The Rare Disease California Caucus was the first project of CAL RARE and was launched in 2017 to promote awareness of rare disease issues. The Founder/President of Cal Rare, Angela Ramirez Holmes, approached then Chair of the Assembly Health Committee Rob Bonta to start this bipartisan, bicameral legislative caucus in honor of her son and other California patients. It was modeled after the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus with support from the Everylife Foundation for Rare Diseases. The Rare Disease California Caucus is now led by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur.
GOALS:
- Bring public and legislative awareness
- Ensure rare disease patients have a voice in shaping policy
- Educate legislators and staff about rare disease policy issues
- Opportunity for legislature to engage with rare disease community (patients, academia, hospitals, biopharmaceutical industry, government agencies)
LEGISLATIVE STAFF CONTACT:
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur's office: Tami Grossglauser 916-319-2051
MEMBERS
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (Chair, D-51)
Assemblymember Diane Dixon (Vice Chair, R-72)
Senator Catherine Blakespear (Vice Chair, D-38)
Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-31)
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-16)
Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-72)
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-46)
Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-3)
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-65)
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-42)
Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-34)
Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-20)
Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-21)
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-73)
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-15)
Senator Ben Allen (D-24)
Senator Monique Limon (D-21)
Senator Scott Wiener (D-11)
