Dear Friends and Neighbors‚
Happy Spring! Finally, the weather is starting to warm up‚ the sun is shining a little brighter each day‚ and the days are getting longer. As we embrace the joys of Spring‚ the energy around out district is just as vibrant. With the legislative session in full swing‚ we are working to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our community. Team Choi continues working tirelessly to represent our constituents and fight for policies that strengthen our state.
I want to update you on legislation that I am currently working on. Your feedback and involvement are vital as we move forward‚ so I encourage you to stay informed and reach out with your thoughts.
Legislation Updates:
This past month brought both challenges and opportunities in the legislative process. One of the most pressing developments was the unfortunate stalling of our Elections Bill Package in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee. This package aimed to strengthen the integrity of our electoral process and ensure transparency and security in our voting system. Despite this setback‚ we remain committed to pursuing meaningful election reforms and advocating for our democratic liberties.
In positive news‚ Senate Bill 797 successfully passed through multiple committees‚ marking a significant step forward in California wildfire legislation. The bill promotes transparency and ensures that the utility companies moving forward with undergrounding plans are making smart‚ equitable‚ and effective decisions without pushing the costs onto ratepayers.
On Wednesday‚ May 14th‚ we have numerous bills being heard in the Revenue and Tax Committee. Of note are: SB 267 which provides a tax credit for teachers – in an amount up to $250 – for the purchase of instructional materials and classroom supplies per taxable year that are not reimbursed; SB 268 which provides a straightforward but effective remedy by excluding emergency settlement payments from gross income for taxation; SB 723 which would authorize local governments to raise the maximum threshold for the Low Value Exemption of property from $10‚000 to $25‚000 of assessed value. Bills that make it out of that Committee are expected to be heard the following week in the Appropriations Committee.
We are in the midst of a busy May‚ with several of our key bills being heard in committees. These proposals cover a range of important issues‚ from public safety to economic development‚ and we are eager to bring them to the forefront.
Despite our efforts to promote policies that protect democratic participation and individual freedoms‚ we have seen a disappointing disregard for these fundamental principles from the majority party. By blocking meaningful election reforms‚ they have ignored the need for a transparent and accountable voting system. However, we will not be deterred. We will continue fighting to ensure that the voices of our constituents and all Californians are heard and respected.
While we may face obstacles‚ our commitment to serving the people of California remains unwavering. We will keep pushing for policies that promote fairness‚ accountability‚ and economic opportunity. As always‚ your input is invaluable in shaping the direction of our legislative efforts. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office to share your thoughts and concerns.
It’s an honor to serve as your State Senator‚
Senator S. Steven Choi‚ Ph.D.
In other news:
I’ve been fortunate to meet many of you at local events across our district. It’s been a pleasure to connect‚ listen to your concerns‚ and talk about how we can collaborate to make our community an even better place to call home. As we continue through this busy legislative season‚ I’m eager to bring our district’s voice into the bills and decisions that will impact us all.
First‚ I would like to invite you to my district office grand opening on Friday‚ May 16th‚ from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. We are located at 3200 El Camino Real #230‚ Irvine‚ CA 92602. This office will be a resource for constituents to access state services‚ connect with the Senator and his staff‚ and engage in the legislative process.
On March 29‚ 2025‚ I attended a special community event hosted by the Orange County Korean American Citizenship Association. This gathering brought together local leaders‚ families‚ and volunteers to celebrate civic engagement and recognize those who have made significant contributions to the community.
I had the honor of presenting certificates of recognition to both incoming President Richard Moon and outgoing President Sunny Park‚ in appreciation of their outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the organization.
It was a heartwarming occasion that reflected the strength‚ unity‚ and active participation of the Korean American community in Orange County.
The Women of Distinction Event
Our district office hosted its first event‚ dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding women in our community. These honorees have made a significant impact through their leadership‚ service‚ and contributions in various fields‚ including business‚ education‚ and healthcare‚ public service‚ and community advocacy.
We are proud to have hosted this inaugural event and look forward to continuing this tradition of honoring those who uplift and strengthen our community. Watch Senator Choi recognize Woman of the Year‚ Doris Cortes‚ here.
We had a productive meeting at Irvine City Hall with Senator Choi and City Council Members Liu and Go. The discussion centered around the future of the Katie Wheeler Library in District 1‚ with Senator Choi sharing his perspective on broader library planning for the city.
Congressman Dave Min and Youngwan Kim‚ the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles joined Senator Choi at an event to support Korean American adoptees who do not currently have U.S. citizenship. The purpose was to raise awareness and advocate for legislative solutions that would provide permanent legal status and citizenship to adoptees who were brought to the United States as children but were never naturalized. During the event‚ speakers emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive adoption-related immigration reform‚ outlining the key elements of the law that would offer long-overdue support and recognition to this vulnerable population.
Some Highlights from the Choi Team:
Our Legislative Staff attended a Briefing and Tour at John Wayne Airport. During the visit‚ we had the opportunity to learn about the airport’s current operations‚ upcoming projects‚ and key initiatives aimed at enhancing passenger experience and efficiency.
This briefing offered valuable knowledge on the airport’s role in regional transportation and economic development‚ helping us better understand how to address aviation-related concerns and opportunities within our communities.
Huntington Learning Center- Lake Forest: This afterschool tutoring facility has a strong focus on academic growth. Huntington helps students build essential skills across subjects‚ ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges. Through personalized attention and expert guidance‚ Huntington Learning Center is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and succeed in their academic pursuits.
The Choi team attended the North Orange County ROP Celebration of Success‚ a special event honoring high school students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their vocational and academic pursuits.
The Villa Park High School Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser is a community event aimed at raising funds to support school programs and student activities. The event brought together students‚ families‚ faculty‚ and local supporters to enjoy pancakes and fellowship‚ while contributing to a meaningful cause that benefits the school communities.
Get Connected:
If you enjoyed our monthly newsletter and want to stay connected please subscribe to receive our email alerts.