Dear Friends and Neighbors‚
Legislation Updates:
As we reach the halfway point of the 2025 Summer Recess‚ I wanted to express how much I’ve enjoyed my extra time with you all in the district. I will return to Sacramento on August 18‚ which is when the entire State Legislature will reconvene and hear the remaining bills for the final month of this year’s session. At that time‚ it will be a sprint to the finish line. There will be many long days and nights until the September 12 deadline to pass bills to the Governor’s Desk. From there‚ the Governor has until October 12th to sign or veto those bills.
Below is a brief update on the two bills still moving forward:
SB 408: Cleaning Up California’s Voter Rolls (currently on the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File)
Voter integrity starts with accurate records. SB 408 would require county election officials to contract with the U.S. Postal Service for change-of-address data‚ ensuring ballots are not sent to outdated or invalid addresses. This bill is a direct response to growing public concern about sloppy and inaccurate voter rolls‚ and helps restore public confidence in our elections.
SB 595: Penalties for Delinquent Local Finance Reports (currently on the Assembly Floor)
A handful of cities and counties across California are failing to submit annual financial audits‚ with some still delinquent for fiscal year 2022. SB 595 would impose fines on local finance officers who fail to file these critical reports within ten months of the end of their fiscal year. Transparency is not optional‚ and this bill sets a clear expectation for responsible financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
No on AB 84 — Yes on SB 414
AB 84 and SB 414 are two bills that will regulate nonclassroom-based charter schools. While SB 414 would do so in a reasonable and measured way‚ AB 84 would be catastrophic to thousands of students across the state. Unfortunately‚ despite overwhelming opposition‚ AB 84 passed out of the Senate Education Committee on July 16. In better news‚ SB 414 passed out of the Assembly Education committee that afternoon. As these two bills head to their respective Appropriation Committees‚ our work is not done. Most pressing is encouraging Senate Appropriations Committee members to vote no on AB 84 and to hold it in committee. A list of Senate Appropriations Committee members can be found here. Please note that Senators Seyarto and Dahle have stood with us in expressing their opposition to AB 84. If you would like to submit a position letter‚ the portal and instructions can be found here. Watch my comments at the press conference here.
75th Anniversary of the Korean War
On June 25‚ 1950‚ the Korean War began. It was a war that tore families apart‚ devastated a homeland‚ and forever changed the course of history. Over 1.7 million American service members answered the call. More than 36‚000 never came home. Millions of Koreans‚ both soldiers and civilians lost their lives or were displaced. Every name of those who were sacrificed during the Korean War is inscribed on the 5-Star marble stones at the Korean War Memorial in the Hillcrest Park in Fullerton in Orange County.
The Korean War is sometimes called the ‟Forgotten War.” But as Korean Americans‚ we do not forget. We carry its legacy in our hearts‚ in our histories‚ and in our commitment to honor those who served. To those who defended a Korea they had never seen‚ and those who fought for a homeland they could not leave behind.
Seventy-five years later‚ the Republic of Korea stands as a beacon of democracy and innovation. Here in the United States‚ Korean Americans continue to contribute to every part of American life as entrepreneurs‚ doctors‚ teachers‚ public servants‚ and proud citizens. The Korean War succeeded in truly defending freedom‚ dignity‚ and opportunity.
Watch my remarks here.
Senator S. Steven Choi‚ Ph.D.
State Senator‚ 37th District
In Other News:
Fourth of July
I enjoyed the Lake Forest Fourth of July Parade with my family and staff. This was a great opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the United States’ Independence Day.
72nd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Ceremony
It was my deep honor to honor to speak at the Association of the Republic of Korea U.S. Chapter 72nd Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Ceremony. It was a tremendous opportunity to honor and remember the sacrifices of our Korean War Veterans.
Senior Scam Prevention Event
On Wednesday‚ July 30th‚ I hosted a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar at Park Plaza in Orange‚ bringing together local residents to learn how to identify and avoid common scams. Expert speakers from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the City of Orange Police Department shared the latest information on scam tactics‚ prevention strategies‚ and methods to report fraudulent activity. Attendees also received helpful resources to take home to ensure they stay prepared and protected. Our office looks forward to continuing our efforts to protect and inform our senior community.
Small Business of the Month: OPAH Seafood Grill
Located in the heart of Aliso Viejo‚ OPAH Seafood Grill has been serving up fresh‚ flavorful seafood and warm hospitality for years. From their signature grilled dishes to a vibrant community spirit‚ OPAH is more than just a restaurant‚ they’re a local favorite and a true staple in our neighborhood. I am proud to recognize OPAH Seafood Grill as our Small Business of the Month for their dedication to quality‚ service‚ and community. Here’s to many more years of success!