Thanks to a $16.5 billion surplus, California has been able to respond to the public health crisis brought on by the coronavirus in real time. Countless needs were addressed without having to pull funds from different programs and agencies.

No one, though, could have predicted the severity of the pandemic and the staggering impact it would have on the economy. Combine our COVID-19 expenditures with declining tax revenues and increased need for public programs, the state budget now faces a deficit that could be as big as $54 billion. As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, it pains me to know some difficult choices lie ahead in order to pass a balanced budget by the June 15th deadline.

To better understand our fiscal situation and how it could affect schools, affordable housing projects, transportation and other priorities, please join me for a virtual roundtable discussion with Legislative Analyst Gabriel Petek, the state's non-partisan fiscal advisor, and Assemblymember Jay Obernolte, Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee.

Monday, May 18
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Facebook.com/PhilTingSF

After this roundtable, Assembly budget hearings on the Governor's May Revision are scheduled to begin. Be assured we will work with the Governor and Senate to make sure no families are left behind in our recovery. California is resilient, and I am confident we will rebound together.

Sincerely,

Phil Ting
Assemblymember, 19th District