Californians have a tremendous stake in the national policy debates underway. Fundamental issues like healthcare access, environmental protections, privatization of public-sector assets and services, and the rights of vulnerable and marginalized communities hang in the balance. Our state is already poised to protect many of the core factors that form the bedrock of Californians’ health and well-being. Together, California communities, families, decision-makers, business leaders, and lawmakers have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to take a proactive and affirmative stance that propels us toward a future that is fair, just, and prosperous for all of our residents.

In these uncertain times, we must continue to aspire toward the future—it is not enough to oppose ideas and reject policies that violate our values of fairness and inclusion. We must lay out a bold vision of what we are working for, building on California’s track record of making effective investments in healthy, safe, and resilient communities. These are investments that save lives, save money, prevent needless suffering, and make our state a formidable economic and social force. Now more than ever, we must be bold in our leadership and insist that all Californians deserve to live in communities that support their health, safety, and equity.