Nguyen Unveils Small Business Relief Bills at Sacramento’s Little Saigon Press Conference
Asm. Stephanie Nguyen said the legislation reflects concerns raised directly by local business owners
This morning, California Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (District 10) announced two small-business-focused bills during a press conference in Sacramento’s Little Saigon district, highlighting efforts to address the financial pressures local merchants face.
Speaking at Pegasus Bakery & Cafe on Stockton Boulevard, Nguyen was joined by local business leaders, including the chair of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce and the bakery’s co-owner, as well as representatives tied to the legislation. The event was held in a commercial corridor known for its concentration of immigrant-owned small businesses.
The measures — Assembly Bill 1606 and Assembly Bill 2607 — are aimed at reducing operational burdens and improving access to capital for small business owners, particularly those operating on narrow margins.
AB 1606, dubbed the Business Cleanup Relief Act of 2026, would create a five-year tax credit program allowing commercial property owners to recover up to $20,000 annually for costs tied to illegal dumping, unauthorized encampments and abandoned property.
Nguyen said such expenses have become increasingly common for small businesses, particularly in urban corridors, where repeated cleanup and security costs can threaten long-term viability.
"Over the last few years, our community businesses have been pushed to breaking point; not because of competition, but because of clean-up costs from illegal dumping, unauthorized encampments, and abandoned properties," she said.
The bill is designed to offset expenses for waste removal, sanitation, property repairs, and other immediate mitigation efforts, according to the legislative fact sheet. Those cleanup expenses often result from the presence of unhoused individuals.
The second measure, AB 2607, would expand California’s Capital Access Loan Program to help small businesses secure financing for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades. The proposal focuses on reducing lender risk by enhancing a loan loss reserve system, making it easier for businesses to access private loans for compliance-related improvements.
Eligible businesses include those with 30 or fewer employees or annual revenue of $5 million or less, with loans of up to $250,000 available for accessibility retrofits.
Nguyen emphasized that both bills are intended to support small business owners navigating rising costs while maintaining safe and accessible storefronts.
The press conference also featured participation from business advocates and state representatives involved in the bills’ sponsorship, underscoring support from both the economic development and financial sectors.
Nguyen, who represents Elk Grove and portions of Sacramento, including the Little Saigon district, said the legislation reflects concerns raised directly by local business owners.
Joining Nguyen were Matthew Hargrove, President and CEO, California Business Properties Association (Sponsor, AB 1606); Khaim Morton, Deputy Treasurer, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma’s Office (Sponsor, AB 2607); Amy Labowitch, Board Chair, Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce; Business Owner; Cynthia Lam, Business Owner, Pegasus Bakery & Cafe.
