In April, 28 members of Inland Action participated in advocacy meetings in Sacramento. The group met with staff members, senators and assemblymembers from the following offices: L. Castillo, M. Rodriguez, Harabedian, Jackson, J. Carrillo, Seyarto, Valladares, K. Sanchez, Rubio, Ochoa Bogh, Wallis, Lackey, Cervantes, and Perez. These offices represent 14 of the 20 elected representatives from the Inland Empire.
In addition to the Senators and Assemblymembers, Inland Action had to the opportunity to meet with Kiana Valentine, Executive Director for Transportation CA; Deputy Secretary for Freight Policy Christine Casey and Freight Policy Manager N’Guessan Affi; Steven Lee with Assemblymember Fong’s office (Higher Education Chair); and the California Transportation Commission.
Throughout our many appointments, Inland Action stressed the importance of the Inland Empire Caucus, coming together on issues that all can support and in turn have a positive impact on the region.
Priority issues for the 2025 Sacramento visit included:
Healthcare System in Jeopardy: We urge the state to develop a clear plan to address potential Medicaid funding cuts and reassess OHCA’s cost growth targets. As OHCA determines an implementation strategy, we call for a thoughtful, collaborative approach that slows down the process and leverages the expertise of Hospital Association members and healthcare providers in the field.
Judicial Crisis: The need for a new physical court space for the High Desert is a true emergency and must be addressed right away. This need has already existed for 27 years as the building was found insufficient in 1998. The current building provides an unsafe environment. In addition, SB 75 created additional judgeships for both San Bernardino and Riverside counties subject to appropriation. Unfortunately, that appropriation has yet to be provided, with 27 judge positions needed in San Bernardino County and 22 potions in Riverside County. We ask that these positions be funded.
Prioritize Transportation Infrastructure by Preserving SB1 Funding & Planning for Future Funding: A strong, modern, and safe transportation system is the basis of a thriving economy and only helps chart the path for installation of much needed clean energy infrastructure. To achieve this goal, a gas tax alternative solution must be identified and SB1 funding preserved. Any alternative to the gas tax as a funding source for transportation projects needs to be equitable for low-income residents and those living in rural areas and communities with more affordable housing options. In addition, the original intent of SB1 must be preserved by ensuring the CAPTI guidelines under development account for the need to continue to advance safety and freight related projects without adding mitigation requirements that would make these critical projects cost prohibited.
Support proposed legislation that provides clarity, allows flexibility, and minimizes unintended negative outcomes for businesses, municipalities, and the environment: Inland Action is appreciative of the legislature’s recognition that as we move towards implementation of AB 98, there is a need to clarify some of the language in that law. Municipalities and businesses alike need legislation that is free from ambiguity and that provides well-defined terms and timelines regarding implementation and consequences. Companion legislation AB 735 (Carrillo) and SB 415 (Reyes) begin to address these needs. Inland Action recommends additional amendments as supported by California Business Properties Association Coalition dated April 6, 2025, for the list of clean-up priorities identified jointly by the California League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties, and for the recommended changes proposed jointly by San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Western Riverside Council of Governments.
Inland Action’s entire issue papers are located at: https://www.inlandaction.com/state-legislative-issues-2025/