Laura Friedman is an American politician serving in the California State Assembly. A Democrat, she represents the 43rd Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge,
As a California State Assemblymember, as a Glendale City Councilmember and Mayor, and as a citizen, Laura Friedman has proven to be a stalwart environmental champion. Laura is uncompromising in her commitment to combating the climate crisis through increased utilization and development of clean energy and promoting sustainable methods of transportation for people and goods.
Laura is a lifelong defender of human rights. As an Assemblymember, Laura has a track record of proposing and passing legislation to end sexual harassment and retaliation in the workplace, ensure our foster youth have what they need to live successful lives, and to strengthen protections for the elderly and people with disabilities in residential care facilities. As a leader and citizen of California, Laura will continue to fight to ensure our state is a truly equitable place for everyone.
Laura believes that healthcare is a human right. During her time in the State Assembly, Laura has authored and supported important legislation to increase access to healthcare for millions of Californians, lower drug prices, empower healthcare professionals, and to put our state on the path to healthcare for all. Laura has vowed to continue to fight until everyone has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
Laura believes that housing affordability and homelessness is Los Angeles’ most pressing and difficult crisis. Laura has worked to increase our affordable housing stock; cut red tape that has prevented the development of housing; voted to invest billions of dollars in funds towards new housing and homelessness services; and fought hard to make sure those living on our streets have access to the care and services they need.
Laura has earned a reputation as a forward-thinking policymaker who understands the key role transportation plays in shaping the future of our state. Laura has been a steadfast advocate for better, more efficient, mass transit options such as rail and light rail; for more active transportation options in urban areas including safe bike and pedestrian paths; and for the utilization of emerging technologies to greatly improve how people move around where they live, work, and play.
Education is one of Laura’s top priorities. Education is the key to opportunity, and one of the most effective antidotes to poverty. Education is key to developing productive citizens and a skilled workforce. It fuels the economic engine that maintains California’s position as a leader on the global scale. As an Assemblymember, Laura has stood with our public schools and supported greater transparency and accountability for all schools. She voted to increase per-pupil funding to record levels, and joined her colleagues in making universal pre-Kindergarten a reality in California.
Laura believes that the safety of our community should be a top priority for any elected official. In the State Assembly, Laura has been a vocal proponent of cracking down on dangerous street racing and reckless driving; supported measures to make our communities safer while trying to ensure officials take an equitable and community-based approach; and has implemented new emergency procedures for residential care facilities. As a City Councilmember, she was heralded for her support of law enforcement and for better training and procedures when dealing with the mentally ill.
Laura knows that small businesses form the backbone of our communities and local economies. As a small business owner herself, she has taken her understanding of the challenges and experiences of business owners with her into the legislature. Laura has worked to improve investment in our communities, ensure we have an educated workforce, and to make it easier to do business in California. As a Councilmember, she was lauded for her efforts to cut red tape, streamline entitlements, and helped make Glendale the business-friendly environment it is today.