Creating Change June 2024 |
Happy Pride Month! As we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, I wish everyone a fun and safe Pride Month. I’m proud of the progress we have made to protect LGBTQ+ Californians, but there is still much work to do to ensure that everyone can live their true life without fear of discrimination.
Budget Update |
Despite a serious budget shortfall this year impacting our state’s reliance on volatile revenue sources like income tax and capital gains tax, my colleagues and I worked intensely over the past five months on a fiscally responsible and comprehensive balanced budget that closes the $45 billion shortfall, rejects cuts to core programs, and includes $23 billion in reserves this year and $13 billion in reserves in 2025-26. I am particularly proud that this budget plan that:
- Prioritizes key investments in our firefighters and wildfire technology to detect, respond, and suppress wildfires more quickly;
- Restores $150 million for grade separation projects and prioritizes projects that are at risk of losing matching federal funding;
- Protects investments in coastal resiliency; and
- Includes funding to expand child care by more than 10,000, and commits to 200,000 by 2028.
This plan keeps the state on solid fiscal ground for years to come, and as Chair of the Budget Committee on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy, I am committed to preserving the progress we have made on climate and protecting our natural resources and keeping California on a path towards net zero.
Around the Peninsula |
FUNDING FOR GRADE SEPARATION PROJECTS IN SENATE DISTRICT 13
Pictured here: Senator Becker and coalition of supporters for safe train crossings
Since being elected, I have fought for state funding for our community’s necessary grade separation projects, and I am encouraged that this budget restores $150 million for priority projects and commits the state to prioritizing projects that are at risk for losing matching federal funds. I am committed to working with the administration to ensure that the state keeps its promise and fully funds the state’s top priority projects in Burlingame, Mountain View, and Palo Alto.
JUNETEENTH
Pictured here: Senator Becker, Carolyn Hoskins, and Alexis Lewis
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, where former slaves in Texas were informed of their emancipation. It is the longest-running African American holiday and a source of deep cultural pride and celebration for over 150 years. Senate District 13 hosted many many celebrations and events to commemorate Juneteenth. I was proud to join my friend Carolyn Hoskins at the Domini Hoskins African American Museum and Learning Center. The City of Millbrae also hosted a parade and celebration.
LGBTQ+ TOWN HALL
Pictured here: Senator Becker, Dana Johnson, Ken Yeager, and former Assemblymember Rich Gordon. Not pictured: Senator John Laird.
As we partake in the parades and other festivities, I hosted a Virtual Town Hall entitled, “A Living History: The 50-Year Fight For LGBTQ+ Equality In Silicon Valley.” I was joined by trailblazers from our community to discuss the history of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Silicon Valley. While we’ve come a long way in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance, there is still work to be done. I hope you will join me for a glimpse into this fascinating history. You can view the entire town hall here.
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Pictured here: Senator Becker with Anita Goodman and another representative of Move Mountain View
I am pleased to recognize Move Mountain View and Senate District 13’s Nonprofit of the Year. Move Mountain View brings together faith communities, non-profits, and governments to combat homelessness through a novel approach by providing a safe parking space for individuals and families who are living in their vehicles for them to sleep, connect with necessary services, and utilize restrooms and other hygiene facilities. Move Mountain View has enhanced the quality of life for our community and has made significant contributions in SD 13 through its work to provide safe places for our homeless neighbors.
CONSTITUENT SURVEY - LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
The issue of smartphones in our children’s schools has become a significant issue in our communities. Some say they are a distraction for kids and contribute to cyberbullying. Others disagree, saying that it’s unnecessary. What do you think?
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY PILOT REWARD PROGRAM
I am supporting San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller on a pilot program that rewards individuals up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals who commit residential burglaries. It was recently unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors. The Residential Burglary Reward Pilot Program gives local law enforcement new tools to combat the growing wave of residential burglaries in our community, which are not only financially harmful but psychologically detrimental to victims. The program will be available in the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and unincorporated county areas located in District 3. More information will be available as this program launches.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Cal Volunteers has created volunteer programs where you can make a real difference in your community, learn new skills and build unique relationships? If you are interested in giving back, come join the 10,000 member-strong service force at Cal Volunteers and help communities by taking climate action, tutoring and mentoring students, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources. There are different deadlines for every program, and you can find more information for each program at https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov.
In the News |
States Work to Regulate Health Insurers’ Use of AI to Deny Care
(Bloomberg Law, June 26, 2024)
California lawmakers fold in budget spat, approve Gavin Newsom’s $400M loan to Diablo Canyon
(SacBee, June 24, 2024)
California bill would undo rules making it hard for schools to go solar
(Canary Media, May 21, 2024)
Opinion: How interim housing could solve California’s unsheltered homelessness crisis
The Mercury News, June 7, 2024
Budget plan may aid San Mateo County
(San Mateo Daily Journal, June 6, 2024)
Editorial: Californians don’t have to accept skyrocketing electric bills. Here’s how to fight back
(Los Angeles Times, June 2, 2024)
Legislative budget restores Broadway crossing funding
(San Mateo Daily Journal, May 30, 2024)
Funding for upgrade at dangerous Burlingame rail crossing back in state budget (Video)
(NBA Bay Area, May 30, 2024)
Bay Area leaders plead for funding to be restored to fix 'CA's most dangerous railroad crossing' (Video)
(ABC7, May 29, 2024)
Caltrain crossing cash in peril
(San Mateo Daily Journal, May 29, 2024)
State Sen. pushing for train crossing safety funds cut from budget to be restored (Video)
(KRON, May 28, 2024)
Dangerous Caltrain crossing in Burlingame sees renewed push for upgrade (Video)
(NBC Bay Area, May 28, 2024)
California lawmakers want funding to make train crossings safer (Video)
(KTVU, May 28, 2024)
And as always, if I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at (650) 233-2724.
Sincerely,
Josh Becker
Senator, (D-Menlo Park)