community toil – gave him a direct under- standing of the challenges faced by many residents as they struggle to build better lives for themselves and their families. Rivas was first elected to the state Assembly in 2018. During his first term, he was appointed as the Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and elected as Vice-Chair of the Latino Leg- islative Caucus. During his legislative tenure Rivas has championed legisla- tion to improve California’s supply of affordable housing, increase workplace health and safety protections, create the Golden State Teacher Grant Program, and secure the first-in-the-nation COVID-19 Farmworker Relief Package. While most speakership battles resolve quickly after the winning candidate secures the necessary support, this transition took longer than customary. Behind the governor and the Senate pro tempore,


the role of Assembly speaker is one of the most influential in the state capitol. Overseeing the legislature’s largest body and its committee assignments, the fate of controversial legislative proposals and negotiating the state’s $300 billion budget make for a highly coveted political position. In May of 2022, Rivas built enough sup-


port to officially challenge Speaker Rendon and begin the conversation of transitioning the leadership reins. He did not have enough support to force a transition in that legislative year, however. After a six-hour-long Dem- ocratic caucus, no resolution was reached, and Rendon retained the title. That summer, members of the Leg-


islature wrestled with the choice before them and caucused again shortly after the midterm elections in November of 2022. A negotiated transition plan kept Rendon as Speaker through June 30, 2023, with Rivas assuming the position effective July 1.


With most of the legislative and budget


proposals finalized this past summer, Rivas’ leadership of the Assembly and his governance style won’t be truly realized until the beginning of the 2024 legislative year. AGC of California and its advocates have worked with the new Speaker and have had a good relationship to date, most recently evidenced by negotiating chang- es to make his prevailing wage hauling bill (AB 1851 – 2022) more workable for contractors. We look forward to his leadership and


being a resource for his success when it comes to infrastructure and construction industry public policy.


Felipe Fuentes


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 Unscrupulous contractors undercut responsible contractors like you


when bidding, causing your company to be unable to compete. Often this practice is illegal and results in an unlevel playing field. We are here to help level that field. As a signatory contractor and partner of OPCMIA locals


500 and 600, you are provided a Prevailing Wage Compliance Program, ADR Joint Workers’ Comp Program, and Competitive


Private Commercial & Residential Rates. In addition, you have access to a workforce trained from an ap- prenticeship program accredited by the State of California. Our apprentices learn all aspects of concrete including form setting, placement, finishing, concrete polishing, patching and repair.


Contact us to learn how we assist your growth and value.   Local 600 ~ 323-771-0991 ~ www.cementmasons600.org


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023


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