Tackling California’s high cost-of-living: A roadmap to affordability
The challenges are significant, but together, we can make California a place where every hardworking family can thrive.
Living in California offers unparalleled opportunities, natural beauty, and a vibrant culture. However, it also presents a growing challenge that can no longer be ignored—the soaring cost of living. As your representative in the California Senate, it is my duty and commitment to address these challenges head-on and to ensure that the promise of our great state remains accessible to all, especially the hardworking families of Senate District 23.
Every day, I hear from constituents making tough choices between paying their utility bills, affording their homes, and managing everyday expenses. These stories are not just troubling; they are a call to action. We must take decisive steps to curb the escalating costs threatening our way of life.
Our priority must be stabilizing and reducing the cost of housing. I have introduced several legislative measures aimed at increasing housing affordability. In my first year in the legislature, I authored Senate Bill 601. Recognizing that due to the high cost of housing, the historic housing shortage, particularly for affordable entry-level homes, and the struggle that young Californians face in saving for a down payment, buying a home in California can be an unattainable dream.
SB 601, the First-Time Home Buyer Opportunity Act, would have incentivized homeowners looking to sell their homes to consider first-time buyers by increasing the capital gains exclusion on homes sold to first-time buyers.
In 2023, I authored Senate Bill 240, which prioritizes the development of affordable and transitional housing on surplus state property. This initiative not only addressed the housing shortage but also provided real opportunities for our most vulnerable populations. The governor signed SB 240 into law.
Similarly, Senate Bill 1108, which I am currently authoring, will reduce the number of evictions in mobilehome parks by giving residents and park owners more time to address violations. This measure is about fairness and stability, ensuring that fewer families face the disruption and despair of eviction.
Beyond housing, we must tackle other essential living costs that burden Californians.
Since arriving in Sacramento, I have been vocal in advocating for the suspension of the gas tax, recognizing the immediate relief this would offer millions of Californians. My call to suspend the gas tax was never supported by the majority party.
Leaving families to choose between food, heat, or medications is cruel and goes against everything we stand for. In response, together with members of the Senate Republican Caucus, I sent a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) asking what steps were taken to mitigate the effect of projected natural gas costs would have on Californians, especially our vulnerable populations, in February of last year.
Through my collective advocacy, the CPUC approved an early disbursement of an annual utility bill credit for Californians, which resulted in Californians receiving credit in time to offset some of the current high prices they were facing.
My support for Senate Minority Leader Jones’ Cost of Living Reduction Act was critical step in opposing proposals that would have increased utility bills based on income. By advocating for a return to capped fixed charges, Senate Bill 1326 championed the principle that utility bills should be based on how much energy is used, not on a family’s income. This approach not only makes energy costs more predictable and manageable for all families but also encourages responsible energy consumption.
Through strong partnership work, my colleagues and I were able to pause the CPUC from implementing an income-based utility bill plan. However, unfortunately, the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee rejected the Cost of Living Reduction Act in April.
Financial empowerment is also a cornerstone of my approach. Through Senate Bill 985, I want to ensure that more Californians can access vital financial counseling at a critical time when consumer debt is at an all-time high. These services are more than just advisories; they are lifelines for those aiming to regain control over their financial health.
Additionally, hosting financial literacy workshops has allowed me to reach directly into communities, offering tools and education that empower individuals to better manage their finances during these challenging economic times.
Yet, more than legislative action is needed. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes responsible budgeting at the state level, avoiding unnecessary expenditures, and ensuring that our tax dollars are spent efficiently to maximize benefits for all Californians.
As we move forward, I am committed to continuing this fight, working tirelessly with my colleagues to craft policies that address immediate concerns and lay the groundwork for long-term stability and affordability. The challenges are significant, but together, we can make California a place where every hardworking family can thrive.
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh represents the 23rd Senate District that includes portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.