I. LOWERING THE COST OF LIVING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Payroll Tax Reduction Act (AB Proposal)

California’s payroll taxes are among the highest in the nation, making it difficult for small and mid-sized employers to expand and retain workers. The Payroll Tax Reduction Act will strategically lower payroll taxes for small and mid-sized employers to reduce the cost of hiring and prevent businesses from relocating out of state. The bill will include hiring incentives for companies that commit to employing local residents from District 18, supporting job growth where it is needed most. This reduction will focus on industries with tight margins such as retail, restaurants, childcare, and service-based businesses. By easing employer tax burdens, this proposal aims to stimulate economic activity, increase wages, and expand opportunities without jeopardizing the state budget—funding will come from existing workforce development programs currently underutilized.

2. Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (AB Proposal)

Small businesses remain the backbone of the California economy, yet many struggle due to vandalism, theft, high operating costs, and lack of access to capital. The Small Business Revolving Loan Fund will create a privately supported, publicly coordinated lending pool offering low-interest, fast-approval loans to businesses in neighborhoods impacted by crime and high costs. Corporations that contribute to this fund will receive tax incentives, ensuring no new taxes or burdens are placed on Californians. These loans will help business owners repair damage, expand operations, hire staff, and stabilize their storefronts. Priority will be given to minority-owned businesses, particularly in Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. The revolving nature of the fund ensures sustainability, as repayments feed back into new loans, creating a long-term model of economic support.

3. Protecting Voter Tax Rights – Support for the Taxpayer Protection Act

California families deserve transparency and fairness in how taxes are approved and spent. Supporting the Taxpayer Protection Act ensures that voters—not politicians—have final authority over new or increased taxes. This measure prevents backdoor tax increases disguised as “fees” or “assessments,” protecting homeowners, renters, and small businesses from unexpected financial burdens. In a time of rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, this commitment guarantees that state and local governments operate with accountability and restraint, restoring trust in public governance.

4. Opposition to ACA 13 – Protecting Direct Democracy

ACA 13 diminishes the right of California voters by allowing the Legislature to weaken voter-approved tax protections with lower thresholds than those required of citizens. I will strongly oppose ACA 13 because it undermines democratic principles by making it easier to raise taxes without direct consent from the people. Preserving voter control ensures that major fiscal decisions undergo rigorous public scrutiny, preventing Sacramento from imposing policies that further strain working-class families. California cannot afford governance that prioritizes bureaucratic expansion over public voice.

5. Black American Revitalization Plan (AB Proposal)

The Black American Revitalization Plan is a comprehensive economic and educational empowerment initiative designed to address the lasting impact of Jim Crow, discriminatory policies, and systematic exclusion. This proposal establishes a state agency—governed by Black American leaders—to manage eligibility, documentation, and distribution of resources. The plan includes the return of stolen property to documented families, elimination of student debt for qualifying Black Californians, and creation of the first publicly funded Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) system in the state. By focusing on lineage-based criteria tied to historical discrimination, the policy is structured to withstand legal challenges while directly empowering affected descendants. This initiative supports wealth building, expands educational opportunities, and strengthens the economic foundation of Black communities statewide.

6. 1–2% Down Payment Housing Loan Program (AB Proposal)

Homeownership remains out of reach for many Californians due to high down payment barriers. This bill provides permanent 1–2% down payment assistance for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, enabling families—especially working-class households—to build generational wealth. The program will be funded through a one-time 30% tax on corporate home purchases, ensuring investors and large companies help offset the impact of speculative buying. Unlike temporary grants, this program is structured as an ongoing loan mechanism with predictable funding streams that do not raise taxes. This policy will help thousands of families secure stable housing and break cycles of renting.

7. Lowering Housing Construction Costs Act – 98% Permit Fee Reduction (AB Proposal)

California’s complex and expensive permitting system significantly increases construction costs. This bill reduces single-family home building permit fees by 98% statewide and requires cities and counties to approve or deny permit applications within 60 days. These changes lower construction costs, shorten development timelines, and increase housing supply. By capping permit fees and enforcing statewide consistency, this policy prevents local governments from leveraging permitting as a revenue stream at the expense of housing access. This proposal will help middle-class families afford homes while encouraging builders to expand production.

8. Corporate Housing Acquisition Tax — 30% One-Time Fee (AB Proposal)

Large corporate investors often compete with families by purchasing single-family homes in bulk, driving prices up and reducing availability. This bill imposes a 30% one-time tax on corporations purchasing residential properties, discouraging speculative buying and preventing monopolization. The revenue will directly fund the down payment assistance program. This policy protects middle-class families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and ensures corporations contribute to fair housing access. Family-owned LLCs purchasing up to three units will be exempt to avoid penalizing small-scale owners.

9. Anti-Trust Expansion for Housing (AB Proposal)

Developers and investment companies increasingly hold disproportionate control over the housing market. This proposal expands anti-trust regulations to require that 80% of newly built homes are sold to families rather than corporations. Additionally, it limits corporations to purchasing no more than 20% of available homes at a given time. The bill also caps building permit fees to 1% above the national average, preventing California from having excessively high development costs. Together, these reforms rebalance the housing market and help restore affordability for families.

10. Protecting Affordable Housing Act — Rent Cap (AB Proposal)

Rent increases are pricing residents out of California. The Protecting Affordable Housing Act caps rent increases for most residential tenants to the lower of 5% total or 2.5% plus inflation annually. This approach moderates rent growth while still allowing landlords to operate sustainably. By pairing rent caps with down payment assistance and increased housing supply, this bill forms part of a long-term affordability strategy that stabilizes families without harming small landlords.

11. SB 423 Revision — Restoring Local Control (AB Proposal)

SB 423 removed substantial local authority from cities regarding the placement and density of affordable housing. Revising this bill restores the ability of cities and their residents to determine where and how affordable housing projects are developed. At the same time, the revision mandates a 30% affordable housing requirement for all major developments, ensuring production keeps pace with demand. This balanced approach supports both community design and affordability.

II. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY & HOMEOWNERSHIP

1. Vacant Homes to Housing Act

California has thousands of vacant housing units, even as homelessness continues to rise. The Vacant Homes to Housing Act will activate this unused housing stock by requiring cities to maintain annual vacancy registries, classify units by reason for vacancy, and partner with the state to place families into units using existing homeless housing funds. Landlords who participate will receive guaranteed rent, property damage protections, and case management support. This approach places families in stable homes quickly and cost-effectively, without relying on expensive new construction.

2. Affordable Housing Construction Accelerator

California’s housing crisis is worsened by slow permitting processes and bureaucratic delays. The Affordable Housing Construction Accelerator mandates a 90-day review window for infill housing projects, allowing cities to expedite developments that revitalize underused land. It also introduces performance-based CEQA compliance that ensures environmental standards are met without unnecessary litigation delays. This policy helps build more homes faster in urban neighborhoods that need revitalization.

III. EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY

1. Universal Preschool Expansion

Children who attend preschool perform better in reading, math, and social development throughout their academic careers. This initiative requires every elementary school to maintain at least one Preschool classroom, ensuring free and universal access to early childhood education. Schools will receive additional support for staffing, curriculum creation, and wraparound services such as nutrition and mental health support. This investment prepares children for long-term success and reduces opportunity gaps.

2. Small Class Size Act (AB Proposal)

California classrooms are overcrowded, with some exceeding 30 students per teacher. The Small Class Size Act limits elementary school class sizes to 15–17 students, allowing teachers to provide individualized attention and improve learning outcomes. The bill prioritizes low-income and underperforming schools first, then phases in statewide adoption. Smaller classes are proven to raise test scores, decrease behavioral issues, and strengthen teacher-student relationships.

3. Vocational Training Restoration Act (AB Proposal)

High schools increasingly focus on college preparation, leaving students without hands-on skills needed for high-wage trades. This bill brings back vocational training in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, IT, engineering technology, nursing assistance, cosmetology, and public safety. Students will graduate with industry certifications and direct pathways to apprenticeships, unions, and local employment. This improves wages, reduces youth unemployment, and prepares the next generation of skilled workers.

4. Educator Income Tax Relief Act (AB Proposal)

California faces extreme teacher shortages, driven by low pay, burnout, and rising costs. This bill eliminates state income tax for teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and school nurses. The policy supports retention, attracts new educators, and acknowledges the essential role they play. By easing financial strain, the state strengthens its commitment to public education.

5. Microsociety Education Act (AB Proposal)

The Microsociety program creates miniature economies and governments within schools, where students can work in student-run businesses, courts, banks, and legislative structures. This bill funds MicroSociety programs in grades 3–8, promoting leadership, financial literacy, civic engagement, and real-world problem solving. Students learn how society functions by actively participating in it, making school both educational and empowering.

6. Children First Commitment

The foundation of your education platform is a commitment that every legislative decision will consider the impact on children first. This includes advocating for increased funding, ensuring safe and nurturing environments, supporting mental health services, improving technology access, and maintaining accountability for school performance. Children deserve a system that prepares them for a world of competitive opportunities.

IV. PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

1. Community Prevention Agency (AB Proposal)

Public safety begins with prevention. This proposal establishes a Community Prevention Division within every police department, staffed by licensed social workers, mental health professionals, crisis intervention specialists, and homeless outreach coordinators. These teams will respond to non-violent incidents such as mental health crises, family disputes, and substance-related emergencies, freeing up police officers to focus on crime prevention and response. This model reduces arrests for issues better handled by health professionals and builds long-term safety through stabilization and care.

2. Restore & Improve Police Funding

California’s police departments face staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and increased demands from rising crime rates. This platform supports restoring and increasing funding for law enforcement to ensure departments are fully staffed, properly trained, and adequately equipped. Funding is targeted toward modernizing infrastructure, improving investigative capabilities, and enhancing officer mental health support. Proper funding ensures faster response times, safer neighborhoods, and stronger partnerships between officers and the communities they serve.

3. Statewide Police Cadet Program (AB Proposal)

To strengthen trust between police and residents, especially youth, this bill creates a statewide police cadet program for at-risk high school students. The program introduces young people to public safety careers, provides mentorship from law enforcement professionals, and offers structured pathways to the police academy after graduation. Preference will be given to students from the communities they one day may serve, ensuring departments reflect the diversity of California’s neighborhoods.

4. Safe Schools Act (AB Proposal)

Safety is the foundation of a productive learning environment. The Safe Schools Act will mandate one trained police officer stationed outside every public school during school hours. This ensures rapid response capacity and creates a visible deterrent against potential threats. Officers will receive specialized training for interacting with children, preventing violence, and coordinating with school leadership during emergencies.

5. Green Light Business Camera Network (AB Proposal)

Modeled after successful programs in Detroit and Atlanta, the Green Light Network will allow businesses to voluntarily stream their security footage directly to police headquarters in real time. Participating businesses will display a “Green Light” sign, deterring criminal activity. Police can quickly access high-quality footage during investigations, improving clearance rates and restoring safety to commercial corridors. This program costs the state nothing, as businesses voluntarily cover equipment and monitoring costs.

6. Fair Sentencing & Equal Justice Initiative

Bias in sentencing undermines trust in the justice system. This initiative establishes oversight measures and standardized sentencing guidelines to eliminate racial and gender disparities. It includes expanding judicial training, making data more publicly accessible, and strengthening the state’s ability to identify and correct systemic inequities.

7. California Norway Prison Transformation Act (AB Proposal)

California’s prisons are outdated, dangerous, and ineffective at rehabilitating individuals. Inspired by the successful Norway model, this bill transforms prisons into secure rehabilitation centers where inmates receive trauma-informed treatment, education, federal-wage employment, nutritious food, and mental health services. This humane but firm approach drastically reduces recidivism by preparing individuals for life after incarceration and promoting real behavioral change.

8. Project IMPACT (AB Proposal)

Project IMPACT provides incarcerated individuals with meaningful employment at federal wage levels through partnerships with California farms and industries. Income earned during incarceration will be split to support families at home, build mandatory savings accounts for reentry, and support personal needs. The goal is to ensure individuals do not return home with nothing, breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration and creating stronger family stability.

9. Safer Car Chase & Aerial Response Act (AB Proposal)

High-speed vehicle pursuits endanger officers, suspects, and the public. This bill provides single-engine aircraft equipped with advanced FLIR Star Safire 380 HD imaging systems to high-crime cities. These aircraft can respond faster than helicopters, provide real-time intelligence, track fleeing vehicles safely, and coordinate multi-jurisdictional responses. Modesto’s aircraft purchase for $750,000 in 2023 proves this solution is affordable and effective. Reducing dangerous chases saves lives and frees patrol units to focus on community policing.