Mother Lode Senator Continues To Push For Better Firefighter Pay

Published Aug 29, 2026 2:30 pm : Updated Aug 29, 2026 12:39 pm

Mother Lode State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil—Courtesy of the Senator's office

Sonora, CA – Mother Lode Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) is calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign AB 2129, which has already passed by the Legislature and would deliver fair pay for CAL FIRE firefighters.

In a letter to the governor dated Friday (8/28), she requested that he approve the measure requiring the state to bargain in good faith with rank-and-file CAL FIRE firefighters in Bargaining Unit 8 for a competitive salary range within 15% of the average for corresponding ranks in 20 agreed-upon California fire departments. AB 2129 would compel the state and Bargaining Unit 8 to conduct a joint survey of projected average earnings among the 20 fire departments they have agreed upon and disclose the results to the Legislature and the public.

Last year, the governor vetoed AB 1309, another bill addressing firefighter salaries. According to Alvarado-Gil, AB 2129 returns the subject to the governor with a bargaining-based approach, with any compensation modification taking effect only through a memorandum of understanding.

“Cal Fire firefighters risk their lives battling wildfires to protect our homes, businesses, and communities,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “Rural Californians in districts like Senate District 4 depend on them. They deserve compensation that reflects their bravery and the work they do. I asked my colleagues last year to override the veto of AB 1309. Today I am asking the governor to sign AB 2129.”

Senator Alvarado-Gil noted that existing surveys already show a substantial gap between state firefighter base pay and local counterparts and that communities in Senate District 4 have lived through major fires, including the Caldor Fire and Mosquito Fire.

“Firefighters deserve better, and so do Californians,” Alvarado-Gil said. “AB 2129 is a commonsense path to competitive wages through bargaining and legislative ratification. I respectfully urge the governor to sign it.”

The bill does not create an automatic pay increase.