Sen. Dodd: State Budget Includes Tax Rebate, Big Local Investment

Thursday, June 30, 2022

 

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today upon the Legislature’s passage late last night of a $308 billion state budget package that makes historic investments in public education, housing and other essential services, while providing economic relief for families and small businesses struggling with inflation. 

“This budget tackles California’s most critical issues while advancing opportunity and prosperity in the Golden State,” Sen. Dodd said. “It invests in the things we value most such as improving education, supporting public safety, protecting our environment and building more housing. At the same time, it addresses pressing concerns about the economy and inflation by putting money back in people’s pockets. Overall it’s a responsible budget that makes smart use of our resources.”

California’s economy remains strong, and the commonsense, voter-approved revenue system results in the wealthy paying their share, which has strengthened California’s fiscal health and provided record levels of available resources.

But economic warning signs indicate challenging times could be ahead. In response, the budget strikes a balance of providing fiscal relief to families and small businesses and making strong investments in programs that strengthen the economy, responsibly focusing on infrastructure, while building record reserves to withstand future downturns.

Budget highlights:

  • Total budget of $308 billion, of which about $234 billion is from the general fund.
  • Total reserves of $37.2 billion, setting a record for California and demonstrating the state’s commitment to responsible budgeting and planning.
  • Direct tax relief to Californians totaling $17 billion. More than 20 million people will get checks up to $1,050.
  • Business and non-profits relief of $2.3 billion.
  • TK-12 Education: 15% increase over previous year for record allocation for schools
  • Includes expansion of early education, arts, nutritional programs.
  • Higher education: $227 million for middle-class scholarships; incentives to increase community college enrollment.
  • $47 billion investment in highway and infrastructure improvements over the next three years
  • Multi-year affordable housing package of $2 billion, plus additional $2 billion for student housing
  • $19 billion in a
  • $200 million in key reproductive rights investments to assist California continue to lead in protecting reproductive rights.
  • $550 million of additional general fund support for broadband infrastructure, spread across 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Combined $29 million for Senate District 3 projects:

  • $9 million for water infrastructure and wildfire related needs in the cities of St. Helena, Napa and to support the American Canyon Boys and Girls Club.
  • $10 million for construction costs for Choice in Aging in Contra Costa County
  • $5 million for construction costs of the Capay Valley Health and Community in Yolo County
  • $5 million for First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission to convert shuttered school into an early learning center.

“This budget makes sound investments at the state level while providing critical funding for our local community,” said Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. “Thanks to Sen. Dodd for his leadership in securing this vital funding that will enhance local fire protection and water infrastructure, and support our youth.”

“We are deeply grateful that Sen. Dodd is a leader on aging issues and that he fought for us to create an innovative Aging in Place Campus that will replace our broken system of long-term care that lands our beloved elders in institutions,” said Debbie Toth, president & CEO of Choice in Aging.  “This new model for aging will support senior health and ensure they maintain relationships and joy in their communities.”

“We appreciate Sen. Dodd’s efforts to secure funding for this project so that we can provide much-needed child care and early learning for working families,” said Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan, who serves as a First 5 Solano commissioner. “The early years are critical to the health and wellness of children and lay the foundation for future learning and success.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.