Sacramento, Calif. (May 14, 2026)—As lawmakers navigate one of the Legislature’s most consequential weeks with the release of the Governor’s May Revise and action on fiscal legislation, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) highlighted the need for responsible budgeting that prioritizes affordability, accountability and the needs of working families.

As Chair of Senate Appropriations, I understand the weight and importance of this responsibility as we steward public monies on behalf of Californians. Difficult decisions had to be made regarding bills on the suspense file to mitigate costs. These decisions have only been made after careful analysis and thoughtful consideration of both our current fiscal realities and long-term obligations to the people of California. The economic hardship and uncertainty caused by the Trump Administration make the imperative of living within our means and addressing the challenges facing Californians all the more necessary. In the Senate, under the leadership of our Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, we are working to fulfill our enduring promise to serve all Californians while acting with fiscal responsibility.

Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) announced that 10 of 12 bills in her 2026 Legislative Package have passed the Senate Appropriations Committee, marking a major fiscal milestone for the proposals. The measures will now advance to the Senate Floor for consideration by the full Senate later this month.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) today advanced key proposals over a major legislative hurdle, the Senate Appropriations Committee which analyzes policies based on their fiscal merits.
“We remain undeterred in our efforts to improve affordability and consumer protections for Californians,” said Senator Allen. “From insurance to homeownership to utilities and beyond, we have plenty of work ahead of us to ensure the California Dream remains alive and attainable for working families up and down this state.”

The May Revise budget includes $125 million from Prop 4 funds to support the conversion of the former horseracing track into a waterfront park.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Following the release of the report required under SB 254 (Becker, 2025), Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón has tasked Senator Josh Becker (D–Menlo Park) and Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) with studying the recommendations from a report required by the passage of SB 254, and after a series of hearings on the topic coordinate the Senate’s response to help protect Californians from wildfires, strengthen recovery efforts, and rising energy and insurance costs. 

 
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — California State Senator Susan Rubio was honored with the prestigious Phoenix Award by the Survivor Justice Center in recognition of her extensive leadership and advocacy to protect survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation across California.
The award was presented during the organization’s annual gala in Hollywood, where actress and advocate Alyssa Milano was also recognized with the Voice for Justice Award for her work and advocacy supporting immigrant communities.

SACRAMENTO – This Wildfire Preparedness Week, Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades) reflected on the devastation of last year’s LA Fires and the continued need to reduce risk across regions to better mitigate damages when disaster strikes.

Media Contact: Joseph Weaver, Joseph.Weaver@sen.ca.gov 
SACRAMENTO, CA – Senate Majority Leader Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) joined City of Refuge for the groundbreaking of an innovative restorative housing project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Oak Park.

Avalon, CA – On May 8, 2026 Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) joined local officials, community members and local businesses in Avalon to present a check for $1 million in state funding to support critical improvements to the historic Green Pleasure Pier.