I didn’t run for office to play political games or climb a ladder. I ran because I’m tired of watching hard-working Californians—especially our blue-collar families—get crushed under the weight of high taxes, extreme regulation, and tone-deaf leadership that’s out of touch with everyday life.
I was born and raised in Riverside County. I’ve lived the reality that most working families now face: working long hours, trying to stretch every dollar, and watching the price of everything go up while Sacramento keeps taking more. That’s why every single bill I introduce has one goal—to give working people a fair shot.
Let me break down some of the bills I’ve introduced this year that are rooted in common sense and focused on the issues real people deal with every day.
AB 496 – Holding the EDD Accountable
If you’ve ever had to apply for unemployment or disability benefits in California, you know it can feel like yelling into a black hole. You pay into the system for years, but when you need help, you can’t get a live person on the phone or your payment arrives months late—if at all. AB 496 would force an audit of the Employment Development Department (EDD) to find out why response times are so slow and make sure real people get real help, on time.
AB 520 – Transparency on Homeless Spending
California has spent $24 billion on homelessness over the last five years. And what do we have to show for it? More encampments. More crime. More despair. AB 520 would shine a light on where our money is actually going by creating a public portal to track spending on homelessness and mental health programs. If the government can’t solve the problem, taxpayers at least deserve to know what’s being done with their hard-earned money.
SB 84 – Stopping Frivolous Lawsuits Against Small Businesses
As a principal co-author of SB 84, I’m fighting to protect mom-and-pop shops from being wiped out by opportunistic lawsuits. This bill gives small businesses a grace period to fix an ADA violation before they get sued. Most small business owners I talk to want to do the right thing—but they’re already drowning in red tape, taxes, and regulations. We should be helping them stay open, not giving trial lawyers another way to cash in.
AB 921 – Supporting Families Who Prepare for Power Outages
The push for electrification sounds nice until your power gets shut off with no warning—again. Families are being forced to buy generators just to keep the lights on and their fridges running, and it isn’t cheap. AB 921 would give a tax credit for generator purchases, so people aren’t punished for trying to be prepared.
AB 1066 – No Tax Dollars for Criminal Illegal Immigrants
I’ll say it plainly: California tax dollars should be helping citizens—not funding services for undocumented immigrants with felony convictions. AB 1066 would make sure taxpayer funds aren’t being funneled to organizations that support criminals who shouldn’t be here in the first place. That’s not heartless—that’s just responsible leadership.
AB 1092 – Making Personal Protection Affordable
I believe every law-abiding Californian has the right to protect their family. But with rising crime and sky-high inflation, many can’t afford to renew their concealed carry permits every two years. AB 1092 extends the renewal period to four years, cutting costs in half. You shouldn’t have to choose between personal safety and putting food on the table.
AB 1443 – Stop Taxing Tips
Service workers earn their tips through hustle and heart. It’s wrong for the state to take a chunk of money that was freely given for a job well done. AB 1443 would exempt tips from income tax, letting workers keep more of what they’ve earned. The state already takes more than enough from our paychecks—it’s time we let the people keep a little more of their own money.
None of these bills are extreme. None of them are partisan. They’re just common sense. But in California politics, common sense has become rare.
I’m here to fight for the people who wake up early, clock in on time, pay their taxes, and try to build a better life for their families. If that’s you, then I want you to know—you’re not forgotten. I see you. And I’m fighting for you every day in Sacramento.
Let’s bring California back to the people who make it work.
Leticia Castillo represents California’s 58th Assembly District, which includes parts of Riverside County. She is the Vice Chair of the Committees on Human Services and Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact.
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