Dear Friend,
Birthright citizenship is the bedrock of our American dream. It's a fundamental right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing citizenship to all those born in the U.S. For over a century and a half, this pillar of our Constitution has granted countless people, including myself, the rights and protections entitled to every American citizen.
Our first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, gave his life to end the evil of slavery and enfranchise those who were formerly enslaved. The 14th Amendment ensures every American is recognized as a U.S. citizen. In 1898, the 14th Amendment was affirmed by the landmark Supreme Court case of the Chinese American who lived in San Francisco: Wong Kim Ark. However, today the constitution and birthright citizenship are under attack.
(Remembering the life, courage, and legacy of Wong Kim Ark at San Francisco's Chinatown. Photo credit: Bob Hsiang.)
In the face of Trump's attacks against our immigrant communities, I was proud to announce my State Resolution affirming the Legislature's commitment to birthright citizenship. As we commemorated the 127th anniversary of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, I joined his great grandson Norman Wong, my colleagues, community leaders, and local organizations in San Francisco's Chinatown to honor the legacy of Wong Kim Ark at his birthplace.
AB 11 - Social Housing Act
AB 11 will create social housing for Californians by establishing the California Housing Authority. The agency will develop housing that's publicly-owned, mixed-income, affordable, and financially self-sustaining.
AB 590 - Social Housing Bond
AB 590 places a $950 million bond on the November 2026 ballot to finance the California Housing Authority in developing social housing. The funds will be deposited in a revolving loan fund to provide zero-interest loans for developing mixed-income housing.
AB 1240 - Ban Corporate-Owned Single-Family Homes
AB 1240 aims to protect California's limited supply of single-family homes and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to become homeowners. The bill bans institutional investors who own more than 1,000 single-family homes from purchasing additional properties for the purpose of leasing them. This bill will help prevent institutional investors from exacerbating the scarcity of single-family homes for sale in California.
AB 867 - Ban Cat Declawing
AB 867 protects the welfare of our cats by prohibiting the barbaric surgical procedure of cat declawing. Mutilating healthy cats for human convenience is cruel and inhumane. AB 867 reinforces that cat declawing goes against ethical treatment standards for animals.
AB 728 - Protect Children From Anti-Aging Products
AB 728 protects children from the unnecessary risks of anti-aging products. The beauty industry is cashing in on the ‘Sephora kids' phenomenon where children are buying and using adult anti-aging products that contain potent and harsh chemicals. AB 728 will ban the sale of these products to minors and prevent the industry from exploiting our youth.
AB 916 - Safer Soap Act
AB 916 ensures consumers' health and safety by prohibiting the sale of consumer hand soap or body wash containing harmful chemicals. Companies have failed to prove that soaps marketed as "antibacterial" are safe or more effective than regular soap and water at preventing illness. In fact, studies suggest that antibacterial soaps may contribute to antibiotic resistance, pollute waterways, and irritate skin. AB 916 protects consumers from being harmed or misled by everyday products like soap.
2025 Woman of the Year
(Honoring Janice Gebhardt as Assembly District 24's Woman of the Year on Assembly Floor.)
I recognized our district's Woman of the Year, Janice Gebhardt, at the Assembly Floor in celebration of Women's History Month. She was an embryologist at the Stanford In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Lab for 27 years before retiring in 2015. Since then, she has devoted herself to community service, which includes helping breast cancer survivors, families experiencing hunger, and survivors of domestic violence. Check out the Mercury News' feature of Janice!
2025 Youth Art Contest
(Winners of the 2025 Youth Art Contest)
Our second annual Youth Art Contest Showcase was a big success! Thank you to the 61 students who participated in the contest. Our participants' talents in showcasing their vision of our future transit was impressive and I'm excited to host the contest winners at the State Capitol in Sacramento! Check out their artwork below:
California's food assistance program could experience significant cuts under federal proposal - ABC 10
Roughly one in five Californians are food insecure, and millions rely on CalFresh to feed their families. As I told ABC 10, I am committed to protecting and expanding people's access to healthy and affordable food at a time when Trump slashes investment for those in poverty.
California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Introduces 2025 Priority and Endorsed Bill Packages
We are standing strong in our fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This year, the LGBTQ Caucus' priority and endorsed bills will protect and advance the basic human rights of our LGBTQ+ community. As part of the legislative package, my bill AB 678 will ensure that our state-funded homelessness programs are inclusive, supportive, and affirming. This way, we can effectively connect our LGBTQ+ community members to housing and reduce their risk of returning to homelessness.
The Real ID deadline is just around the corner. As of May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID (or another federally issued, compliant ID - like a passport) to fly, enter a military base or a federal building. You can start the application online and complete the process in person at the DMV.
Sincerely,
Alex Lee
Assemblymember, 24th District
