Source: Spectrum News
“If I was told as a kid that I would one day represent my home, this region, in the state Legislature, I wouldn’t have thought it’d be possible because I grew up in poverty,” Rivas said.
The speaker is one of the most influential roles in the California Legislature. The speaker appoints members to different committees and decides who chairs those committees. They also have significant influence over the state budget, along with the governor and president of the State Senate.