The California Problem Solvers Caucus announced the addition of four new members to its roster: Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr. (D-Lynwood), and Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita).

Problem Solvers Caucus members Assemblyman David Alvarez (D-San Diego) and Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Ripon) authored an op-ed calling on the Legislature to force regulatory approval of the E15 fuel blend. E15 would reduce the cost of a gallon of gas by 20 cents and reduce emissions.

Today, the California Problem Solvers Caucus released the following statements in response to the State Assembly passing ABx2-9 (Petrie-Norris), which would push the state to adopt a new fuel blend with increased ethanol levels (E15). A new, higher-ethanol fuel blend could reduce gas prices by 20 cents per gallon, saving California drivers an estimated $2.7 billion per year.

Climate scientists agree that reducing methane emissions is the most important short-term effort to limit global warming. With the passage of SB 1383 (Lara) in 2016, California has taken appropriate steps to significantly reduce methane and other short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in California, as part of the state’s comprehensive climate policies. Climate-smart agricultural practices, including dairy methane reduction, are part of the solution. We urge you to continue the incentive-based approach currently being successfully employed by the California Air Resources Board.

On behalf of the 20 bipartisan, bicameral state legislators of the California Problem Solvers Caucus, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments to the proposed regulations published by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the Internal Revenue Code section 45V Credit for Production of Clean Hydrogen (Clean Hydrogen PTC) and the energy credit, as established and amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Public Law 117-169, 136 Stat. 1818 (August 16, 2022).

The California Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed sensible, obtainable solutions to the rise in retail theft seen over recent years. After a series of stakeholder meetings and internal discussion, Caucus members have put forward a series of thoughtful proposals to update and reform our current retail theft statutes

Every other week, the 21 members of the Problem Solvers Caucus gather for lunch to hear presentations on different policies. This session, they’re focusing on clean energy and homelessness — issues they say impact every legislative district in California. 

The California Problem Solvers Caucus is a new voice – and a unique venue – to address complex state challenges. Our 21-member bipartisan, bicameral caucus is both a convener and a catalyst, bringing together innovative ideas and diverse stakeholders to inform pragmatic policymaking.

SACRAMENTO - Today, the California Problem Solvers Caucus announced that it had submitted a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom asking the administration to restore $40 million in funding for floodplain restoration projects around the San Joaquin River. Governor Newsom had proposed cutting the funding (which was originally approved in last year's budget agreement) in his January budget proposal.

Dear Governor Newsom:

We are writing to urge you to retain $40 million in FY 2022-2023 funding for San Joaquin River floodplain restoration. Your draft FY 2023-2024 budget proposes to eliminate these funds. We also urge you and the legislature to increase flood funding to achieve the level of state funding recommended in the new Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, which was adopted last December.

We urge you to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline and bring relief to California

residents who have been grappling with record inflation, increased cost of goods, and the

highest gasoline prices in the country.