 John, Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Artsakh and Armenia: all of these conflicts are far away. They’re also affecting us right here at home. I represent the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia and Los Angeles’ Jewish community is home to the second largest federated Jewish community in the United States. Our Ukrainian and Russian populations are also sizable. Like so many of our neighbors and community members, I have friends and family directly impacted by these foreign wars. And we are hurting because of it, even while we are safe. It is truly a gift to wake up in the morning to the peace this country affords its citizens. This country was built by immigrants and it is still the country that the world’s war-torn children look to for refuge. There is never a day that I am not grateful to call the United States home. It is a gift to represent a country and district I love every day in the California State Assembly, which leads me to the next thing the last few years have really hammered home. I am so grateful for our democracy that has proven both fragile and resilient in recent years. They are, at their heart, a social contract between the people and the government. I believe in that democracy, in the protections this country provides. It is one of the core reasons that I have dedicated myself to public service and what galvanized me to run for higher office. I’m grateful that I get to represent this community and that my constituents put their trust in me to fight to make our state a better place for us all to call home. Thank you for letting me share what I’m thankful for this year. Laura
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