This has been a tough year for all of us. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in business shutdowns, growing unemployment and extreme economic distress, along with related public health/mental health impacts for thousands.  And now, the drawn-out election aftermath and the fast approaching holiday season will be adding to what’s already been one of the most stressful years in decades. Stress and anxiety levels are going through the roof.

California’s small businesses employ over 7 million people, and make up 95% of all businesses in this region. Most employ less than 100 workers, and businesses with 4 employees or less comprise 65% of the total, like our neighborhood grocery or restaurant. The problems I encountered running my small retail business are what first led me to run for public office.

Throughout my term in the legislature I have advocated for those most vulnerable. I authored a bill to safeguard children who witness domestic violence incidents, and to allow counties to provide court approved mental health treatments for persons who have completed their sentences if they are a danger to themselves or others.

One of the most important lessons from the pandemic is the need to prioritize reliable prescription drug manufacturing. California, especially this region, has long been a center for medical research, and one of our top priorities should be to encourage more drug research, innovations, and manufacturing, especially for generic drugs. That’s why I support Senate Bill 852.

Since joining the Legislature I have authored and supported many bills protecting pets and native wildlife, most of which are now law.

I recently joined my legislative colleagues to recognize over 100 nonprofits that work tirelessly to enhance our communities and the lives of our citizens. Due to the pandemic, we were unable to have the usual ceremony at the Capitol, but the lack of a formal celebration cannot diminish the important contributions made by California’s nonprofits.

Sacramento, CA - Today, Governor Newsom signed a historic bi-partisan package of criminal justice reform bills, including AB 1304, authored by Assemblymember Marie Waldron, which provides that eligible parolees who volunteer and receive six months of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) upon release from prison will be eligible for reductions of 30 days off their parole sentences, up to a maximum 90-day reduction.

Assistance League of Inland North County was picked as a California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Marie Waldron and is among more than 100 nonprofits recognized by their state senators and assemblymembers for their significant contributions to the communities they serve.

This session, I am honored to be recognized as a “Mental Health Super Hero” by the Steinberg Institute, because of my work on mental health policy, advancing mental health parity to physical health and working to expand access to care.  In addition I supported 9 bi-partisan bills, which were all forwarded to the Governor for his signature. 

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce's State of the Chamber event was unlike any other in the business-promoting organization's history. Also speaking during the event was State Assemblymember Marie Waldron and Fallbrook Honorary Mayor Carlos Perez, who will be the honorary mayor again, MacDonald said.