Creating Change, January 2024

The Legislature is back in session, and I am in the process of introducing my 2024 legislation. I spent the winter recess receiving feedback from constituents on legislative solutions that will improve the Peninsula and the state. I look forward to sharing this with you soon. One new proposal that I have announced is a groundbreaking, comprehensive bill that will empower consumers to identify artificial intelligence-generated products in order to easily spot deep fakes and misinformation so they will be able to make informed choices. Additionally, some of my legislation from 2023 have just become law, and I will describe them later.

 

I'm proud to announce that last week I was unanimously elected Chair of the California Legislative Bay Area Caucus.  This new leadership role will give me a powerful platform to help the Peninsula because many of our issues are really regional issues, homelessness, affordable housing, transportation, climate resilience, and public safety. The Bay Area Caucus is made up of 27 legislators that represent the greater San Francisco Bay Area region and advocate for legislative, policy and funding solutions that include the Bay Area. 

 

Pictured here: Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jiminez and Senator Josh Becker (Photo courtesy of KTVU) 

It was a very fun occasion in late December as shortly before Christmas day I presented a $2 million check to support current and future generations of Half Moon Bay and Coastside farmworkers. It was a privilege to present this to Half Moon Bay's first Latino Mayor who has been a vocal advocate for farmworkers, Joaquin Jimenez. I would like to thank San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller and County Executive Mike Callagy for their support and hard work. This funding compliments other impactful investments that have been made, including $1.25 million that Assemblymember Marc Berman has secured, $5 million allocated through the Joe Serna Jr. Housing Grant Program, and $5 million from the County of San Mateo. You can see more in this coverage here: https://www.ktvu.com/news/half-moon-bay-gets-2-million-for-farmworker-housing

Pictured here: Mayor of Burlingame Donna Colson, City Council Member Michael Brownrigg, and Representatives of Veolia North America.

Water is, of course, a critical issue in the Peninsula and our state. Last month, I presented a check for $1 million to the City of Burlingame to improve the environment by reclaiming wastewater and reducing demand for potable water. This money will fund design expenses towards an innovative, state-of-the-art water treatment and reclamation plan for Burlingame - a needed resource as Burlingame expands the number of housing units being built in the city. Burlingame is leading the way on water treatment and reclamation on the Peninsula, and I am proud to support their efforts

For a complete list of budget appropriations that directly benefit Senate District 13, you can visit my website here: https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/press-release/june-29-2023/legislature-approves-balanced-budget-supports-key-senate-district
 

Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School is now officially open! My team was pleased to tour the new Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School building and present a certificate commemorating the occasion. This is also the first time that the Ravenswood school has constructed a new building in over 50 years. This beautiful, state-of-the-art upgraded facility is the largest new capital project in the Ravenswood School District’s history, including the addition of a larger two story building, a new courtyard, a state of the art media center, and the renovation of all structural classrooms. Congratulations to the Ravenswood School District administration, staff, and board of trustees for all your hard work and dedication. 

 

There are many new laws that went into effect in January, including some of my bills. Here is a recap of some of my legislation that just became law and what they will do to address the issues facing the Peninsula and the state. 

One of the bills that I am proud to have authored that the Governor signed was the Delete Act (SB 362), which is a first-in-the-nation law to create a one-stop-shop website to allow anyone in California to permanently delete their personal information online and prevent unknown data brokers from selling it. I was asked to appear locally and nationally to discuss the importance of data privacy not not giving away the gift of your data to unknown third party entities. You can see the interviews here:

• https://www.newsnationnow.com/business/tech/californias-delete-act-personal-info-offline/
  (NewsNation)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHLptaLsSlc
  (KRON 4)

My climate legislation keeps California on the right path towards achieving our climate goals. SB 48 makes large, older buildings more efficient and comfortable by cutting carbon emissions, potentially creating billions of dollars in investment over time. SB 410 holds utilities like PG&E accountable by requiring them to accelerate grid improvements so that Californians can connect their electric products and EVs to their homes and businesses.

Other legislation that became law includes SB 485, which strengthens our democracy by protecting election workers and volunteers from harassment, SB 474, which provides justice to incarcerated individuals and their loved ones by reducing and capping the unjust markup on everyday necessities like hygiene products, food and health supplements in prison canteen stores.

 

Becker takes over as leader of Bay Area lawmakers group: Menlo Park lawmaker to lead California Legislative Bay Area Caucus
(Almanac News, January 5, 2024)

Senator Josh Becker becomes Chair of the California Legislative Bay Area Caucus
(InMenlo, January 5, 2024) 

Half Moon Bay gets $2 Million for farmworker housing (Video)
(KTVU, December 21, 2023)

One Year Later: Half Moon Bay honors victims of tragic farmworker mass shooting
(Redwood City Pulse, January 9, 2024) 

Gov. Newsom pitches $2.9 billion in climate cuts to help close budget gap
(Whittier Daily News, January 10, 2024)

State Sen. Becker touts legislative achievements: Particularly proud of data initiative
(Half Moon Bay Review, December 20, 2023) 

How California’s Delete Act will try to keep personal info offline (Video) 
(NewsNation, December 27, 2023)

Senator Josh Becker to host State of the 13th Senate District event on December 18
(InMenlo, December 17, 2023)

 

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As we move into this New Year, I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2024.

Sincerely,
Josh Becker
Senator, 13th District