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Creating Change December 2024 |
Happy Holidays and warm wishes for the New Year! As we reflect on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude for our community and the progress we’ve made together. Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead. Let’s keep working toward a better future in 2025!
In this edition of Creating Change - December 2024, I am eager to discuss some innovative legislation that will soon go into effect and some community events that were held in the district, including:
1. My Second Swearing in Ceremony
2. The Physicians Make Decisions Law
3. Breakfast Celebration Honoring Newly Elected Officials
4. Santa Clara County League of Cities Meeting
5. Interfaith Power and Light Event
6. Bakar Climatengenuity Hub Climate Conference
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BEGINNING MY SECOND SENATE TERM! |
This month, I was honored to be sworn in for my second term as your Senator. I’m excited to keep working on the issues that matter most to our community, especially fighting climate change and making life more affordable for families. Tackling the climate crisis is urgent, and I’m committed to driving bold solutions that protect our planet and future generations. At the same time, I know how critical it is to address the rising costs of housing and everyday living. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work with all of you to create a stronger, more sustainable, and equitable California.
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PHYSICIANS MAKE DECISIONS LAW |
One of my big legislative accomplishments this year was to get SB 1120, the Physicians Make Decisions Law, passed and will go into effect on January 1st. This groundbreaking law ensures that when it comes to your medical care, decisions stay between you and your doctor—not an AI algorithm. SB 1120 safeguards patients by requiring healthcare providers to make the final call on treatments, preventing errors or biases from algorithms that could put lives at risk. I will continue to prioritize care, compassion, and fairness in health care.
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BREAKFAST CELEBRATING NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS |
As we approach the new year and elected officials take their oaths of office to begin their public service, I was happy to congratulate, and discuss collaboration with, some of our region's newest elected local city council members. This group included my District Director Nicole Fernandez who was elected to the Council in the city of San Mateo!
This opportunity to celebrate also underscores the importance of collaboration and determination in tackling the challenges ahead, embodying the spirit of service that drives progress and fosters stronger communities.
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SANTA CLARA COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES MEETING |
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Santa Clara County Cities Association Holiday Celebration! It was a wonderful opportunity to come together with friends, colleagues, and local leaders to reflect on our shared accomplishments and strengthen the partnerships that make our communities thrive. Events like these remind us how important collaboration is in tackling the challenges we face—from housing and transportation to climate action and public safety. I’m grateful for the hard work of our city governments and their dedication to making Santa Clara County a better place for everyone. Here’s to continued teamwork and success in the year ahead!
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KEYNOTING THE CA INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT LAUNCH |
It was truly an honor to serve as the featured guest and discussion moderator at the re-launch celebration of California Interfaith Power & Light. We engaged in meaningful conversations about the incredible work congregations are doing to uplift their communities through clean energy initiatives, resilience centers, and climate education. The event was deeply inspiring, surrounded by faith and community leaders who have wholeheartedly embraced a sustainable path forward. Congratulations to the 2024 Climate Hero Award recipients—Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll, Mark Carlson, and Rev. Sally G. Bingham—whose remarkable legacies of climate action and community empowerment continue to inspire us all. Here's to an exciting new chapter for CIPL—I can’t wait to see it thrive.
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KICKING OFF THE BERKELEY CLIMATE CONFERENCE |
I was excited to kick off an event at the Bakar Center at UC Berkeley, focusing on tackling some of the toughest challenges in the fight against climate change—industrial decarbonization and carbon removal. California has made incredible strides in clean energy and electric vehicles, but to reach net zero, we need to turn our attention to the “hard-to-abate” sectors like industry, aviation, and shipping. This is where innovation—both in technology and policy—comes in, and it’s why the Bakar Center is so critical. These discussions brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government to explore how we can accelerate solutions for these tough problems. Huge thanks to the Berkeley team and Project 2030 for organizing this inspiring event—and to all the participants for prioritizing this critical work.
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IN THE NEWS |
Becker bill targets use of AI in denying health claims
(Palo Alto Online, December 16, 2024)
California opens special session preparing for anti-Trump lawsuits
(The Washington Post, December 2, 2024)
Free college showing success in San Mateo County Community College District
San Mateo Daily Journal, December 14, 2024)
In Focus SoCal: 1-on-1 with Sen. Josh Becker
(Spectrum News, December 16, 2024)
1930s 'Mexican Repatriation' movement heeds warning of Trump's mass deportation plans
(Spectrum News, December 26. 2024)
Tiny Homes: Hope for the Homeless
(LA Progressive, December 27, 2024)
Sincerely,
Senator Josh Becker