In the News

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) released the following statement on the announcement of the Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal. 

“The budget proposal Governor Newsom unveiled today highlights the tangible progress made possible by the responsible budget decisions the Legislature adopted last year. 

“Thanks to those forward-thinking choices, California is on a strong financial foundation, allowing us to advance confidently toward our clean energy and climate goals, as well as housing, homelessness, education and affordability. 

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) has been appointed by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire to serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications. This appointment places Senator Becker at the forefront of shaping California’s energy policies, with wide-ranging implications for the state’s economy, workforce, and global leadership in clean energy.

While SB 1120 does not entirely prohibit the use of AI technology, it mandates that human judgment remains central to coverage decisions

(The Mercury News) - Last year, about a quarter of all health insurance claims were denied in California — a reality mirrored nationwide that has stoked public anger toward health care companies, and led to accusations that such decisions lack human empathy.

(The Almanac) - State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, has been appointed as chair of the Senate Committee on Energy Utilities and Communications by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, according to a press release from Becker’s office on Monday, Jan. 6. 

(Spectrum News) - LOS ANGELES — During the Great Depression, around a million people of Mexican descent, many of which were U.S. Citizens, were coerced into going to Mexico with the pretense of opening up jobs for other Americans. 

(Palo Alto Online) - California health insurers will be prohibited from relying solely on artificial intelligence to deny claims under new legislation that was authored by state Sen. Josh Becker and that will take effect next month.

Our history warns us that what begins as political rhetoric can lead to catastrophic actions

(The Mercury) - We have just concluded one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent history, and now we must face the reality of one of the most troubling themes of that election that may very well become policy: mass deportation.

North Fair Oaks residents unite against rising anti-immigrant rhetoric

(The Mercury) - In a nation that prides itself on being built by immigrants, North Fair Oaks — an unincorporated San Mateo County community informally known as  “Little Mexico” by locals — is confronting a surge of intolerance toward immigrants, fueled by right-wing rhetoric.