2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins –Advocate for Health, Aging Californians and More

December 23, 2025

Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, who was elected to California's State Assembly in November 2024 to represent the 79th District covering southeastern San Diego and surrounding areas, reflects on her first year in office. The educator-turned-legislator successfully passed six bills and secured over $60 million for her district while serving as Assistant Majority Leader for Policy and Research. Her biggest disappointment came when legislation aimed at strengthening CalWORKs and CalFresh programs in anticipation of federal cuts failed to reach the governor, and when a bill to protect diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs was vetoed.

Who is affected

Residents of California's 79th Assembly District (southeastern San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove)
Black Californians statewide
CalFresh and CalWORKs program recipients
Older adults in California
Families needing healthcare, childcare, housing, and food assistance

What action is being taken

Dr. Sharp-Collins is serving as co-chair of the Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition
She is serving as Assistant Majority Leader for Policy and Research
She is leading conversations on CalFresh access amid federal cuts
She is guiding discussions within the Democratic caucus about federal cuts and affordability issues

Why it matters

This matters because Black Californians face a "visibility" problem where their concerns are not adequately seen or addressed in state policy. With federal cuts threatening critical social safety net programs like CalFresh and CalWORKs, and California facing an affordability crisis in healthcare, childcare, housing, and food, having leadership that prioritizes equitable resource allocation and representation ensures that vulnerable communities receive necessary support and their voices influence policy decisions.

What's next

She plans to work with colleagues to defend CalWORKs and CalFresh programs against federal cuts
She intends to bring back legislation to enshrine DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) programs into state law
Her 2026 goal is to continue elevating community voices, ensuring Black Californians are represented, and addressing the affordability crisis

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