CA lawmaker launches committees to make food, childcare, housing and gas more affordable

CALIFORNIA – Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas announced the launch of four select committees focused on making the largest cost drivers for California families more affordable.

The speaker said the four select committees on housing, child care, groceries, and transportation is part of the California State Assembly’s ongoing work to lower the cost of living in California.

Rivas said California’s cost-of-living is the single biggest threat to our future.

“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,” said Rivas.

Child care costs an average of $700 per month

The Select Committee on Child Care Costs will focus on how to maximize existing programs and make zero-to-3 child care universally accessible and affordable for families.

In California, care for infants and toddlers costs an average of $700 per month, for a total of $8,400 a year.

Co-chair Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry said the committee will partner with providers, workers, and families to find real, lasting solutions.

Nutrition committee crucial to respond to potential federal cuts

The Select Committee on CalFresh Enrollment and Nutrition will focus on boosting CalFresh enrollment and improving access to fresh food.

CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their food budget.

Co-chair Assemblymember Mia Bonta said this select committee will be crucial to prepare to respond to potential cuts to the state’s nutrition programs.

The Trump administration has proposed reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which funds CalFresh. It aims to cut approximately $230 billion over the next decade as part of a broader plan to reduce $2 trillion in federal spending.

Creative financing to accelerate affordable housing production

Rivas said California can’t solve its housing crisis without solving how they finance housing.

The Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability will explore creative financing solutions to accelerate affordable housing production.

“We have a chance to reimagine what’s possible, and to build a future where every Californian has a place to call home,” said co-chair Assemblymember John Harabedian.

Critics argue Low Carbon Fuel Standard has contributed to higher gas prices

The Select Committee on Transportation Costs and Impact of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) will take a hard look at whether the program is still delivering for California families as currently designed and administered.

LCFS is a California regulation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.

However, critics argue it has contributed to higher gas prices for consumers.

The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy says if LCFS credit prices reach their maximum allowed levels, then retail gasoline price impacts could be $0.65 per gallon in the near term, $0.85 per gallon by 2030, and nearly $1.50 per gallon by 2035.

“We have a responsibility to make sure the LCFS is reducing emissions while also not placing an undue burden on Californians,” said co-chair Assemblymember David Alvarez.