CREATING CHANGE JANUARY 2025 |
The wildfires in Southern California have brought unimaginable devastation to our state. As the state grapples with this crisis, my prayers are with the victims. These fires will likely stand as one of the most destructive and costly disasters in our history. I am profoundly grateful for the first responders and volunteers who have stepped up with courage and compassion. In times of need, Californians come together. Firefighters from Senate District 13 answered the call and are fighting alongside firefighters from all over. I’m also grateful to those who answered my call to contribute to organizations providing assistance to the fire victims as was featured in KRON recently.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND PREPARATION |
I am continuing my work in the Senate to ensure that CAL FIRE has the resources they need to combat these kinds of wildfires and encourage communities to take wildfire mitigation measures to protect property and lives. As the former Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy, I oversaw a massive expansion of CAL FIRE resources that doubled its firefighting force and created the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. I had also put on my website a document outlining my view of what our state’s wildfire strategy should be, and as always I welcome your feedback. I have also requested to serve on the Senate Insurance Committee, where I will be in the middle of conversations on how to save our insurance industry. I previously held town halls on wildfire technology and insurance for our residents, and I will soon be hosting a town hall on home hardening on February 18 at 5:00 pm.
BECKER NAMED CHAIR OF THE SENATE ENERGY COMMITTEE |
Great news! I have been appointed as Chair of the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communication, a role that places me at the forefront of shaping California’s energy future. Top of mind is affordability and holding PG&E accountable. At this pivotal time, I am committed to advancing clean energy and fostering a resilient and fair energy system that works for everyone.
Especially now the world will be looking to California, and we face urgent challenges in meeting our ambitious climate targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. I am dedicated to working with the Governor, my legislative colleagues, industry leaders, and stakeholders to accelerate progress toward these critical goals. Together, we can shape a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically vibrant future for all Californians.
PHYSICIANS MAKE DECISIONS ACT OF 2024 |
This month, my bill prohibiting AI algorithms from denying medically necessary treatments officially went into effect, and it’s already making waves nationwide. Numerous publications recently highlighted its impact, and I’m proud that members of Congress and other state legislators are looking to this leadership as a model for ensuring fairness and accountability in healthcare. You can read the Newsweek story here as well as the Mercury News story here.
IN THE NEWS |
SF leaders confront Trump’s deportation plans through lens of California’s history
(Local News Matters, January 20, 2025)
San Mateo County legislators tackle cost-of-living and new climate crises
(San Mateo Daily Journal, January 18, 2025)
California immigration advocates brace for Trump’s inauguration, promise to fight back
(San Francisco Chronicle, January 17, 2025)
California leaders unite to confront looming mass deportation threat
(KTVU FOX 2, January 17, 2025)
How Calif. Became 1st State To Ban AI Healthcare Denials
(January 14, 2025 360 Law)
California State Sen. Josh Becker on Accountability, Humility, and Hard Work | NTD’s Profiles of Service
(NTD, January 14, 2025)
Did AI Deny Your Last Health Insurance Claim?
(January 13, 2025, India Current)
Becker to helm Energy Committee
(San Mateo Daily Journal, January 13, 2025)
California Health Insurance Law SB 1120 Takes a Stand Against AI-Driven Health Insurance Denials
(Live Insurance News, January 11, 2025)
New Website Helps Americans 'Fight Health Insurance' Over Claims
(Newsweek, January 9, 2025)
Silicon Valley Techies Rally for Southern California Wildfire Victims With Fundraising Drive
(January 9, 2025, NewsBreak)
Becker rallies tech leaders to aid fire victims
(San Mateo Daily Journal, January 9, 2025)
Health Insurance Companies Face New Rules Across US States
(Newsweek, January 8, 20254)
New California law prohibits using AI as basis to deny health insurance claims
(The Mercury News, January 6, 2025)
1930s 'Mexican Repatriation' movement heeds warning of Trump's mass deportation plans
(December 26, 2024)
Becker bill targets use of AI in denying health claims
(December 16, 2024)
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Senator Josh Becker
District 13