Huge Wins for Democracy, for Workers, and for Consumers
I’m excited to tell you about two huge legislative efforts that I have led in the last few weeks, creating wins for democracy, for workers, and for consumers.
Defending Democracy
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to present ACA 8, the Election Rigging Response Act, in the State Assembly. This constitutional amendment gives the power to voters to approve a new temporary Congressional map via a special election on November 4, 2025. Governor Newsom and the Legislature worked with urgency and transparency to respond to efforts by other states to dilute the voting power of Californians.
Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have been a leader in authoring legislation that promotes fair elections and protects the rights of voters. I had the chance to speak with both MSNBC and CNN about this important effort, and I was featured in articles across the country:
- MSNBC - California Assemblyman on redistricting battle: ‘We are living in undemocratic times’
- The New York Times - California Democrats Pass Redistricting Plan to Counter Texas Republicans
- San Francisco Chronicle - California Democrats OK plan to send redistricting to voters
- CNN - Assemblymember Berman discusses California Redistricting Legislation
Historic Legislation to Empower Workers and Improve Rideshare Affordability
Right before the Labor Day weekend, I was excited to join two colleagues to announce a historic compromise between SEIU California, Uber, and Lyft to provide a pathway for unionization for more than 800,000 California workers while at the same time bringing down the cost of rideshare services for millions of Californians.
Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, and President Pro Tem McGuire announced their support for AB 1340, my bill that I joint authored with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and SB 371, authored by Senator Christopher Cabaldon. Rideshare drivers are the backbone of the gig economy, and they deserve a role in deciding the future of an industry for which they are taking on the risk, getting on the road, and working long hours.
This shows that in California, labor can sit down with business to work through their differences and come to agreements that benefit workers, benefit consumers, and benefit employers. This is a really huge win in a very difficult year, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.
The federal government has unapologetically targeted California time and again over the past six months - targeting workers who power our economy, targeting California’s best in the world UC system, and targeting the healthcare systems that Californians rely on when they get sick. This is something our community knows all too well. Due to recent federal legislation, Santa Clara County alone will lose more than $1 billion in federal funding to Medicaid and food assistance over the next few years.
As the Legislature enters the final week of the 2025 legislative session, I am committed to passing legislation that protects and strengthens the progress we have made for all Californians.
View the full list and status of my 2025 bills below.
Sincerely,
Marc Berman
Assemblymember, 23rd District