From left are Amanda Camacho, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick and Assemblyman Josh Hoover’s Field Representative Natalya Sachuk at the January ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on Jan. 20. Photo by Ornella Rossi

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - State budget challenges, homelessness and public safety took center stage Tuesday, Jan. 20 as Assemblyman Josh Hoover addressed local business and community leaders at the January 2026 ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon.

The event, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, was held Jan. 20 at the Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, and drew business professionals from across the city and surrounding areas. The luncheon is designed to connect members of the business community with key decision-makers and civic leaders.

Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick introduced Hoover, highlighting his work as vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy, as well as his advocacy for students with disabilities.

The event, hosted by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, was held Jan. 20 at the Citrus Heights Event Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, and drew business professionals from across the city and surrounding areas. Photo by Ornella Rossi

“He is a passionate advocate for California families,” Merrick said.

Hoover, a Republican representing California’s 7th Assembly District, provided an update on recent legislative activity and his priorities at the Capitol. His district includes Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova, along with several unincorporated communities in Sacramento County.

“It’s been a little while since I’ve been with you,” Hoover told attendees. “We have a brand-new year and a lot going on in the Legislature.”

Hoover discussed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent State of the State address, the first delivered in person before the Assembly since 2020. He said the speech offered insight into the governor’s long-term plans but raised questions about claims related to homelessness and crime.

Hoover noted that while the governor cited a statewide decline in homelessness, long-term trends show an increase over the past several years. He praised Citrus Heights officials for their local efforts to address the issue.

The luncheon was sponsored by Almond Orchard Dental Care. From left are Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick and Dr. Gabrielle Rasi of Almond Orchard Dental Care. Photo by Ornella Rossi

“What we've seen over the last six years is an increase in homelessness across the state from about 116,000 individuals six to seven years ago to over 180,000 unsheltered homeless today in California. The city of Citrus Heights has been laser-focused on this issue,” Hoover said, crediting the City Council, police leadership and staff for working together on the problem.

Turning to public safety, Hoover said recent reductions in crime are largely due to voters passing Proposition 36, rather than executive action alone.

“We have seen some very fantastic improvements in our crime statistics. We need to continue building on that,” said Hoover.

Hoover also addressed the newly proposed $350 billion state budget, $28 billion more than last year’s budget, warning of potential deficits ranging from $3 billion to $18 billion, depending on revenue projections.

Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce new members smile alongside chamber board members at the January ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon on Jan. 20. Photo by Ornella Rossi

“The governor’s budget builds in a lot of very, I would say, optimistic projections, that AI stocks are going to continue to drive a huge tech boom and stock market boom in the state. His budget has about $42 billion in additional revenues that the legislative analysts, our nonpartisan fiscal office, does not have. We need to be careful with how we budget our state this year,” he said, adding that long-term structural deficits could pose serious challenges if not addressed.

Among the accomplishments Newsom highlighted at his address was Hoover’s legislation Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires school districts statewide to adopt policies limiting smartphone use during the school day by July.

“I think it's something that is going to be very valuable for our students, and I really did appreciate the shout out from the governor,” said Hoover.

Hoover also cautioned against a proposed state wealth tax, saying it could have unintended consequences for California’s economy and working families. While supporters argue the tax would primarily affect the state’s highest earners, Hoover said early signs suggest it may already be driving wealthy individuals and their assets out of California, reducing overall tax revenue.

First-place winner of the inaugural chamber’s Kids Commerce program, Ashley Guzman, holds her check for $1000 dollars alongside Assemblyman Josh Hoover and chamber board members. Photo by Ornella Rossi

“About half of our highest-income earners cover nearly two-thirds of the personal income taxes in this state,” Hoover said. “If those taxpayers leave, we’re going to feel it in our budget.”

He said his focus will remain on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in state spending to better use existing taxpayer dollars rather than creating new taxes.

At the conclusion of Hoover’s remarks, Merrick made several chamber announcements, including recognition of students who participated in the chamber’s Kids Commerce program. First-place winner Ashley Guzman and second-place winner Jose Cabano received checks and certificates, presented with congratulations from Hoover.

The luncheon was sponsored by Almond Orchard Dental Care. Lunch was provided by Taste of Tuscany and included salad, pasta, garlic bread, chicken and cookies.

The next ACCESS Citrus Heights Luncheon is scheduled for Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Event Center. The keynote speaker will be Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho.

Second-place winner Jose Cabano received his winning of $750 and certificates, presented with congratulations from Assemblyman Josh Hoover. Photo by Ornella Rossi