Dear Friend,
Many of us were hit hard by the chaos sown by the Republican federal government shutdown. Delays in food benefits. Unpaid TSA and air traffic controllers. One more example of the lack of federal duty. I recognize how hard it's been for countless families. Working-class families are being deliberately starved by the radical right-wing regime in DC and farmers are suffering under Trump's tariff wars.
I want to assure you that I am working hard to strengthen the state's investments in fighting food insecurity. Heading into the holiday season, I announced my proposal to establish a state fund to ensure public investments in proven food assistance programs. The California Healthy Food for All Fund will build the reserves we desperately need to strengthen our investments in food aid. It's a safety net for our safety net programs. Now is the time to double down on our work to ensure people have affordable and healthy food.
A CalFresh program has relaunched with a historic investment of $36 million I secured. The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program puts real dollars back into families' pockets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. For every $1 of CalFresh benefits spent on any fresh fruits and vegetables at a participating retailer, CalFresh recipients get $1 back on their EBT card to spend on any CalFresh-eligible food for up to $60 monthly. I plan to push for even more funding to expand the number of families and locations that are served.
Be sure to take advantage of this program at participating grocery stores around the Bay Area:
Arteaga's Food Center
- 204 Willow St, San Jose, CA 95110
- 6906 Automall Pkwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
- 1003 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
- 2620 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
Santa Fe Foods
- 860 White Rd, San Jose, CA 95127
- 7356 Thornton Ave, Newark, CA 94560
- 1017 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906
Starting January 1, 2026, I'm proud to share that 8 of my bills will officially become law. My bills will ensure basic worker protections, housing justice in our LGBTQ+ communities, common sense animal welfare standards, and more. Our policy achievements make me hopeful of what we'll continue to accomplish in the years ahead.
AB 678 - LGBTQ+ Safe and Inclusive Housing
Requires the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to develop and recommend best practices and policies for ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals receive culturally competent, inclusive, and affirming services when accessing state-funded housing and homelessness programs.
AB 703 - Pediatric Cancer Research
Creates the Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, allowing taxpayers to donate a portion of their California state tax return to support childhood cancer research. Look for this at the end of your tax returns!
AB 792 - Workers' Rights for Court Interpreters
Empowers California's court interpreters to collectively bargain more efficiently when multiple contracts are being negotiated simultaneously.
AB 858 - COVID-19 Rehiring Protections
Ensures that hospitality and service workers who were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have rehiring protections.
AB 867 - Cat Declaw Ban
Protects the welfare of our cats by prohibiting the barbaric practice of cat declawing.
AB 890 - Services for Foster Youth
Improves the ability of judges to ensure that youth in extended foster care have the services and support they need in their new county of residence.
AB 1141 - AC Transit District
Updates the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District's statutes to transition to an all-ward election system, which will reduce election costs and improve resident representation.
AJR 5 - Protecting Birthright Citizenship
Affirms the Legislature's commitment to birthright citizenship, a fundamental right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Now Open - Youth Art Contest: Healthy Meals Feed Happy Families
Get ready for our third annual Youth Art Contest! The Youth Art Contest, themed "Healthy Meals Feed Happy Families," is open to all K-12 students residing in our district. Fill out the submission form by clicking the button below if you're interested in showcasing your vision of nutritious food as a foundation for health and happiness in your community. Submissions will be accepted until Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Nominate an Unsung Hero
Our community members work hard every day to make our community a better place. Many of their efforts go unnoticed, and I am inviting you to nominate an Unsung Hero in our district - someone who has gone above and beyond to make a difference. The deadline to submit a nomination is Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Volunteering During the Holiday Season
(Top left: Joining the League of Volunteers to prepare Thanksgiving meals for those in need. Top right and bottom: Volunteering with Hope for the Unhoused and LoretoQD's Brigade to distribute clothing, food, and other necessities.)
It's inspiring to see the dedication of our community's volunteers in helping those who are less fortunate. For many, the holidays are some of the hardest times of the year. The work of our district's community organizations in providing meals, clothing, and other basic needs goes a long way for people struggling to make ends meet.
After Losing Brothers to Cancer, 2 Bay Area Teens Fought to Change California Law - KQED
The advocacy of my constituent, Sahil Mehta, and Rayaan Kolte are rooted in their desire to make a lasting impact. What began as stories of grief has turned into something neither of them could have ever imagined: supporting pediatric cancer research through state policy. AB 703 is a testament to Sahil and Rayaan's dedication to creating change in our society. The bill, which was signed by the Governor, will empower every Californian to join the fight against childhood cancer.
Sincerely,
Alex Lee
Assemblymember, 24th District
