Senate District 03 Newsroom

Senator Cabaldon
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For more information, contact Mary Lynne Vellinga

MaryLynne.Vellinga@sen.ca.gov

916-599-3724

Aerial view of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
Press Release

Legislature blocks governor’s attempt to fast-track Delta tunnel; Sen. Cabaldon says it’s time to move on

Senator Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo, and other legislators representing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have successfully rebuffed – at least for now – efforts to speed up the process of building a giant tunnel that would divert water from the Sacramento River before it reaches the Delta and send it to southern California. “This project doesn’t make sense for anyone – not the people of the Delta or the water users in southern California," Sen. Cabaldon said. "It’s time to let go of this fantasy and move on to solutions that don’t harm the Delta and have a realistic chance of being built.”

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Press Release

Budget package makes sweeping reforms to CEQA to get more housing built

The state budget package passed by the Legislature Monday evening and headed to the governor for his signature reforms the California Environmental Quality Act to make it easier to build climate-friendly infill housing and essential facilities like childcare centers, farmworker housing, parks, food banks, and health clinics. “These are the most important infill housing reforms the Legislature has ever contemplated,” said Senator Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo, said of one of the bills, AB 130. “This bill makes it clear that we are going to open the door for substantial investments in housing.”
Press Release

El Acuerdo Final Sobre el Presupuesto Estatal Incluye Iversiones Clave para Fortalecer Universidades con Baja Matriculación como Sonoma State y Cal Maritime

l acuerdo presupuestario entre la Legislatura y el Gobernador para el año fiscal 2025-26 se compromete a mantener y desarrollar la calidad de la educación superior en California y en el Distrito Senatorial 3o, dijo el Senador Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo, quien ha realizado su carrera como líder de educación superior, experto en políticas y profesor.

El acuerdo presupuestario final no solo revierte el recorte del 8% a los sistemas UC y CSU propuesto originalmente por el Gobernador en enero, sino que también otorga una asignación directa de $45 millones a la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma, que había recortado carreras, personal y todas las actividades deportivas de la NCAA ante un déficit presupuestario de $25 millones. La inyección de fondos estatales permitirá a la universidad estabilizar sus finanzas, recuperar algunos recortes y planificar el futuro. Los fondos también se utilizarán para desarrollar carreras con alta demanda, como enfermería y ciencias de datos. Lea más aquí.
Press Release

Final state budget agreement makes key investments to strengthen under-enrolled universities like Sonoma State and Cal Maritime

Not only does the final budget deal between the Legislature and Gov. Newsom reverse the 8 percent cut to the UC and CSU systems originally proposed by the governor in January, it makes a $45-million direct allocation to Sonoma State University, which had cut majors, staff and all NCAA athletics in the face of a $25-million budget shortfall. The infusion of state funding will allow the school to stabilize its finances, restore some cuts, and plan for the future. The funding will also be used to build up in-demand majors like nursing and data science. The budget agreement also provides $5 million to the California State University system to assist under-enrolled campuses such as Sonoma State and Cal Maritime Academy in Vallejo with outreach to potential students.
Press Release

Senator Cabaldon applauds $600 million in new funding for homelessness in budget deal

The final budget deal between the Legislature and governor will include $600 million for the state’s two main programs to reduce unsheltered homelessness – a major victory for Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo, and other lawmakers who represent cities and counties relying on this funding to get people off the street. The agreement, which depends on full adoption of all the related budget language and associated legislation, will contain $500 million for the seventh round of Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Grant (HHAP) for the fiscal year beginning in July 2026. The budget for fiscal 2025-26, which begins July 1, will contain $100 million in additional funding for Encampment Resolution Grants, which have been used by many cities and counties to resolve particular encampments.
Newsletter

Legislature passes budget that restores funding for housing, higher education

In my role chairing a Budget subcommittee, I have spent months pushing back against proposed cuts that would hurt the residents and institutions of California and Senate District 3. I’ve also questioned new spending proposed by the governor.
Press Release

Legislature’s proposed budget continues vital investments in education, housing

On Friday, June 13, Sen. Christoper Cabaldon, D-Yolo, joined his Senate colleagues in approving an alternative to the governor’s proposed budget. The Legislature’s proposed budget makes about $12 billion in cuts, the amount needed to address the current deficit, but preserves funding for the state’s top priorities: higher education, housing, and reducing unsheltered homelessness. It also contains key items that will help District 3.
Press Release

Sen. Cabaldon applauds choice of Monique Limón as next state Senate leader

Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Yolo Tuesday voiced his strong support for the choice of Senator Monique Limón as the Senate’s next leader. The Senate Democratic Caucus Monday voted unanimously for Limon to succeed current Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire in January.

Limón, a Latina from Santa Barbara, will be the first woman of color to hold the post.

“Senator Limón is a valued colleague and friend, and I’m thrilled for the people of California that she will hold this leadership position,” said Senator Christopher Cabaldon. “She has an inclusive style that will serve us well as we balance the many issues facing California.
Press Release

Senate passes Cabaldon bill to open online learning to California students, schools

In a bipartisan vote, the California State Senate Monday passed SB 790, a bill by Sen. Christopher Cabaldon that would remove barriers that today prevent California universities and students from pursuing online learning opportunities. Today, California is the only state that doesn’t belong to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, an interstate pact allowing higher education institutions to offer online classes in other states. SB 790 authorizes the governor to join the agreement.