About Kristina Bas Hamilton
Born and raised in New Jersey, Kristina is a proud daughter of immigrants. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations degree from Rutgers University. She’s worked in the house of Labor for over twenty years, from her first job as a research assistant for the faculty union at Rutgers University to serving as a policy analyst for AFSCME District Council 37 in New York City and representing NJ state workers at CWA Local 1034 (now Local 1036).
From 2010 through 2020, Kristina had the privilege of representing 120,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and family Child Care providers in California. As Legislative Director for UDW/AFSCME Local 3930, Kristina led efforts to prevent catastrophic budget cuts and win over $1 billion in state and federal budget funding.
A highlight of her career was helping the union win Governor Brown’s signature on historic legislation extending the right to overtime pay to over 400,000 IHSS workers. This meant securing $300 million in new and ongoing funding to increase worker pay.
Kristina is a recognized expert on the direct care workforce. In 2019, she was appointed to Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee. In that same year, she was accepted into the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI).
In 2021, Kristina founded KBH Advocacy to share her expertise in the California legislative and budget process. As a contract lobbyist and political consultant, she is privileged to work with labor and advocacy organizations around the state on a variety of progressive issues.
in 2024, Kristina rejoined UDW as Director of State Government Affairs, overseeing the union’s powerhouse political and legislative programs.
Kristina is married to her best friend, James, and mom to two school-age children and Zuko, the wonder dog.
“When Kristina opened her own consulting business, I jumped at the chance to hire her to help us on our campaign to increase access and equity to cash relief for low-income Californians.
It's been terrific - Kristina brings her substantial expertise in legislative and budget advocacy, providing guidance and suggestions on how to navigate the terrain of both policy making and politics.
She taps into her broad network of relationships to expand our reach, engage legislators and develop new partners. She's dogged in her pursuits, while also possessing a great sense of timing and diplomacy - she's in it for the long game.”
Teri Olle, Director, Economic Security California
