With many more Californians back on their pre-pandemic commutes, we are reminded of how crucial it is to have sustainable and reliable transportation options to move us between home, work, school and leisure. As the Assembly Budget Chair, I helped to secure billions for our state’s transportation infrastructure in the 2022-23 spending plan, improving and expanding how we get around.
eAlerts
With fall classes beginning for many college students this week, I’m reflecting on how our recent budget actions have opened doors to brighter futures. Every Californian deserves access to affordable and quality higher education.
The new school year is here! As a father of two and Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I’m happy to report the days of California’s low ranking for public education spending are over. Our latest state budget boosts TK-12 funding by a record 15%, propelling us into the top 15 nationwide for per-pupil spending – now nearing $23,000. As recently as 2011, we were 50th, spending less than $9,000 on a per-student basis.
Among the other highlights in this year’s budget:
Small businesses and nonprofits are still struggling as we continue to face new COVID-19 variants and increased costs due to inflation. Under the recently-adopted state budget, California has allocated $2.3 billion to help them stay afloat.
Among the highlights of the relief package:
With COVID-19 still persisting, millions of Californians remain reliant on social services and other assistance to help meet their basic needs. As Assembly Budget Chair, I’m happy to share the latest state budget has strengthened many of its safety net programs.
Our climate crisis is in need of young leaders ready to take action. I’m excited to see recruiting efforts ramp up for the California Climate Action Corps, a program that puts people to work in communities to support key projects in urban greening, organic waste, edible food recovery, and wildfire recovery.
For their eleven-month commitment beginning next month, Climate Action Corps Fellows receive a $30,000 living allowance and $10,000 in education awards that can be put towards college.
As Assembly Budget Chair, it’s been gratifying to see the state finally invest in the Asian American Pacific Islander community, addressing their needs through increased resources and neighborhood improvements. My latest efforts resulted in even more funding - some of which will benefit San Francisco.
Last week I announced that I secured $4 million from the state budget to help with the redesign of Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square.
Buffalo. Uvalde. Highland Park. The mass shootings over the last few months have been tough.
I’m excited to announce that an additional $30 million in Stop AAPI Hate grants has been distributed to 12 organizations throughout California to combat the rising number of attacks targeting members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. They’re called Transformative Grants because of the impact they can have. The allocation is timely because a new report shows hate crimes overall were up 33% last year.
I know many of you are hurting because the dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to these days. From gasoline to groceries, global inflation is taking a toll on the cost of living.
As Assembly Budget Chair, I’m proud to announce some relief is on the way to most Californians, thanks to the state budget just enacted.
It’s Time To Vote
The California Primary is June 7. Under our new California Voter Choice Act, every registered voter is sent a ballot in the mail. Many of you have probably already received it.
If you are not registered to vote, please do so by clicking here before the May 23 deadline to ensure you receive a mail-in ballot on time. You can also use that same link to check your registration status or change your information.
Mail-In Ballots
It’s Time To Vote
The California Primary is June 7. Under our new California Voter Choice Act, every registered voter is sent a ballot in the mail. Many of you have probably already received it.
If you are not registered to vote, please register here before the May 23 deadline to ensure you receive a mail-in ballot on time. You can also use that same link to check your registration status or change your information.
Mail-In Ballots
After a two-year hiatus, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is returning next month. Please join me in this joyous celebration of the LGBTQ community, as we march together in the parade on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
Come celebrate Bike Safety Month, observed every May, at this Saturday’s Bike Fair. This is an outdoor event at McCoppin Elementary in the Inner Richmond District of San Francisco.
RSVP Here
Thank you to everyone who attended my April 26 Budget Town Hall to give input or share ideas about the state’s next fiscal plan. Hearings will continue next month in Sacramento, where you’ll have more opportunities to weigh in.
My next in-person event is my annual bike safety fair, a perfect opportunity to celebrate Bike Safety Month, which is observed every May. As in years past, it will be held outside. This time, McCoppin Elementary is hosting!