Senator Josh Becker’s February ’22 Newsletter

2022: A New Legislative Year!

Previewing My 2022 Legislative Package and the Governor’s Budget

We look forward to another strong year for California, and I’m excited to be introducing bills my team and I started working on even before 2021 was through. The first bill I introduced this year affirms my commitment to helping our schools close the digital divide.

Senate Bill 876 creates the statewide Digital Education Equity Program, called DEEP, to provide our public school districts with equitable access to the professional development for teachers and technical assistance that enable schools to effectively use technology in education. This bill brings new life to the proposal I introduced last year to address this need. The Senate passed my SB 767 in 2021, but the bill did not advance to the Assembly floor. The measure has been reintroduced this year as SB 876 because educational technology is essential for teaching and learning in the Digital Age. I will continue to fight for equitable access to these resources and to the professional development and technical support our educators need to use this technology effectively.

I also remain committed to quality of life issues here on the Peninsula and will also be introducing legislation around transportation, making it cheaper to build affordable housing, accessing justice and helping our local community colleges. 

Finally, right before the holidays, I let you know about the next major part of my “California Zero” initiative. This bill, which will help California achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s own operations by 2035, will be among the Climate Action measures I plan to introduce by the Legislature’s new bill deadline on February 18. My other legislation will include further proposals offering creative solutions to infrastructure and other essential elements to speed California’s clean energy transformation.

Looking Ahead to the 2022-23 Budget

Budgeting for 2022-23 also had a strong, positive start with the Governor proposing a $286 billion budget in total state funds. The state now has a projected surplus of $45.7 billion, which includes $20.6 billion in General Fund for discretionary purposes. Those projected figures, coupled with the $34.6 billion in reserves reflected in the Governor’s budget, place our state in an excellent position to use the surplus to aid the Californians most in need, while also tackling our toughest challenges. We know these large surpluses won't last forever so we need to use them very wisely and grow our reserves.

Here’s a chart offering a top-level look at the Governor’s proposed budget. Details of the entire proposal are available by clicking here.
 

The Robust Proposal for Climate Investments

I’m particularly enthusiastic about the Governor’s proposed $22.5 billion in investments into focused and far-reaching climate solutions, including alternatives for gas-powered vehicles; infrastructure to support zero-emission vehicles and bike- and foot-traffic; a clean grid; building electrification; climate adaptation and mitigation, and more. The Governor’s budget and projections thus far for 2022 indicate we’ll also have the money in the 2022-23 budget to bring everyone into our transformation to clean energy. I dive into details of the proposed climate budget in my blog Getting to Zero.

COVID-19: Stay Safe from COVID-19, Omicron and the Latest Variants

Our state saw a sharp increase in COVID cases after the holidays due to the highly transmissible omicron variant. Fortunately, those cases are now starting to drop. In fact, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first week of 2022, and have learned firsthand how important it is to be vaccinated and get the booster. Transparency is key when you test positive, and to let those who have been around you know so they can test and quarantine themselves.

Thankfully, I quarantined and only experienced some common cold-like symptoms, like headaches, a sore throat and a minor cough. There will continue to be more variants, but we’re getting better at protecting ourselves.

Please get your vaccination and booster, if you haven’t already done so. Visit MyTurn to obtain COVID-19 or flu shot appointments for you or your child, and learn more about current COVID-19 safety measures here.

Community Resources
 

• Mortgage Assistance
  The California Mortgage Relief Program will provide one-time payments to qualified homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments due to COVID-19 related hardship. Homeowners can check their eligibility and apply online at CaMortgageRelief.org.
   
• Open Enrollment for Covered California
  The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 health coverage is here! 9 out of 10 of Covered California members receive financial help. Find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. https://www.coveredca.com/

District Update

• Climate Team!
  It’s recruitment time for the 2nd cohort of my Youth Climate Action Bootcamp, which starts in February! Do you have a high schooler or community college student interested in learning more about climate advocacy? Please consider sending this flyer their way, and feel free to share it on your pages. Learn more here: bit.ly/climatebootcamp2022

ACLU California Action Legislative Scorecard

I’m honored to be named a Civil Liberties Advocate by ACLU California Action for my support of civil rights and civil liberties legislation during my first year in our California Senate.
 

As a longtime advocate of equal access to justice and opportunities, fair and equitable treatment of individuals, and preservation of civil rights, I’m grateful for being recognized with such distinguished colleagues.

UFCW West Legislative Scorecard

UFCW West’s Legislative Scorecard gave me top marks of 100% for 2021! The pandemic has underscored the importance of essential workers. I proudly stand with them and will continue to support California’s working families throughout my time in the Legislature.

As always, we are here to assist you. Please contact me at Senator.Becker@senate.ca.gov or by calling my District Office at 650-212-3313, if you have any questions or concerns.