District Report – January 2023

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

I hope your new year is off to a great start. This month I introduced new bills to protect wildlife habitat and prevent cybersecurity threats on state-owned cell phone and computers. They are just two of the proposals I will be making in 2023.

Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his draft budget, which invests in essential services such as education, wildfire safety and affordable housing. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to refine this plan as the year progresses.

In this Issue:

As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.

Sincerely,

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Senator, 3rd District

 

Paying for College – Grants Available

The application period for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required to access most financial aid, is now open.  Paying for college can be difficult, but California has always been a leader in providing eligible students with an affordable college education.

 

 

The Cal Grant is a need-based state financial aid program that has been a big part of making college affordable for many California families. Qualified students can receive up to $12,630 in funding to attend almost any college in California – awards vary depending on economic need, grades and the college you attend.

Don't delay! The deadline to apply is March 2. For more information or to file your application, visit the California Student Aid Commission.

Undocumented students meeting certain criteria can apply for student aid through the California Dream Act program.

Additionally, we passed AB 19 last year, creating the California Community College Promise Program to provide tuition-free education at a Community College for one academic year for all first-time, full-time students. To learn more, click here.

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Overview of Governor’s Proposed Budget

This month Gov. Gavin Newsom released his 2023-24 budget, which invests heavily in essential services such as public schools and wildfire prevention while committing significant resources to affordable housing production, economic development and public safety.

The $297 billion budget includes a $22.5 billion shortfall caused by anticipated revenue declines. However, because of careful budgeting in previous cycles, it will include no service cuts and no new taxes.

Highlights of the 2023-24 budget include:

  • $35.6 billion in total reserves
  • $108.8 billion for K-12 and higher education: includes record $23,723 per-pupil investment.
  • $12.5 billion for learning recovery and loss mitigation
  • $1.2 billion for universal transitional kindergarten
  • $15.3 billion in homelessness reduction programs
  • $4 billion in higher education student housing
  • $2.7 billion in wildfire prevention and forest resilience including vegetation management and science-based solutions
  • $8.6 billion in water supply improvements and drought management
  • $202 million in urban and Delta flood risk reduction
  • $2.85 billion in affordable housing development
  • $4.8 billion in universal healthcare
  • $8 billion in behavioral health services
  • $758 million in public safety including additional investments in border interdiction and opioid and fentanyl abuse reduction
  • $3 million for California State Parks to manage open space at Sonoma Developmental Center.

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In the News

While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done. Here is some of the latest news coverage that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.

 

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