How We Work - The California Problem Solvers Caucus

Who we are

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.

The caucus engages issue experts, promotes bipartisan cooperation, and crafts legislative solutions based on common ground rather than rigid partisan ideology. The 501(c)(3) California Problem Solvers Foundation and 501(c)(4) Action Fund can each support the caucus in different capacities, providing professional staff, public affairs, and/or issue advocacy for our priorities.

How we work

Bipartisan, Bicameral Co-Chairs

Four co-chairs, representing both houses and parties, lead the caucus collaboratively: Senators Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) and Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and Assemblymembers Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) and Heath Flora (R-Lodi). Co-chairs meet every two weeks to select issues for caucus engagement. Contact a co-chair or caucus staff (below) to propose an issue for a future caucus agenda.

Caucus Meetings

The caucus meets every other week to discuss policy issues. Meetings feature experts who present on policy challenges, answer questions, and engage in constructive dialogue. The caucus uses knowledge gained to generate bipartisan agreement and legislative solutions. If your issue is on our agenda, caucus staff will help you identify speakers, materials, and subtopics of interest.

Policy Summits

Summits focus attention on significant policy issues over the course of several hours or days. Summits include a broad mix of speakers addressing an issue’s larger context, policy linkages, and diverse stakeholder perspectives. Expansive discussions reveal shared values that can forge bipartisan consensus.