25: Inside the First 100 Days in Office with Assemblymember Damon Connolly

<p>I had the pleasure of sitting down with Assemblymember Damon Connolly, who represents <a href="https://a12.asmdc.org/">California&#39;s 12th Assembly District</a>, for a spirited conversation recapping his first 100 days in office.</p> <p>Elected to the Assembly in November 2022, Connolly is one of 34 new members of the California Legislature. </p> <p>This is a <a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/election-2022/2022/11/california-legislature-diversity/">record number</a> and that turnover will only increase in the next few years. An additional 24 seats will open in 2024 and, according to <a href="https://closethegapca.org/the-motherlode/">Close the Gap California</a>, by 2028 a “Motherlode” of 96 seats will have changed hands!</p> <p>In today’s episode, we delve into Assemblymember Connolly’s first few months in the California Assembly. Our conversation takes you from his 18-year background in local government to the intricate world of Sacramento politics. </p> <p>We discuss the learning curve all new members face when they arrive at the Capitol as they learn to navigate the complexity of the California’s legislative process to make good on campaign promises.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In this episode you’ll learn about:</p> <p>04:11 — The learning curve for new members</p> <p>06:30 — How to use your facetime with members wisely</p> <p>09:59 — The whirlwind aftermath of the November election </p> <p>11:58 — Super majority caucus dynamics</p> <p>17:57 — The fight to pass SBx1 2 (Skinner)</p> <p>23:29 — Navigating the budget process as a new member</p> <p>31:53 — Final Advice for advocates</p> <p><br></p> <p>Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/damon-connolly</p> <p><br>📧SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER</p> <p>Stay up to date with the podcast that brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed.</p> <p>https://ww