Spring 2026 Newsletter: Advancing East Bay Values in Sacramento

2026 Legislation: Delivering for the East Bay
 

Senator Arreguín presents at the Senate Chambers

The 2026 legislative year is in full swing, with policy committees hearing bills on their way to the Senate floor. As Chair of both the Senate Housing Committee and Public Safety Committee, I am responsible for reviewing all bills relating to housing production, affordable housing, homelessness, the state prison system and criminal justice. 

This year, my focus is specifically on the needs of the communities I represent in the East Bay, with 15 bills focused on East Bay priorities and issues affecting everyone in California. From tackling the housing crisis to strengthening public safety and protecting immigrant communities, these proposals are about building a safer, affordable, and more equitable California for everyone.

Building the Housing Californians Can Afford

As Chair of the Housing Committee, I’m advancing bold, practical solutions to increase our housing supply, bring down costs, and expand access to housing at all income levels. In partnership with the Mayor of San Francisco, SB 1415 will expand tax exemptions for affordable housing serving households earning 80–120% of Area Median Income, supporting “missing middle” housing that has historically been underproduced and helping working families find homes they can afford. SB 1383 ensures that as we build more housing, we also protect family-sustaining jobs by ensuring developers cannot waive labor standards under the state’s density bonus law. 

Keeping Our Communities Safe and Strong

California is seeing crime rates drop to some of the lowest levels in decades, but we must stay laser focused on improving public safety so we can see lasting change in our communities. In the East Bay, illegal dumping remains a persistent issue that impacts the quality of life of many neighborhoods and worsens public safety. That’s why I introduced SB 1218, in partnership with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee to hold offenders accountable. I’m also advancing SB 1330, which would improve protections for utility workers who build and maintain our essential infrastructure because many have been victims of crime.

And finally as a member of the Legislative Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, I introduced SB 948 to ensure that anyone who moves into California goes through the same firearm safety standards as those that already live in the state. 

Standing Up for Immigrant Communities

California’s diversity is our strength, with over one in four Californians born outside the nation, and almost half of children having at least one immigrant parent. Last year I authored SB 81, which established a variety of protections in healthcare spaces for our immigrant communities so that everyone can get care without fear. I’m following up this year with SB 1257 to have the Attorney General prepare a report to the Legislature that would publicly disclose all immigration enforcement activity in the state, and would authorize the Attorney General to enforce any non-compliance with California’s sanctuary state laws.

For a full list of all the bills that I introduced this year, visit the California Legislative Online Portal. 

2026–27 Budget Priorities: Building a Stronger, Safer, More Equitable California
 

The Senate’s budget proposal focuses on responsible budgeting while maintaining essential programs.

I am proud to have successfully advocated for billions of dollars in critical investments to advance the priorities that matter most to Californians, which have been incorporated into the State Senate’s Foundation for the Future budget plan. These investments are a commitment to tackle homelessness, expand housing, improve public safety, protect vulnerable communities, and preserve access to essential services. At a time of looming federal cuts, this investment is vital to protect progress, prevent backsliding, and ensure long-term stability and equity across the state.

The State Senate’s budget plan incorporates $3.4 billion that I have advocated for to support programs that advance the creation and preservation of affordable housing and support local efforts in lifting people out of homelessness. This funding is critical to advance the recent progress we have made, including a 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness across the state last year. These funds will also support homeownership opportunities, helping working families create generational wealth. 

While the federal government has made cuts to vital healthcare and social service programs, we are filling in the gaps. This includes $102.8 million to protect food assistance programs such as CalFresh and restoring $311 million in Medi-Cal Dental. These investments will keep Californians healthy, ensuring that people have access to nutrition and medical services. Other proposals under the budget that I have pushed for include $20 million for legal support for immigrants, including a program to help unattended minors navigate the legal system. 

Spotlight on East Bay Heroes
 

The East Bay is full of amazing people who continue to inspire and uplift our communities. I recently had the honor to recognize two incredible leaders for their tireless work. 

Senator Arreguín and Senate leadership present Ruthie Dineen with the Woman of the Year award.

For Woman of the Year, we celebrated Ruthie Dineen for her work as the executive director of the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond. A pianist, composer, and licensed clinical social worker, Ruthie is a talented leader in the community for cross-cultural artistic study, and an advocate for community-based arts for racial justice. For decades, the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts has given young artists the opportunity to develop skills that enable them to reach their full potential. 

Senator Arreguin presents a resolution honoring Chris Chatmon.

As part of the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, we celebrated Chris Chatmon, founder and CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland. Chris spent nearly a decade leading Oakland Unified School District’s African American Male Achievement program, and later founded Kingmakers of Oakland. The organization aims to improve the educational and life outcomes of Black boys and men from Pre-K through Ph.D., and has created mentorship programs to uplift all students and set them up for success in their educational and professional journey.

California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship
 

Eligible students can submit an application by June 1 at www.cllcf.org.

The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation is now accepting applications for its scholarship program. Full time undergraduate or graduate students or graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into college can submit an application before June 1. The scholarship provides financial assistance to meet educational expenses. Click here to learn more and apply.