California Assembly members took significant steps towards enhancing labor support during the Assembly Floor Session on June 30, 2025, with the introduction of Senate Bill 129. This bill, presented by Assemblymember Gabriel, aims to make crucial adjustments to the 2025 budget act, focusing on labor-related provisions.
Senate Bill 129 includes several key measures, such as authorizing supplemental pension payments to the public employees' retirement fund and allocating $3.3 million for statewide collective bargaining for in-home supportive service (IHSS) providers. Notably, the bill also creates an exemption for the Golden Gate Suspension Bridge seismic retrofit project, which is expected to help avoid costly overruns.
Assemblymember Haney expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its importance in protecting and strengthening the IHSS program. This program is vital for providing care to the elderly, sick, and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to receive services at home in a more cost-effective manner. Haney emphasized that the bill marks a landmark step towards establishing a fair labor structure for the over 700,000 IHSS workers in California.
The discussions around SB 129 reflect a broader commitment to improving labor conditions and ensuring adequate funding for essential services. Assemblymember Gonzalez also voiced support, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to prioritize these issues.
As the Assembly moves forward with this legislation, the implications for California's labor landscape and the support for vulnerable populations are significant. The passage of SB 129 is expected to lay the groundwork for a more stable and equitable labor environment in the state, particularly for those providing critical in-home care services.