Alex Padilla

“Now, California is a big state, we're a very diverse state, full of diverse communities with local variations in the cost of living and local business conditions. Just like the rest of the country. And let me tell you, the sky did not fall when California enacted a $15 minimum wage.”

“Our neighborhood had more than its share of challenges, from poverty to crime to unhealthy air. It may not have been the safest neighborhood, but my mom felt blessed that we had the sanctuary of a backyard. And we had a strong sense of community.”

“Voting is a right and a responsibility. Teaching young voters the value of this right and responsibility will show them the power they possess to shape their future.”

“Some of the most striking revelations in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection here in the Capitol, were reports that some members of the Capitol Police were sympathetic to the insurrectionists.”

“Millions of Americans do essential work but are not paid a living wage.”

“Our public lands are one of our state's greatest gifts - from the San Gabriel Mountains, to the Central Coast, and through Northwestern California's forests and rivers.”

“Granting formerly incarcerated individuals the right to vote tells them 'your voice matters.'”

“Expanding background checks for all sales and transfers of firearms is simple, popular, and commonsense.”

“Your zip code or your income level should not dictate your access to healthy drinking water.”

“As a first-generation college student, I know the hurdles that far too many people face in accessing quality, affordable higher education.”

“Attorney General Becerra was the leading force behind the lawsuit to protect the Affordable Care Act. Yes, he had the audacity to maintain protections for people with pre-existing conditions and for those suffering from mental illness.”

“Police officers' disproportionate use of force against people of color is a stain on our nation.”

“No one should ever have to choose between their health and their job.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the critical need for paid sick days for our nation's workers and families.”

“The science is clear: to solve the climate crisis, we must protect our natural spaces.”

“Too many immigrants lack basic workplace protections because of their immigration status.”

“While the national highway system connects cities and facilitates economic activity across the nation, it's construction historically has been deeply destructive for many communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore dignity and humanity to our immigration policies and to respectfully uphold America's legacy as a nation of immigrants.”

“No one who works a full-time job should live in poverty. It's that simple. We must stand on the side of hard-working Americans.”

“Dignity, respect, and citizenship for essential workers is personal for me and in the best interest of our country.”