Many Californians are still facing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Assembly Budget Chair, I am proud to report the latest state budget enacted new programs to address some of the most pressing issues we face, while also continuing to fund current efforts that help struggling residents and businesses regain their footing.

Income less than $75,000 a year:

To support lower income Californians and those severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislature appropriated funds for a second round of state stimulus payments. If you file taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or a US Social Security number, you may be eligible for a one-time payment. For more information, visit CalEITC and Golden State Stimulus.

Landlords and Tenants:

We also passed the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act earlier this year, establishing a historic Emergency Rental Assistance Program in the state. If you need help with unpaid rent or utilities, click here. Both renters and landlords can apply for this program! Previously covering 75% of back rent, eligible applicants would now receive aid for 100% of any unpaid rent or utilities. San Francisco has its own local program for tenants and landlords.

Small Business:

The state budget set aside $4 billion for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. It also provides $50 million in grants for micro-businesses and $150 million to create the California Venues Grant Program. Furthermore, tax credits are included to support small business hiring, the hiring of people experiencing homelessness, and the Cal Competes Program. Small business owners can find state resources as well as San Francisco and San Mateo County specific resources here.

Health Insurance:

If you or your spouse received unemployment insurance benefits for at least one week in 2021, the household will automatically qualify for health insurance as low as $1 per enrollee through Covered California. In addition, the budget expanded Medi-Cal eligibility to all income eligible Californians 50-plus years of age, regardless of immigration status and eliminated the Medi-Cal asset test expanding access to more income eligible seniors.

These are only a few programs for those affected by the pandemic-we still have a long road of recovery ahead of us. I am honored to serve as your Assemblymember and continue to fight for services and programs to help those in AD-19.