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State Sen. Jesse Aragon outlines housing, immigration and climate actions and promises support for local priorities
Summary
Sen. Jesse Aragon told Alameda's council the legislature secured emergency funding for lawsuits and legal defense for immigrants, backed housing investments including a 586‑unit North Housing Project with $20M in state support, and advanced bills restricting federal agent secrecy and addressing ghost guns.
State Sen. Jesse Aragon addressed the Alameda City Council on Nov. 4, summarizing his first‑year priorities and actions on immigration, housing, public safety and climate resilience.
Aragon said the legislature approved a $50 million emergency allocation in a special session, with $25 million going to the state attorney general to pursue litigation against federal actions the state considers unconstitutional. "We are committed to increase that funding," Aragon said, describing support for legal defense providers across the state and funding directed to Alameda County organizations.
On immigration protections, Aragon described SB81 (a bill to limit ICE presence at schools and health facilities) and SB627 (the 'No Secret Police Act') to prevent federal or local officers from hiding identities without narrow exceptions. He said the legislature is working to expand legal representation and legal defense funding for people facing deportation.
Aragon highlighted housing investments, naming the North Housing Project in Alameda — an effort to produce 586 affordable homes and supportive housing by 2030 — and said the state provided more than $20 million through the Department of Housing and Community Development for the project's first phase. He also cited climate and resilience spending tied to Proposition 4, and a one‑time $750 million loan to stabilize Bay Area transit operators while state-level SB63 is developed to provide ongoing operating funding.
During Q&A, councilmembers asked about the 'Make Polluters Pay' fund; Aragon said the author held the bill but he intends to vote for it in the Senate, and urged local grassroots advocacy to influence Sacramento. Members of the public — including Heather McLeod and a group of students — urged active support for the polluters‑pay proposal.
Aragon closed by noting nine of his bills went to the governor and were signed this year, and invited continued local input on legislation and budget priorities for Alameda.
