Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas announces new committees to address cost of housing, child care and more

Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas is launching four select committees focused on the largest cost-drivers for California families.

Rivas represents California’s 29th Assembly District, which includes all of San Benito County and portions of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Counties.

“In major cities like Los Angeles,” a statement from Rivas says, “a family of four making on average $118,000 a year — an amount 20% higher than the region’s median family income — still falls short by nearly $20,000 annually, and struggles to cover the basics: rent or a mortgage, child care, groceries and transportation.”

Rivas said it’s the same for rural areas. “A family of four brings in an average of $140,000 a year, but still ends up in the red each month, falling approximately $13,000 short annually.” 

“California’s cost-of-living is the single biggest threat to our future,” Rivas said. “Middle-class families earning $125,000 a year are struggling to afford rent, child care and groceries. That’s not sustainable. People across the state — working full-time and doing everything right — are still falling behind. When the middle class is squeezed this hard, our entire future is at risk.”

The four new committees focus on child care, nutrition, housing and transportation.

The child care committee will focus on early child care, for children ages zero to three. It will be co-chaired by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen of Elk Grove.

The CalFresh enrollment and nutrition committee will tackle food insecurity. Assemblymember Mia Bonta of Oakland will co-chair this committee with Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins of San Diego.

The committee on housing finance and affordability will be co-chaired with Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila-Farías of Concord and Assemblymember John Harabedian of Pasadena.  

The committee on transportation costs and impact of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard will be co-chaired by Assemblymember Lori Wilson of Suisun City and Assemblymember David Alvarez of San Diego.