June 2025 Newsletter
Hello my friends,
In the last few weeks, our lives here at home and across the globe have changed significantly. Many of you and your loved ones have been profoundly impacted by increased and unprecedented federal government overreach in our streets. The uncertainty has been magnified by severe cuts to safety net and healthcare programs, as well as disruptions to our family businesses, job security, and educational opportunities. We will feel these impacts for a long time – but we will not feel them alone. Organizations across the Inland Empire have linked arms to ensure access to services to support our friends and neighbors. Please view the video below, and take a look at what the SD 29 Immigration Rights webpage has to offer. If there is a resource you believe should be included, please email your thoughts to Allison.Wescott@sen.ca.gov, and we will take it into consideration.
Despite the shock of this last month, we have much to celebrate in this edition of my newsletter – and the brightest light of hope comes from our youth.
The future leaders of the Inland Empire are thoughtful, curious, and motivated to make a difference in all of our lives. Make sure to read about our annual Young Legislators program and what the Class of 2025 learned on their recent trip to Sacramento.
You Are Not Alone
Please click on the image above to watch the video.
Haga clic en la imagen de arriba para ver el video.
The Future is in Good Hands
One of the most satisfying acts as an elected official is to connect with our youth in meaningful ways and open their minds to opportunities, experiences, and resources. It’s important that our district’s youth can navigate the many layers of government and improve their hometowns through public service. Ideally, we want to inspire them to bring their talent, energy, and ideas back home to the Inland Empire when they graduate college or complete a few years at work. Our collective investment in them prepares them to invest in us all.
My annual Young Legislators program was first implemented in 2017, and this year’s class was our seventh cohort. Young Legislators are leaders in their high schools and communities, and this program opens the door to leadership at new levels. Over the course of 10 months, they are exposed to policy making, constituent services, and cross-government collaboration. They learn about under- and post-graduate fellowships and visit Sacramento to meet with lawmakers, lobbyists, and civil servants. Take a look at my web gallery for photos from their graduation and trip to Sacramento. And keep an eye out for information about our next cohort – We’ll likely announce the application process in the next couple of months.
Helping at Home
While my Capitol staff has been tackling our state’s difficult budget and legislative challenges and opportunities, my District staff has traveled to all corners of SD 29. They’ve met with, celebrated, and advocated for the people and movements that matter most to our communities. Because the better we know you and understand your priorities, the more closely we can align on solutions. Do you have an opinion on a bill, or a meeting you’d like me or my team to attend? Contact my office, and someone will follow up with you.
In the meantime, get ready for the 2025 Back to School East Valley Backpack Giveaway where we'll be handing out free supplies and backpacks to kick off the school year!
Register today and guarantee your backpack here. The August 1 event is free and open to all K-12 students in San Bernardino County.
We also honor local small businesses for their impact on our region, so please nominate those you know and love for the Small Business of the Year award by June 15. Honorees will be notified by the end of this summer. Nominate a small business of the year here.
One More Thing...
We believe that the Inland Empire and Senate District 29 has some of the most service-oriented men within in the state – and we need your help making sure they are recognized! If there’s a man in your life who has made a considerable difference in our community, now is your chance to make sure he gets recognized for his contributions.
Each year, our office asks the community to bring forward the names of SD 29 men who are breaking new ground and transforming the lives of those around them. Those who are selected as a 2025 Distinguished Man of the Year Award nominee will be honored and celebrated at a ceremony, where the 2025 Man of the Year will be announced.
To qualify, your nominee must live, volunteer or work in my State Senate district. Nominations can be submitted here by August 1.
