Ensuring our government operates consistently and ethically has been a pressing matter for me since I first arrived in the Capitol. I am continuing in these efforts this year by streamlining the manner in which ballot initiative proponents can withdraw their measures and work for legislative solutions in order to avoid inundating voters with unnecessary measures; ensuring the money you spend on plastic bags at the grocery store is actually being used for what it is intended; modernizing the way we can update the Political Reform Act of 1974; and cutting unnecessary red tape around the ability for authorized cannabis lounges to operate the way they were intended. Additionally, I am working with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan on legislation to bring Independent Redistricting Commissions to all large jurisdictions following the leak of alarming tapes from Los Angeles City Council leadership which involved discussion of manipulating the drawing of district lines.
From the Capitol
Some of our state’s most pressing issues for Californians surround housing availability and the challenges posed by the unacceptable levels of our fellow Californians living on our streets. This year, to build upon the $12 billion allocated in 2021 to address homelessness through state programs like Homekey and Project Roomkey along with local government efforts, the Governor is proposing to spend $3.7 billion to maintain state efforts to address homelessness.
As chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, member of the Natural Resources and Water Committee, and Co-Chair of our Environmental Caucus, much of our office’s work pertains to the defense and maintenance of our air, water, soil, plants, wildlife, and more. After the significant successes last year with our climate package and climate investments of $20 billion, we have some more big things planned for this year, including a multi-billion dollar bond aimed at fortifying our state amidst climate change while also preserving natural resources.
Our government has a sacred duty to help keep our communities safe. Following significant investments in public safety over the last few years, the Governor's 2023-24 Budget Proposal looks to further these efforts. Investments include $564.4 million to combat organized retail theft, $200 million for a Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program, an additional $93 million in the battle against the harm caused by opioids and fentanyl, and $65 million for research and grant programs to support peace officers' overall wellness along with a pilot training program on Use of Force and De-escalation.
