What factors contribute to happiness? California legislators are eager to uncover the answer

California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon cherishes his downtime away from the political bustle of Sacramento, opting instead to spend quality moments with his 4-year-old daughter near their Los Angeles home. Recently, they enjoyed a weekend outing that included ice skating, visiting an indoor playground, and a sweet treat—a donut—as a reward for her scooter ride along the way.

Reflecting on these simple joys, Rendon shared, “Those are the moments that truly bring me happiness,” during a candid interview outside the state Assembly chambers. Having served as a lawmaker for twelve years, the Democrat, known for his lengthy tenure as Assembly Speaker, is now on a mission to infuse happiness into the realm of policymaking in his final year in office.

Taking a pioneering step, Rendon established the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes, the first of its kind in the nation. This committee held its inaugural public hearing this week, signaling a pivotal shift towards prioritizing happiness as a metric for governance.

Rendon emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It would be shortsighted for us not to explore avenues to enhance people’s happiness. Achieving basic needs like housing and employment is crucial, but true success lies in fostering happiness.”

California’s diverse demographic landscape reveals disparities in happiness levels, with certain groups reporting lower satisfaction rates. Despite the state’s progressive stance on various issues, it lags behind in integrating happiness into policymaking compared to countries like Bhutan, which enshrines happiness in its constitution through the Gross National Happiness Index.

Acknowledging that the government can’t guarantee happiness for all, Rendon stressed the role of policymakers in creating conducive environments for pursuit. Drawing from expert testimonies, the committee aims to identify strategies for bolstering happiness, with a forthcoming report slated for release post-legislative session.

Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo echoes Rendon’s sentiments, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health crises among California’s youth. Citing her own daughter’s experiences, Schiavo emphasizes the need for proactive measures to tackle this pressing issue.

Experts underscore the multifaceted nature of happiness, influenced by leisure activities, social connections, and life circumstances. They advocate for targeted investments in mental health services, improved access to green spaces, and integrating happiness education into school curricula.

Happiness isn’t just a personal state; it holds broader societal implications, enhancing civic engagement, creativity, and overall well-being. Despite setbacks during the pandemic, ongoing research seeks to understand the dynamics of happiness shifts among Californians.

Rendon’s initiative aligns with his holistic approach to policymaking, focusing on overarching social issues. While opinions on government intervention vary, the establishment of the happiness committee underscores the fundamental purpose of governance—to foster the happiness and welfare of citizens.

As Rendon looks to global examples and UN reports for inspiration, his vision resonates with those who see government’s ultimate aim as cultivating a populace that thrives emotionally and socially. Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness emerges as a noble goal, integral to the fabric of public policy.