moment has felt deeply personal. Since 2022, Ukraine has faced unimaginable tragedy, but in the face of this darkness, there have also been profound examples of courage, community, and human dignity. In this town hall, I was joined by Stanford Professor Michael McFaul, former Ambassador to Russia, to discuss what happened in the meeting and what it means for our country. Ambassador McFaul has been a leading expert on Russia since his days as a Stanford undergrad and we had a fascinating conversation! We explored how California can continue to support Ukraine and democracy, even as federal priorities shift. We also discussed the importance of combating misinformation and protecting democratic values both abroad and at home. If you missed the event, a full video is available here.
|
DEFENDING PHYSICIANS DECISIONS |
Pictured here: Senator Becker joined with CMA President Shannon Udovich-Constant and Assemblymember John Harabidian. Not pictured: Assemblymembers Pilar Schiavo and Dawn Addis.
When I talk to physicians and patients across the district, one message keeps coming through loud and clear: red tape is getting in the way of patient care. Doctors are spending more time filling out forms than treating the people who need them. That’s why I joined dozens of physicians to announce SB 306, the Defending Physicians’ Decisions Act. It’s a simple idea: if a treatment gets approved over 90% of the time, year after year, let’s stop making doctors jump through hoops to get it approved. Let that care move forward without unnecessary prior authorization. You can see the full press conference here.
|
STAND UP FOR SCIENCE |
Pictured here: Senator Becker addressing a crowd of community members participating in the Stand Up For Science event.
I attended an event calling on all Californians to continue supporting science and research in our universities and research institutions. Proposed federal cuts are threatening our scientific leadership in clean energy, medicine, and technology and are putting our healthcare system and future innovation at risk. This affects everyone—patients, students, researchers, and families counting on new treatments and cures. Science must remain a cornerstone of public policy. I’m committed to standing with California’s medical professionals, scientists, and educators to protect research, advance innovation, and ensure that evidence-based solutions continue to improve lives.
|
COMMONSENSE REGULATIONS FOR AI CHATBOTS |
Pictured here: Senator Josh Becker, Senator Steve Padilla, Megan Garcia, who is the parent of a victim of chatbots, Assemblymember Akilah Weber Pierson, and Mike Hothi of Common Sense.
AI is advancing fast, but without guardrails, it can put kids at risk. I’m joint-authoring SB 243 with Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) to protect young people from harmful interactions with AI chatbots. These bots can feel human to kids, creating unhealthy attachments and even triggering mental health crises. SB 243 sets clear rules: bots must disclose they’re AI, include crisis protocols, and report on mental health impacts. This builds on my work to make AI more transparent and responsible in California. Innovation should never come at the cost of our children’s safety. You can watch the entire press conference here.
|
SUSTAINABLE SAN MATEO COUNTY AWARDS CEREMONY |
Sustainable San Mateo County hosted their annual Awards Ceremony Dinner in which I was honored to co-emcee. From celebrating youth changemakers to groundbreaking green building innovations, the night was a powerful reminder of how local action drives global impact. As someone deeply committed to bold climate solutions, it was inspiring to be among so many leaders dedicated to building a cleaner, more resilient future. Congratulations to all the honorees—you give us hope and momentum to keep pushing forward.
|
IN THE NEWS |
Sustainable San Mateo County honors organizations for their efforts to create more sustainable communities
(Peninsula360, April 10, 2025)
Menlo Park Senator Pushes Transit-Friendly Housing Reform Across California
(Newsbreak, April 9, 2025)
Department of Education executive order may impact local schools
(Los Altos Town Crier, April 8, 2025)
California Senate Advances Proposed Law to Strengthen Carbon Removal Standards for Net-Zero Goals
(Newsbreak, April 6, 2025)
Events across the peninsula respond to Trump’s cuts to federal programs
(Redwood City Pulse, April 5, 2025)
Protesters in Palo Alto speak out against federal health cuts
(NBC Bay Area, April 4, 2025)
California Senate Approves Bill to Strengthen Carbon Removal Standards for Net-Zero Targets
(Newsbreak, April 3, 2025)
23andMe collapse raises questions for California’s nation-leading privacy laws
(Politico, March 27, 2025)
23andMe bankruptcy announcement sparks data security concerns
(East Bay Times, March 25, 2025)
Proposed legislation would rein in Builder’s Remedy projects
Palo Alto Daily Post, March 24, 2025)
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Senator Josh Becker
District 13