SACRAMENTO—Today, the State Senate overwhelmingly passed a groundbreaking package of affordability bills aimed at delivering both immediate relief and long-term solutions for working families across the Golden State. The three-pillar legislative package—focused on the critical areas of energy affordability, housing affordability, and expanding good middle class jobs—is an aggressive effort to make California more livable, affordable, and competitive.

Announced earlier this year, the package is the result of months of determined work to deliver real relief to Californians. The three bills—SB 254 by Senator Josh Becker, SB 681 by Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab, and SB 638 by Senator Steve Padilla—will help rein in skyrocketing housing and utility costs, all while building pathways to good-paying middle class jobs. 

The package delivers comprehensive solutions that directly confront the affordability crisis—making California a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. After passing this critical hurdle, the bills now head to the Assembly.

“Today, Senate Democrats took decisive action to put Californians first,” said Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “These three bills will help thousands become first-time home buyers, lower utility bills, build more housing in every corner of California, and expand career training programs across the state. Senators have responded to this moment with the urgency it deserves, but we know there’s much more work to do. Stay tuned in the months to come.”

“With strong and united support, today the Senate took its most ambitious step yet to rein in rising energy costs,” said Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park). “This bill will lower monthly utility costs while curbing outrageous profits and unchecked rate hikes from utilities, so families can afford their monthly bills, keep the roof over their head, and live with greater security. SB 254 is proof that we can build a clean energy future without leaving working families behind.”

“Californians have been pushed to the brink by out-of-control housing costs. Today's Senate Floor actions are a step in the right direction and represent our commitment to bringing relief to housing burdened Californians,” said Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley). “This bill will greatly expand the number of first time homebuyers, help make rents more affordable for millions, and increase opportunities for affordable housing construction in big cities and small towns.”

“The California Dream shouldn’t be limited to narrow paths to achieve the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to California’s economy,” said Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego). “Too many young people are channeled into low-wage service jobs while thousands of skilled, high-wage jobs go unfilled. Our economy is reliant upon those skilled tradespeople, but our educational system isn’t designed for those demands. That must change. Senate Bill 638 will finally focus and broaden state efforts to ensure Californians have access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Today’s vote follows months of work from the Senate’s Affordability Working Group. The group is co-chaired by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley), and includes the following Senators: Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), Tim Grayson (D-Concord), Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). The Affordability Working Group will continue to focus on the areas of energy, housing, and workforce on behalf of all Californians.

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/