Laura’s Issues
THE ECONONY/COST OF LIVING
Drawing on her extensive background as a successful businesswoman and experienced legislator, Laura Richardson is committed to championing legislation that stimulates job growth, supports small businesses, and encourages entrepreneurship. She understands that a thriving economy relies on sustainable development practices, and her approach integrates economic policies that not only create jobs but also promote environmental responsibility.
When elected to the State Senate, Laura will focus on enacting laws that encourage job creation by keeping companies in the State of California, providing support for small businesses through tax incentives, grants, and access to capital. Her commitment to livable wages and benefits ensures that working families can thrive, while program funding will aim to improve public infrastructure, creating fun, safe, and clean neighborhoods that attract further investment.
In her tenure as a legislator, Laura has consistently backed policies that promote economic growth. For instance, she has been a strong supporter of workforce development initiatives that provide training and upskilling opportunities for workers, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market. Additionally, she recognizes the importance of protecting existing jobs, which is why she has taken a firm stand against automation that eliminates local employment opportunities, particularly in sectors like shipping and logistics. This advocacy has earned her the endorsement of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), who value her stance in opposing automation that would replace longshore workers with machines.
Throughout her career, Laura has supported legislation designed to boost job creation, such as measures that expand infrastructure projects, opposes importing foreign oil that takes away local jobs, stands against automation that replaces workers, invest in new technologies such as clean energy initiatives, and fosters innovation in growing industries. For example, she backed policies that provide federal funding to clean energy projects and infrastructure development which creates thousands of jobs.
Her legislative agenda will continue to reflect her priorities: protecting and growing job opportunities while ensuring that economic growth is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Laura Richardson has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety throughout her career. She understands that ensuring the safety and well-being of residents is the foundation of a thriving community. With rising concerns over burglaries targeting homes, cars, and local stores, reckless speeding, and dangerous stunt driving in neighborhoods, as well as the growing issue of homeless encampments and abandoned RVs crowding sidewalks, Richardson has made public safety a top priority. Her dedication to addressing these challenges is reflected in her close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, who have endorsed her as the only candidate in this race trusted to effectively tackle these issues.
During her time in Congress, Richardson backed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which focused on providing law enforcement with additional resources and training to better protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This legislation was critical in improving the safety of vulnerable populations, strengthening the legal tools available to law enforcement to address these crimes, and providing funding for programs that support survivors. Likewise, in the State Assembly, Laura authored AB 1517, which was signed into law and mandated the timely processing of rape kits. This legislation ensured that critical evidence was processed promptly, addressing the backlog of untested kits and improving the ability to bring justice to survivors of sexual assault.
Additionally, through advocating for Community Oriented Policing (COPS Grant Funding), Richardson enhanced hiring for community driven partnerships and problem solving techniques, such as walking and bike beats, and Community Academy’s to proactively engage the community and police officers before a crime is committed, thereby, mutually earning trust.
Laura Richardson supported several other legislative efforts that contributed to public safety during her time in Congress. One notable example is her support for the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, which aimed to ensure collective bargaining rights for public safety officers, including police and firefighters. This legislation sought to improve working conditions for first responders and enhance their ability to protect communities by fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships between public safety workers and their employers.
Throughout her career, Richardson has consistently advocated for laws and policies that prioritize public safety and support law enforcement agencies, showing her unwavering commitment to the safety of her constituents and those who protect and serve.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
As a Housing Advocate, Laura has worked hard to address the critical need for accessible and affordable housing options for all individuals and families. Laura is committed to making housing affordability a priority when she is elected to the State Senate, given the increasingly challenging times for many across our state to afford a place they can call home.
Laura has persistently promoted first time buyer programs, workforce housing, funding for rehabilitation and renovations. Recognizing the importance of stable housing as a foundation for thriving communities, Laura has been a vocal supporter of initiatives that ensure housing is accessible to individuals from all walks of life and age.
In advocating for affordable housing, Laura has pushed for policies that reduce barriers to home ownership and renting; hence increasing those in safe and stable housing. She understands the interconnected challenges faced by seniors, moderate and below income households, and vulnerable populations, that work towards housing security and a reliable place to live.
Among many pieces of legislation, Laura supported was the H.R. 3288 - Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, which appropriated funding for transportation and urban development projects, including affordable housing programs under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill provided resources to create and sustain affordable housing initiatives and address homelessness.
Laura's advocacy extends beyond legislation to encompass community engagement and empowerment. She supports initiatives that promote inclusive housing policies, community land trusts, and affordable housing developments that meet the diverse needs of our communities. Additionally, she advocates for policies that prioritize equitable housing solutions and ensure that housing remains affordable for generations to come.
As your State Senator, Laura will continue to fight passionately for affordable housing, using her experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to create thriving neighborhoods for all.
PROTECTING SENIORS
Our seniors are the bedrock of our community, and they deserve our unwavering support and respect. Laura is dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of those older than 65+ and above, building upon her proven track record as a former Councilmember, Assemblymember and Congresswoman fighting tirelessly for senior rights.
Laura envisions a future where every senior in our state can live well beyond retirement with safety, dignity, and financial stability. This vision starts with protecting Social Security and Medicare, building affordable and available senior housing, and safeguarding seniors of physical and financial abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
During her time in Congress, Richardson consistently worked to support policies that protect and empower seniors. She supported legislation that sought to enhance safeguards for vulnerable seniors, ensuring that those who prey on the elderly would face accountability. Her advocacy extended to pushing for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent elder abuse, reflecting her deep commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of all seniors. She was a strong advocate for legislation that secured enhanced funding for senior programs and services, focusing on healthcare access, affordable housing, and financial security. As part of this commitment, she supported the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which improved healthcare access for millions of seniors by closing the "donut hole" in Medicare prescription drug coverage, thus reducing out-of-pocket expenses for medication.
Affordable housing for seniors was also a priority for Richardson. She supported H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, which provided funding for affordable housing initiatives, including Section 202 housing for low-income seniors. This funding was vital for expanding housing opportunities for seniors in California, ensuring that they have safe, affordable places to live.
Laura understands the vital role caregivers play in the well-being of our seniors and is committed to increasing support for these dedicated individuals. She is also focused on addressing the rising cost of food and essential services, ensuring that seniors don't have to choose between a meal and other basic needs. Laura will champion fun and engaging programs that enhance quality of life, promoting social connections and keeping our seniors active and fulfilled.
ADVOCATING WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
As a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, reproductive healthcare, and wage equity, Laura has consistently championed legislation that promotes equality and protects the rights of women and their families.
At this critical juncture, with threats looming over established reproductive rights protections, Laura stands as a steadfast ally and champion for women. She believes in the fundamental right of every woman to access safe and legal reproductive healthcare services, free from political interference or restriction that undermine autonomy, and well-being.
That’s why she has been endorsed by National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) – an organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and supporting legislation that advances women’s rights. The NWPC’s endorsement is a testament to Richardson’s alignment with their goals and her commitment to women’s issues.
During her tenure in Congress, Laura Richardson was a vocal advocate for reproductive rights and supported several key measures aimed at protecting a woman’s right to access reproductive healthcare. Laura’s support for initiatives that safeguarded these rights was significant. In addition to her advocacy for reproductive health, Richardson was a strong proponent of wage equity. She supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which aimed to address the gender pay gap and strengthen protections against wage discrimination. Richardson's legislative efforts also included backing bills designed to enhance equal pay for equal work and support equal employment opportunities for women. Furthermore, she was an advocate for various health-related measures that benefited women, including funding for women’s health programs and initiatives to improve access to healthcare services for women and families. Her comprehensive approach to these issues reflected her commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women’s rights throughout her time in Congress.
Laura's advocacy extends beyond legislation to encompass education and empowerment. She supports initiatives that provide comprehensive health education in schools, ensuring young women are informed and empowered to make healthy choices about their bodies and futures. Additionally, she advocates for policies that address maternal health disparities and ensure access to affordable healthcare for all women.
In the face of challenges to women's rights, Laura remains committed to engaging directly with women and their advocates to understand their concerns and priorities. As your State Senator, she will continue to fight passionately for women's rights, tapping into her experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Now, more than ever, we need champions like Laura who will stand up for women's rights and reproductive healthcare. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the freedom and support to make decisions about her own body, health, and future, ensuring that women's rights are not just protected, but advanced for generations to come.
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
As a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Laura has consistently championed legislation that promotes equality and protections for the community. Her unwavering support is evidenced by a strong track record of legislative actions and co-authorship of key bills aimed at advancing LGBTQ+ rights and dignity.
Laura's legislative efforts also extend to advocating for stronger protections against hate crimes and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. She co-authored the Matthew Shepard Act (AJR 29), urging Congress to enhance hate crime protections, and supported measures like the Civil Rights Act of 2007 (AB 14), which strengthened non-discrimination laws in state-funded programs.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by registered domestic partners, Laura supported Property Reassessment for Domestic Partners (SB 559), advocating for financial relief from property reassessments due to ownership changes. She has consistently fought for economic justice and equal treatment under the law for domestic partners.
Laura's commitment to equality is exemplified through her legislative initiatives. She co-authored and supported the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day resolution (HR 4), highlighting her dedication to addressing health disparities sometimes even within the LGBTQ+ community.
In the realm of education, Laura supported Inclusive Sex Education (AB 629), ensuring that state-funded sex education is medically accurate, unbiased, and culturally appropriate. She also advocated for Anti-Discrimination in Schools (AB 394), ensuring that schools comply with anti-discrimination policies to create safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students.
Laura's advocacy culminated in her support for Marriage Equality (AB 43), where she voted in favor of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples, affirming her commitment to equal rights under the law.
As your State Senator, Laura will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, building upon her proven track record and collaborating with community stakeholders to advance policies that promote equality, protect against discrimination, and ensure that every individual can live authentically and freely.
Throughout her public service, Laura has been a steadfast ally and champion for the LGBTQ+ community, advocating tirelessly for equality, dignity, and justice. Her legislative record reflects a deep-seated commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.