California, which recently basked in a record-setting $100 billion budget surplus, found itself grappling with a deficit of more than $30 billion—now expected to reach $68 billion in 2024-25. Despite the fiscal headwinds, the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC), in collaboration with its partners, remains stanch in advocating for vital legislative changes to enhance access to care for individuals with chronic conditions across the state.

In June 2023, Assemblymember Robert Rivas succeeded Assemblymember Anthony Redon, becoming the 71^st Speaker of the Assembly. Along with the change in the top Assembly position, the Assembly leadership team and key committee chair positions have changed.

Most significantly for CCCC, Assemblymember Mia Bonta has been appointed to chair the Assembly Health Committee, while Assemblymember Buffy Wicks will chair the Appropriations Committee.

In August, we also learned that Senator Mike McGuire will soon replace Senator Toni Aktins as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

We expect to see another round of musical chairs when the transition takes place in February. These changes come on the heels of historic turnover, as the 2022 and 2024 elections ushered in some of the largest freshman legislative classes in recent history. These changes will require diligence to develop strong relationships with dozens of new legislators. We’ll be reaching out to those in new positions to learn about their priorities and how the myriad changes might affect CCCC’s interest.

CCCC’s top priorities for 2024 include the PBM and All Copays Count legislation, as well as a new project we have undertaken to increase awareness of obesity as a chronic disease and encourage coverage for treatments at parity with other chronic conditions. You’ll hear more about all three bills soon.

As the new legislative session begins, look for CCCC’s announcements for our annual policy committee meeting, the announcement of a briefing coming soon, and our annual Advocacy in Action Leg Day. We anticipate a busy, bustling year. We look forward to working with our partners and count on your support as we advocate for people with chronic conditions.