The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a discussion on February 6th at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, featuring James Gallagher, the California State Assembly Republican leader, and Brian Jones, the California State Senate Republican leader. The event, part of PPIC’s 2025 speaker series, tackled pressing issues facing the state.
Rusty Areias, a board member on PPIC’s board of directors, introduced the event, highlighting the significant responsibility held by California’s leaders. Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the president and CEO of PPIC, moderated the discussion, asking the legislators to identify the most critical issues.
Jones highlighted the rising cost of living and public safety as ongoing concerns, along with the recent prominence of wildfires, insurance, and recovery efforts related to the 2025 Southern California fires. Gallagher echoed the importance of fire prevention, emphasizing the need to reduce fuel rates on California’s lands through vegetation management.
Cantil-Sakauye inquired about the state’s role in aiding the rebuilding efforts following wildfires. Gallagher cited Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order streamlining regulations as a positive step and advocated for local governments to partner with non-profit organizations to provide additional support. In addition to this, Jones called for accountability from officials regarding mistakes they made in fighting the fires.
The conversation shifted to stabilizing the home insurance market. Jones attributed the problem to over-regulation and proposed giving the insurance commissioner more authority. Gallagher suggested that the state should mitigate insurance company risk by conducting prescribed burns and thinning in certain locations to help remedy the market.
Addressing the state’s homeless population, Gallagher criticized the lack of metrics on non-profit and government spending on homelessness. He proposed that local regions submit their own plans for approaching the issue, rather than a top-down approach. Furthermore, Gallagher mentioned that the state needs to alter its strategy to help people exit the homelessness crisis.
During the audience Q&A, Gallagher explained how minority parties effectively lead by seeking common ground on policies and gave the example of securing one billion in funding after the 2021 Dixie Fire.
