In the News

Virtually everyone I know is struggling with the rising cost of living. The price of everything from gas to groceries keeps rising and people are having to make tough choices. 

Laura Wilson and her husband live in Fresno and are raising two teenage daughters. Laura shared a story I’ve heard far too often across our community.

With triple-digit temperatures, her family faces a painful choice every month:

“Do we keep the A/C off and sweat it out, or turn it on and face a utility bill we can’t afford?”

Their story isn’t unique. From Fresno to Sanger, I’ve been sitting down with families just like the Wilsons, listening to their struggles and their triumphs. What I hear is clear: our community is resilient, but we need leaders in Sacramento who understand what families are going through and are ready to fight for them.

That’s why I’m running for State Assembly - to lower costs for Central Valley families while fighting any policy that will make life more expensive.  

To help families like the Wilsons, I’ve been working to connect residents with real solutions. I recently hosted pop-up events across our district where residents could sit down one-on-one with program representatives to get immediate help with their utility bills. At these events, families received personal guidance on enrolling in affordability programs, including options to wipe away past-due bill debt and sign up for ongoing cost-reduction assistance moving forward. 

I know the challenges families are facing because my family has lived them too. My grandparents came to the San Joaquin Valley to build a better life. My grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico City through the Bracero Program and spent over 30 years working on the railroad, while my grandmother worked at the Selma Cannery. They showed me that every penny counts when you are trying to raise a family. Their hard work and sacrifices taught me the values that guide me today: perseverance, community, and opportunity for every family. 

My work has been focussed on building safe and affordable communities here in the Central Valley. When I first ran for office, I was driven to deliver thriving neighborhoods for Fresno. I’m proud to say during my time as City Council President I worked hard to: 

• Secure millions in public safety funding to hire more firefighters and police officers
  
  

• Expand affordable housing and reduce homelessness
  
  

• Protect public services and increase city revenues without raising taxes 

But I know there’s more work to be done. Families like the Wilsons deserve real solutions to ease the cost of living and build a brighter future for the Valley:

• Lowering utility costs and protecting families during extreme weather
  
  

• Expanding affordable housing so everyone has a safe place to call home
  
  

• Creating economic opportunities so parents can save for their kids’ futures
  
  

This campaign isn’t just about me, it’s about us. It’s about ensuring that families like the Wilsons aren’t forced to choose between comfort and survival.

I’d be honored to have you join me in this fight for our community’s future.

Together, we can make Sacramento work for every corner of the Valley.

With gratitude,
Annalisa Perea
Candidate for State Assembly