Dawn Digest: November 2025
As the holiday season begins, our focus remains on helping families, strengthening local communities, and delivering real results for the Central Coast. Many residents are facing food or healthcare insecurity, and I am committed to building a more affordable California for everyone.
Please use this list to help meet your food and health coverage needs:
Below, you can find some additional important information from across the Central Coast.
Yours in solidarity,
Dawn Addis
Chair, Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health
Assemblymember, 30th District
Your Voice in the Capitol
$80 Million Fast-Tracked for Food Banks
On November 1, when the federal administration refused to use money it had to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), America's program to fund food for those in need, millions of people were left to go hungry.
In California, I serve on the Assembly Budget Committee, where we prioritized food security in this year's state budget, including tens of millions of dollars for food banks. Because of that work, Governor Newsom was able to fast-track $80 million in emergency funding to help food banks meet the growing need across our state.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, local food banks in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties are here to help.
California's Universal Meal Program Supports Students Amid Federal Uncertainty
With the federal government shutdown disrupting SNAP benefits for millions of families, programs like California's Universal Meals Program are more essential than ever. Funded by the State Legislature, this program ensures every child can enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost, helping students stay focused, healthy and ready to learn, without paperwork or stigma.
$190 Million to Keep Health Insurance Premiums Affordable
One of the key reasons for the federal government shutdown is the administration's attempt to eliminate the subsidies that help make the Affordable Care Act / Covered California plans affordable for millions of Americans.
As Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health, I fought throughout the 2025 legislative session to keep healthcare affordable for working families. Thanks to that effort, this year's state budget includes $190 million to help lower-income Californians keep their Covered California premiums affordable.
Learn more about Covered California and explore coverage options.
Governor Signs Laws to Protect Whales, Our Coast and You
As Co-Chair of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, I'm proud of what we've achieved together. Our three priority bills, now signed into law, will protect whales and reduce pollution, strengthen coastal resilience and keep water service reliable for a community facing wildfire risk.
Prop 50 Passed - What Does it Mean?
I am a co-author of AB 604 and SB 280, which set the special election for Prop 50, California's Election Righting Response Act, in response to Texas's partisan redistricting. On November 4, Proposition 50 passed overwhelmingly. As of this writing, the results showed 63.9% of Californians voted yes. This bill establishes new congressional district lines for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections; however, the Central Coast will see very little change.
The Central Coast in Action
Advocating for 12,000+ Acres of Coastal Land Conservation
I have lived in the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant evacuation zone for more than twenty years and I understand both its challenges and its benefits. One thing is certain: this plant has had a lasting environmental impact that demands meaningful mitigation now, not later. In 2024, I helped secure $40 million to advance the conservation of Wild Cherry Canyon as a first step toward long-term environmental balance. I submitted a letter and gave public comment, detailing my views for the November 6 California Coastal Commission meeting. I urged the Commission to require protection of more than 12,000 acres of untouched coastal lands surrounding the plant. These lands represent a vital opportunity for true mitigation and coastal preservation.
- Read my full letter
- Listen to my public comment (at 1:54:20)
- Listen to me on the Dave Congalton Home Town Radio show (at 21:00)
Senior Scam Stoppers
Scammers are becoming smarter, and staying informed is our best defense. I recently hosted a seminar to help seniors and people of all ages protect themselves from fraud. I hope you will take a few minutes to learn how to safeguard your information and your money by watching my video.
Greg Hanle: Uplifting Students and Teachers in Santa Cruz County
As a Cabrillo College Alumnus, I had a wonderful time presenting President Greg Hanle with an Assembly resolution for the Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers (CCFT) 40th anniversary. CCFT's advocacy for students, educators and public education is something we should all be grateful for.
Your State, Local and Federal Representatives: Collaborating in Monterey County
I joined my local, state and congressional colleagues and their staff at last month's Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council (BSMACC) meeting to address local needs. At the meeting, I was honored to pay tribute to the late Steve Beck, a cherished community member, land steward, master gardener and advocate in Monterey County whom we all miss.
First Responders: Opening the new Public Safety Communications Center in San Luis Obispo County.
I joined first responders and local, state and congressional representatives to open the new dispatch center that is jointly operated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office and CAL FIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire. We listened to the very first call come over the airwaves. This is a huge win for the entire County and I was proud to be part of the celebration.
Independent journalism is critical to a strong democracy. I am honored to have my legislative work featured by news outlets across our state. I hope you will read some of our recent press: