FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Kayla Blado, kayla.blado@hailstonecommunications.com, 240-489-1803
October 1, 2026
Sacramento, Calif. – Today, after months of advocacy by UDW members and allies across California, Governor Newsom signed AB 1776, the COMPETE (Competition and Opportunity in Markets for a Prosperous, Equitable and Transparent Economy) Act, into law. The legislation represents an important step toward strengthening competition, promoting consumer choice, and building an economy that works for working families, not just the largest corporations and state billionaires.
UDW members rallied behind this bill, generating thousands of emails and messages to lawmakers demanding California do more to address rising costs and hold powerful corporations accountable. And while the legislation was ultimately narrower than originally proposed, its passage marks an important step toward building an economy that works for working families, caregivers, and small businesses.
“We applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 1776, a historic and desperately needed step to rein in corporate price gouging and put money back in families’ pockets,” said Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930). “At a time when hardworking Californians, including home care and family child care providers, are struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages, this action by the Governor will help balance the scales by promoting fair competition and giving workers more opportunities to earn better pay, UDW will continue to support legislation that helps working people thrive in California. We also want to thank Assembly Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry for her courage and tireless leadership advancing policies like AB 1776 on behalf of workers and small businesses in our state.”
This victory is an important first step in UDW’s commitment to advancing bold economic justice policies that improve the lives of care workers and the communities they serve. While wages and benefits remain critical priorities, working families also need solutions that address the rising cost of living and create an economy that works for everyone, not just corporations.
Alongside pro-worker legislation, UDW is supporting candidates and ballot initiatives that will improve the economy for working families by lowering the cost of living, strengthening affordable health care, and increasing wages and benefits.
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UDW represents more than 250,000 dedicated home care and family child care providers across California. Their members are the backbone of care for seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families—fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and policies that strengthen our communities.