2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Sen. Laura Richardson, Who Made Legislative History This Year

December 16, 2025

California State Senator Laura Richardson, elected in November 2024 to represent the 35th Senate District in Los Angeles, reflects on her first year in office after a career in public service and policy work. She achieved the distinction of having the most bills signed by any freshman senator, including legislation allowing cities to use homelessness funds for clearing unsafe RV encampments. Richardson expressed frustration with federal-state coordination issues, particularly regarding wildfire reimbursements, while finding inspiration in her work on fuel stability legislation.

Who is affected

Black Californians and descendants of slavery
Residents of California's 35th Senate District in the Los Angeles area
Homeless individuals living in RV encampments
Medi-Cal patients
Seniors facing rising costs with fixed incomes
People and businesses in California seeking to participate in major events (Olympics, FIFA, Super Bowl)
Californians impacted by federal funding cuts

What action is being taken

Creating an agency to understand and document descendants of slavery (though not fully funded)
Clearing unsafe RV encampments using existing homelessness funds under SB 748
Working toward fuel stability through SB 237, which opened fuel potential in Kern County
California state legislature backfilling funding gaps created by federal cuts

Why it matters

Affordability has become the most critical challenge facing Black Californians, with costs for essentials like gas, groceries, insurance, and mortgages rising significantly while salaries remain stagnant. This is particularly devastating for seniors who receive minimal income increases while facing 10-18% cost increases. Richardson's legislative success as the top freshman senator demonstrates effective advocacy for her constituents, addressing immediate needs like homelessness and healthcare access while laying groundwork for long-term issues like reparations. The coordination challenges between federal and state governments, especially regarding wildfire reimbursements, strain California's ability to serve its residents and maintain its own priorities.

What's next

Finishing and creating a process for dealing with abandoned cemeteries (2026 legislative priority)
Improving communication about available services and programs so residents can better access resources
Engaging the governor's staff earlier in the legislative process
Establishing clear pathways for people and businesses to participate in upcoming major events (Olympics, FIFA, Super Bowl)
Continuing discussions around reparations and "40 acres and a mule"

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint