Proudly representing California Senate District 17.

Joined February 2021
337 Photos and videos
The Senate and Assembly have reached a bipartisan agreement on the 2026-27 state budget. The Legislature will now consider the agreement as work continues with the Governor to finalize the state budget. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/budg…
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Enjoyed spending time in SLO County recently meeting w/ nonprofit leaders, community orgs, local businesses residents. A highlight was visiting Welcome Home Village - it was gratifying to return & see it completed. Thanks to everyone who shared their time, perspectives & ideas.
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ICYMI, my opinion piece in @LookoutSCruz: lookout.co/what-will-watsonv… Keeping a community hospital open doesn't happen because of one election, one bill or one round of funding. It takes years of work, difficult decisions and a lot of people who care to continue to work together.
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The Senate has advanced16 bills in my legislative package to the Assembly. I appreciate my colleagues for their support and look forward to continuing the work as these bills move through the legislative process. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/sena…
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I hope all Californians will take a moment today to reflect on the soldiers who did not come home. Their memory must live on.
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Great to recognize Salinas Regional Sports Authority as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for SD 17. SRSA continues to expand opportunities for youth & families across Salinas Valley through recreation, sports & community programming. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/sena…
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Busy week in Sacramento -- the Senate passed three of my bills supporting Diablo Canyon communities, protecting nonprofit beneficiary gifts, and expanding access to HIV prevention medication. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for advancing these measures to the Assembly.
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Highway 1 through Big Sur is reopened. After years of closures & hundreds of millions in economic losses to the region, this is welcome news for local businesses, workers, residents, and visitors alike. Grateful to everyone who worked tirelessly to reconnect the Central Coast.
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My statement re: @CAgovernor's revised budget announcement today. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/cali…
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#AB108 helps preserve access to critical healthcare services in vulnerable communities while the Legislature continues work on longer-term solutions for distressed hospitals statewide. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/gove…
NEW: @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom just signed #AB108, providing critical funds to rural hospitals in financial distress due to the cuts by President Trump’s #HR1 last year.
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The Senate passed my resolution declaring May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. We’ve made progress, but early diagnosis, equitable care, and continued research remain critical. Grateful to the advocates leading this work. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/sena…
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Just sent out my latest newsletter with updates from the Capitol and across the Central Coast. From the state budget to coastal protections and local priorities, there’s a lot underway. Take a look: sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/john…
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Senator John Laird retweeted
50 years of protecting CA’s coastline 🌊 TY @SenJohnLaird & Asm. Hart for introducing #ACR149 & #SCR136, honoring the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Act & recognizing @TheCACoast’s work to preserve our shores, expand public access, & protect the resources that make CA special.
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I convened a hearing this week on LGBTQ seniors -- and the message was clear: Too many people are still falling through the cracks. Seniors aging w/ HIV & transgender older adults especially are facing rising costs, housing instability & barriers to care. sd17.senate.ca.gov/news/lair…
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Senator John Laird retweeted
Apr 22
Our profound thanks to @SenJohnLaird for stressing the urgency to invest in county eligibility workers to protect Californians against #HR1’s life threatening food & healthcare cuts at #PolicyInsights26. They are our #FirstRespondersToPoverty & supporting them saves lives! #CALeg
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Senator John Laird retweeted
The Foundation for the Future budget plan focuses on three pillars: 💰 Building the state reserves 🌱 Maintaining funding for essential programs 🏦Reducing the long-term structural deficit #CASenateDems
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Senator John Laird retweeted
Thank you @SenJohnLaird for championing Senate Joint Resolution 12 re-affirming California’s position to protect our communities, economies, & ocean from new offshore oil drilling. Bravo @SenBlakespear @sencabaldon & Senator Richardson for rising in support on the senate floor👏
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Today I’m chairing a hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians focused on healthcare and support needs. Look forward to hearing from advocates and service providers doing critical work across the state. Tune in at 3 p.m.: senate.ca.gov/committees/sen…

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Senator John Laird retweeted
Join @SenJohnLaird, Director DeMarois & a panel of experts on Monday, 6/16 for Aging with Pride, a webinar honoring the experiences of LGBTQ older adults. We'll share survey data, stories & insights into the challenges & aspirations of this community. 🔗 bit.ly/4jd8r6F
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Senator John Laird retweeted
👏 We're honored to recognize @SenJohnLaird for championing the fight against hunger in CA. Your leadership uplifts food banks, strengthens our communities, & helps ensure every Californian has access to the food they need! 🍎💪 #EndHungerCA
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