Dear Friend,
Democracy at its heart is about representing us, the people. I have always prioritized the good of society over the profits of a handful of corporations, but corporate greed in California (the fifth largest economy in the world) is unfortunately still rampant. Some of the biggest culprits are multi-billion dollar oil companies who earn eye-popping profits from spiking gas prices. And who pays the price? We do.
Let's rewind to 2022. Gas prices in the Bay Area reached as high as an average of about $6.64 a gallon, with the oil industry raking in record-setting profits. The year after, gas price spikes impacted consumers for a total of 105 days, costing Californians and netting Big Oil over $2 billion.
"What we're doing is taking action to stamp out Big Oil's greed, open up their books to public scrutiny, and make sure that they can't use low inventory, low supply, as a means to spike prices." - Assemblymember Lee's interview with Fox 40 News.
Price spikes at the gas pump can be prevented, and we're not letting Big Oil off the hook. On August 31, 2024, the Governor declared a Special Session of the Legislature to protect consumers from Big Oil's price gouging. I was proud to serve on the new Assembly Petroleum & Gasoline Supply Committee and co-author the critical piece of legislation to stabilize gas prices, building upon the work we started. Through our hearings, we revealed how only a handful of private companies can set price fluctuations for the entire state. Additionally, while our state has seen overall high prices, oil companies have targeted Northern California with even higher prices than the rest of the state.
(Top: The Governor signs ABX2-1 at the Rotunda of the State Capitol. Bottom: Special session hearings held by the Assembly Petroleum & Gasoline Supply Committee)
With new legislation, we're empowering the California Energy Commission to open up even more of Big Oil's books. The bill ABX2-1 enables the commission to mandate that oil companies keep minimum fuel reserves. Doing so will stabilize gas prices and protect consumers at the gas pump. We will even out Big Oil's volatile price spikes by putting more scrutiny, and more accountability on the industry.
More from KQED, Spectrum News and FOX40 News on the Legislature's work during this special session. You can also watch part 1 and part 2 of my explainers on social media.
2024 Legislation Signed
I'm proud that eight of my bills were signed by the Governor this year, bringing our total to 34. My legislation will bring meaningful impacts to our communities, from accelerating zero-emission transportation and addressing food insecurity to ensuring safe drinking water for the most vulnerable.
AB 2304 closes a loophole related to disclosure when tenants are party to a civil eviction process. It ensures that mobile home tenants are not unfairly penalized on rental applications if they have won their civil eviction cases.
AB 2325 improves the Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) financial management structure by consolidating financial responsibilities to a Chief Financial Officer.
AB 2346 provides additional compliance options for local governments to meet the state's organic waste procurement requirements.
AB 2367 raises awareness of state special schools that serve students with disabilities by allowing for highway destination signs to be created for these schools, including the California School for the Deaf-Fremont.
AB 2454 ensures access to safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities. The bill requires owners of domestic wells serving rental properties to participate in free water testing programs.
AB 2503 streamlines train electrification projects by enabling transit agencies to more rapidly electrify their fleets, improve rail service, and cut emissions. The bill exempts zero-emission railway projects on existing rails from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
AB 3229 aims to tackle food insecurity with a long-term solution by evaluating how to transition the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project into a permanent program.
AB 3291 ensures that youth and young adults with developmental disabilities who are cared for at home receive the necessary support through caregiver succession planning.
Latino Heritage Month Celebration
(Our celebration of Latino Heritage Month at Tacos Al Pastor in San Jose)
During Latino Heritage Month, I honored six Latino community leaders and a Latino-owned local business, alongside my co-host, San José City Councilmember Peter Ortiz. Latino Heritage Month was an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Latin Americans, and our honorees' work is an inspiration for all of us!
Honorees:
- Dr. Roxane Fuentes: Superintendent of Berryessa Union School District
- Riko Mendez: Chief Elected Officer of SEIU 521
- Jessica Paz-Cedillos: Co-Executive Director of the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
- Victoria Salas Salcedo: English teacher at Rancho Milpitas Middle School
- Fernanda Morales: San José community advocate
- Tatiana Villaseñor Carrillo: Community Organizer at the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley
- Tacos Al Pastor: Owners Maria and Guillermo Robles have run their business for over two decades.
Learn more about their stories here.
Caltrain Electrification Project
(Caltrain's newly electrified fleet)
Caltrain has launched their fully electrified service between San Jose and San Francisco! The electric fleet is faster, greener, and more reliable. It will benefit Californians for generations to come, helping advance our state's climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Milpitas Unified School District Innovation Campus Phase 2 Grand Opening
(Ribbon-cutting of Milpitas Unified School District's Phase 2 Innovation Campus, the new home of Calaveras Hills High School)
Congratulations to Milpitas Unified School District for unveiling Phase 2 of the Innovation Campus! I am proud to have secured $1.5 million in the 2023-2024 state budget for the Innovation Campus, which will prepare learners of all backgrounds to enter the dynamic workforce.
Diwali Celebration
(Celebrating Diwali at the State Capitol)
I was honored to co-host the Diwali celebration at the State Capitol with Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Senator Dave Cortese. The Festival of Lights reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness, and knowledge will always triumph over ignorance. Thank you to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for partnering with us to host the wonderful celebration.
What We Can Learn From Social Housing in Singapore and Vienna - Common Dreams
The housing crisis is threatening to make the American dream impossible. What's needed is the will and investment necessary to bring social housing - publicly developed homes for residents of mixed incomes - to California. Check out my op-ed on embracing social housing as a proven tool to solve our housing crisis.
State Legislature recognizes October as Filipino American History Month - Mercury News
Filipino Americans have played a pivotal role in advancing equal rights and social equity in our communities. They are making a big difference in our society every day. As the Mercury News reports, I authored legislation to recognize October as Filipino American History Month, and celebrate their numerous contributions to our communities!
Gov. Newsom signs trio of water bills to fix long-term water problems in tiny East Orosi - SJV Water
California recognizes that every person has the right to safe, affordable, and clean water. But much remains to be done to fully realize the state's vision, especially for the rural, agricultural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities that often rely on water wells. My bill AB 2454 will improve access to safe drinking water in these communities. The legislation ensures that well owners participate in free well testing programs, and provide tenants with safe drinking water if needed.
The CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project is relaunching. That means CalFresh families are, once again, able to get up to $60 in extra food benefits monthly at participating retailers. These stores include Arteaga's Food Center and Santa Fe Foods in Santa Clara and Alameda counties.
Back in April, the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project ended because it ran out of funds. It was so popular that it ran out of money in 14 months after serving 93,000 households. But through our advocacy, I was able to secure an additional $10 million in state funding to revive the CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot. As Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, I'll keep fighting to ensure that all Californians have access to nutritious food.
Yours in Service,
Alex Lee
Assemblymember, 24th District
