My time as your Assemblymember has come to an end, after reaching the maximum twelve years dictated by term limits. I appreciate your support, re-electing me at every opportunity. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve you. I never had ambitions to be a state lawmaker, and I was as surprised as my immigrant parents that a career in government is where I ended up.

After my father came to America, he worked as a lighting technician at CBS Studios in Los Angeles. He thought this was the most amazing place in the world. And it is. Having been born and raised in California, I owe everything that I've become to this great state. I'm a product of public education - from grade school all the way through college.

I sought public office because I wanted the same opportunity for all Californians and to make the lives of 40 million people better. I came to Sacramento on the heels of the Great Recession, and I remember reading the Economist's cover story, asking "if the California Dream is over." Clearly, no.

Since then, the Golden State went from the eighth largest economy in the world to number five. Because of all the work we have done over the last twelve years, our per-pupil spending has risen, more families have health care, higher education is more accessible, climate change initiatives are progressing, more housing is being built and so much more. Not to mention, we survived the pandemic, making sure people had the resources to navigate unprecedented times.

In California, we have always written our own story, forging ahead before most states - even countries. And I'm proud of the work we did. I could not have done it all without my staff, past and present, who have helped me along the way - whether it was in San Francisco or up at the State Capitol. They worked hard, and I am appreciative of their efforts that resulted in so many accomplishments.

I have yet to decide what I will do next. However, you can follow my social media accounts and even contact me through them via Direct Message after Thanksgiving.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District