A key Senate Budget Subcommittee today voted to reject Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial proposal to fast-track the costly and destructive Delta Tunnel Project via the state budget.

SACRAMENTO –Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) released the following statement today regarding their letter (attached) to Governor Newsom requesting a budget allocation to prevent the closure of Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe:

Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo Tuesday voiced his strong support for the choice of Senator Monique Limón as the Senate’s next leader. The Senate Democratic Caucus Monday voted unanimously for Limon to succeed current Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire in January.
Limón, a Latina from Santa Barbara, will be the first woman of color to hold the post.
“Senator Limón is a valued colleague and friend, and I’m thrilled for the people of California that she will hold this leadership position,” said Senator Christopher Cabaldon. “She has an inclusive style that will serve us well as we balance the many issues facing California.

Senator Caroline Menjivar released the statement below following her removal from Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services.

La Senadora Caroline Menjivar emitió la siguiente declaración tras su destitución del Subcomité 3 de Presupuesto del Senado sobre Salud y Servicios Humanos.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus convened and determined that Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) will be the Pro Tem Designee, with a transition to be held early in 2026. 

“SEIU President David Huerta’s detention resulted from the Trump administration’s targeted and aggressive action against our immigrant communities.

SACRAMENTO - California is facing unprecedented threats from the Trump administration, including harmful cuts and costly tariffs that are driving up prices for families and businesses, and escalating immigration raids designed to stoke fear in Los Angeles and communities across the state.

“I call for the immediate release from custody of SEIU President David Huerta who was harmed and arrested while protesting one of several immigration raids taking place today in Los Angeles County. David is a respected leader in California’s powerful and united labor movement.

This week, the California State Senate passed 11 bills authored by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) that prioritizes economic solutions for working families across the state.