Dear Friends and Neighbors‚
Legislation Updates:
As we reach the halfway point of the 2025 legislative session‚ I want to thank you for your continued trust and engagement. Our office has been hard at work introducing and advancing legislation that promotes fiscal accountability‚ strengthens electoral integrity‚ and provides meaningful relief to California’s families and small businesses. While not every measure survives the political gauntlet in Sacramento‚ I remain committed to delivering practical‚ commonsense solutions to the issues that matter most to our communities.
Below is a brief update on the bills still advancing‚ highlights from the legislative battlefield‚ and a resolution I was proud to author to support those living with ALS. For more information click here.
SB 408: Cleaning Up California’s Voter Rolls
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officials to contract with the U.S. Postal Service for change-of-address data‚ ensuring ballots are not sent to outdated or invalid addresses.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 voter rolls and helps restore public confidence in our elections.
SB 595 Penalties for Delinquent Local Finance Reports
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.
SB 723 Modernizing the Low-Value Property Tax Exemption
SB 723 raises the outdated $10,000 property tax exemption threshold to $25‚000 and ties it to inflation. The current threshold hasn’t changed since 2006‚ burdening small businesses with taxes on items like office furniture or minor improvements. This bill reduces red tape‚ provides economic relief‚ and allows small business owners to reinvest in their communities.
Other Measures Delayed or Suspended
While these three bills move forward‚ other proposals in our 2025 package have either been turned into two years bills‚ held in committee‚ or placed on the Senate Appropriations suspense file. Although stalled‚ these ideas remain priorities‚ and we’ll continue pushing for their advancement in the next legislative window.
May is ALS Awareness Month
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease‚ is a progressive and fatal condition that robs individuals of their ability to walk‚ talk‚ and breathe. Tragically‚ the disease has no known cure and most patients survive only 2 to 5 years after diagnosis.
The resolution honors those living with ALS‚ their caregivers‚ and the groundbreaking research being conducted by the ALS association‚ which has invested more than $154 million into global research efforts. By raising awareness‚ we help accelerate the progress toward effective treatments‚ and one day‚ a cure.
As always my office is here to serve you. Whether you need help navigating state services or want to share feedback on legislation‚ we are just a phone call or email away. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the California State Senate.
Senator S. Steven Choi‚ Ph.D.
State Senator‚ 37th District
In Other News:
Memorial Day Events
It was an honor to attend the City of Laguna Niguel and American Legion Post 281 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony. We gathered as a community to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our Nation. During the event‚ I appreciated speaking with veterans‚ families‚ and paying my respects. I have a deep respect for the sacrifices made by our military and continue to show my ongoing support for those who have served.
Their sacrifice is the foundation of our freedom‚ and their legacy lives on in our continued commitment to country‚ duty‚ and honor.
Open House
It was a true pleasure to welcome so many friends‚ neighbors‚ and constituents to our District Office Open House. I believe strongly in being accessible to the people I represent‚ and this event was a great opportunity to have personal conversations about the issues that matter most to our community. What a Turnout!!!
During the open house‚ I had the chance to speak with local officials‚ small business owners‚ and nonprofit leaders doing incredible work in the 37th Senate District. These conversations are invaluable, and they help shape my legislative priorities and remind me why public service matters.
As we have officially opened our new office‚ I reflected on how honored I am to represent such an engaged and thoughtful community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so meaningful. My door is always open.
Nonprofit of the Year Awards
In May we had the opportunity to recognize the REACH Foundation as Senate District 37’s nonprofit of the year. Later in the month‚ we joined the REACH Foundation to recognize a slew of additional accomplished nonprofits from the district‚ which can be found here.
Choi Team:
The Choi Team attended the City of Tustin and OC Water District’s Dedication Ceremony for the new treatment plant. This plant ensures the quality of Tustin’s drinking water is reliable and safe.
The Choi Team attended the William G. Steiner Police & Fire Recognition luncheon hosted by the City of Orange Rotary Club. Police and Fire officials from the City of Orange were honored for their service and sacrifices.
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