Laird’s legislative efforts: Cal Poly and the environment

John Laird, the California State Senator who represents San Luis Obispo, directly impacts Cal Poly students through law and policy. As California’s Cal State budget cuts are proposed, John Laird’s policy defense holds tangible impacts for students across California.

Laird rejected a proposed 8% funding cut to the Cal State system during a committee meeting discussing higher education funding, according to CalMatters. These proposed cuts risk housing affordability for students, reduce financial aid and reduce Cal State campus resources.

Sen. John Laird explained balancing the state budget as his focus for the current legislative term. However, he said he is determined to keep the load off college students by defending any cuts to the Cal State system.

“I’ve worked hard on local issues, funding for Cal Poly, protecting land, making sure businesses are supported,” Laird said.

Laird presented 26 Cal Poly students to the State Senate floor in February. The students were presented with awards and academic achievements, highlighting student success at Cal Poly. 

READ MORE: Cal Poly students receive recognition for achievements at the State Capitol on Tour of Champions

“Cal Poly has so many students that are worth highlighting,” Laird said in an interview with Mustang News.

Laird emphasized the importance of younger voters and the impacts they hold over politics. The inclusion of younger voices helps represent the needs of younger communities, such as college students.

“We can influence the outcome of government,” Laird said to Mustang News, urging Democratic participation toward California state government and beyond.  

Laird’s environmental investment

Outside of education, Laird works towards environmental protection and supports bills promoting conservation, clean energy and transparency.

Laird authored and introduced SB 963, California Coastal Act of 1976, aiming to improve coastal protections and public access within California. The bill is still in the first chamber of the Senate and pending review.

Laird also authored SB 575, California Sea Otter Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, allowing residents to designate their tax payments towards conservation for sea otters. The bill would improve protections along California’s Central Coast where these creatures inhabit.

In October 2025, AB 93, a proposed California AI water usage transparency mandate, garnered support from John Laird. The bill involves mandating AI businesses to estimate their water usage and requires them to report the estimate to the city before obtaining or renewing their business license. 

READ MORE: How CA water management shows tension between tech growth and the environment

Expertise, affiliation and committee groups

Sen. John Laird, is a Democratic representative for District 17, which includes the majority of San Luis Obispo County, along with parts of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties. 

Laird has worked in the state legislature for a total of 10 years. He served in the Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and has served in the Senate since 2020. 

Laird was up for reelection for his Senate seat in 2024 and won, accumulating 65% of the vote, compared to the opponent Tonny Virrueta’s 35%, according to CalMatters. His campaign totaled to $1.8 million, 224% higher than the average candidate. 

Laird has initiated 39 bills so far this legislative session. Fifteen passed, two failed and 22 are pending, as of April 13, according to CalMatters. Laird’s major campaign efforts and legislative action support higher education, environmental protections and fiscal responsibility.

Laird is aligned with major interest groups including American Civil Liberties Union, California Environmental Voters, California Labor Federation and California Teachers Association. He is opposed by the National Federation of Independent Business and the Civil Justice Association of California, according to CalMatters.

Laird is the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review. He is an active participant on 20 committees, according to CalMatters.