Vote = Voice. Be Heard Today!
Hello my friends,
Right out of the gate, I’m going to ask you an important and timely question: Have you voted in the 2025 Statewide Election? The deadline to have your voice counted istoday at 8pm. If you haven’t turned in your mail-in ballot yet, make sure you have a plan in place to go to the polls. Here’s a powerful message from the California Latino Caucus, with information about how to get your vote counted.
I also want to acknowledge how difficult the federal shutdown has been for many of us. The State of California is taking legal action to protect programs, but many of you can’t wait for help. If you need help making ends meet, visit www.ConnectIE.org, and search for local organization that can help with food, healthcare, or other needs. You can also access this information by dialing 211 on your phone. This is a community that works hard to support each other in times of need, so please ask for what you need.
For now, please read on to learn more about my bills that were signed into law, all of the work we’re doing in the district, and how to engage with us.
Thanks for reading - See you soon!
Unusual Year Yields Extraordinary Results
In the last edition of this newsletter, I had been patiently awaiting news about what the Governor would do with my bills on his desk. Well, we NEW-SOM bills would be signed – but nearly all of them?! I am astounded! Despite all of the barriers this year, including my extended medical leave for surgery and cancer treatments, my team and I made significant progress on our policy agenda. I couldn’t be prouder or more grateful than I am at this moment in time. Check out a fun video of our reaction to the news that 8 of our 9 bills that made it to the Governor’s desk were signed. We also were able to secure $100 million in the State Budget to support domestic violence survivors at a time when their federal funding was being stripped. I’ve just been notified that the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence plans to formally recognize this effort by presenting me with a Statewide Partnership Award this week. Keep a look out on social media for pictures: @senreyes.
Now that fall has come, my team members in Sacramento are busy researching policy barriers that might need to be addressed in the next legislative session. There are limits to the number of bills that a Senator can introduce, so we need to be wise about our choices. If you have an idea, fill out this form here and share it with me! You never know, it might just be the solution we need. If so, we’ll be sure to follow up with you for more information. Perhaps even to testify in a committee hearing!
Our Community Fills my Cup
I’ve been home from Sacramento since the middle of September, so my district staff have been hosting and sending me to all sorts of events. Last month, we co-hosted our annual PAWS in the Park pet wellness event alongside the City of Colton. We had a great time talking with constituents about legislative issues, connecting people to new fur-family friends, and making sure everyone’s pets are safe and healthy. We also honored the fine men leading our communities to greatness at our annual Men of Distinction and Man of the Year event. This month, we’ll be recognizing our district’s phenomenal young professionals at our 30 Under 30 event, and the outstanding veterans who have served our great county, near and far.
Just last week, we created pop-up pumpkin patches at various elementary schools and invited our local fire departments to share safe trick-or-treating practices and demonstrate use of firefighting tools. The looks of joy and excitement on their faces were priceless. View the photos here.
It’s been so heartwarming to be welcomed with opened arms by all of you. Your shining faces and unwavering dedication to the Inland Empire keeps my cup more than full. We’ve got so much more on the books that we’ll be sure to report out on, but for now, make sure you mark your calendar for our Annual Holiday Open House and Toy Drive on December 10. You can expect lots of good people, good food, and good deeds that evening. We can’t wait to celebrate the year with you!
To stay up to date with upcoming district events, keep an eye out for announcements on my webpage or in future emails. You can also follow me on social media, (@seneloisereyes) for newsworthy content, including our Team Reyes Halloween costumes!
One More Thing – Get Your Cash for College and Career Training!
If you or a loved one is gearing up for educational pursuits, apply now to receive Cash for College and Career Training. If you’re nervous that the application process is too complicated or overwhelming, don’t let that stand in your way. There is a ton of money on the table and we want you to have it. That’s why partners all across the Inland Empire collaborate to offer support and advice about the application process. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get financial aid. Sign up for a workshop today to learn more.
