Joyce Li, 2025 CLA Intern
The CAUSE Capitol Summit trip was simultaneously one of the most exhausting, yet enlightening experiences I have had thus far. Immediately upon touching down in Sacramento, we headed to the State Capitol and observed the Assembly Floor Session. Since it was the last day that they were in session, things were quite hectic. Assemblymembers voted on bills in rapid succession, with practically everyone voting yes. They each had a button on their desk to cast their vote, and a large screen on the wall displayed each member and how they voted. After the session ended, we had the opportunity to go down to the floor and meet representatives as well. Although it was brief, we met Assemblymember Mike Fong, Assemblymember Sara Elhawary, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, and State Senator Sasha Renee Perez. It was an informative experience where I gained a better understanding as to how the government operates at the state level.
Additionally, CAUSE hosted 2 speaker events: a Legislative Alumni Panel and Guest Speaker. The panel consisted of CAUSE Leadership Academy Alumni that now work as legislative deputies in various offices. I found it interesting that connection to an assemblymember’s district is not a requirement. All of the panelists were from Southern California, but none of them were working for an assemblymember that represented a Southern California District. There also seemed to be a lot of lateral movement required to work as a legislative assistant or deputy in Sacramento. All of the panelists have been in multiple offices for different reasons, demonstrating how dynamic the role is. It is only in more senior roles and partly luck that one stays in an office for long periods of time. The guest speaker was Sophia Kwong Kim, Assemblymember Mike Fong’s Chief of Staff. I enjoyed learning about her path to becoming a chief of staff because it was not her intention to. It was reassuring to hear how she had a non-linear journey to her current position.
Leaving Sacramento, I felt inspired seeing how much work was being done to increase API representation in staff roles and elected officials at the state level. Everyone I met displayed so much kindness and enthusiasm, and it was very apparent that they all enjoyed the work they were doing.