I am excited to share with you this news update about the recent Sidewalk Office Hours events, and funding I secured in the 2023-24 California State Budget for the Central Coast.
Sidewalk Office Hours
Thank you to everyone who attended our inaugural Sidewalk Office Hours. I enjoyed talking to constituents in nine communities across the Central Coast about important issues impacting our community. I look forward to following up on your questions and continuing to work on innovative solutions in the California State Assembly. If you couldn't make it to these events, rest assured that I will have more opportunities in the near future.
As always, you are also welcome to request a meeting with my office to discuss your priorities or get your questions answered by calling my district office at (805) 564-1649 or via email at Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov.
Funding for the Central Coast
I am very pleased to secure funding for important Central Coast projects in this year's California state budget. These critical local projects will improve public safety, create good-paying jobs, support cultural and educational institutions, expand new recreational opportunities for families and children, ensure our community is prepared to respond to coastal emergencies and protect marine resources.
Over the coming months I will highlight different local projects that were funded in the budget.
$750,000 for the First Inclusive Playground
at Stow Grove Park in Goleta
We are very fortunate to have high quality parks and open spaces in our community. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for the Stow Grove Park playground project. Once built, this new playground will create an environment of belonging and connection for our local youth and families to enjoy for many years to come.
$132.4 million for the
Santa Barbara County Highway 101 Project
I was proud to join my colleagues to announce $132.4 million in State funding towards completing the Highway 101 project. I've been advocating for the 101 project as a member of the Santa Barbara City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, as an SBCAG staffer, and now, as a State Legislator. I will continue to work aggressively in Sacramento to help secure future funding to finish the job.
State Budget Update
In addition to funding for the Central Coast, the 2023-24 California state budget was signed by the Governor. The budget is a balanced and pragmatic plan that was carefully crafted in a challenging economic year. The budget builds upon and expands the State's budget reserves to a new record balance of $37.8 billion. The largest total in state history. The adopted budget also continues significant funding increases for K-12 education, public colleges and universities, expands child care affordability and increases pay to child care providers, continues investments in innovative solutions to address the homelessness crisis, expands health care access and combats climate change.
Here are budget highlights that deliver on our commitment to improving the lives of all Californians.
Homelessness: $1 billion to address the housing and homelessness crisis, including outreach at encampments and building emergency shelters. Collectively, the state has allocated nearly $21 billion to housing and homelessness since 2018.
Child Care Affordability: Saves low-income families hundreds of dollars a month in child care expenses by reducing fees. The budget also substantially increases reimbursement rates for child care providers.
Education Access: Strengthens the Middle Class Scholarship by $227 million to help UC and CSU undergraduate students save several hundred dollars toward their education this fall. The budget also includes a historic 8.22% cost-of-living adjustment for California's public schools.
Climate Change: Provides $51.4 billion for climate programs, and makes key investments in coastal resilience, community resilience and sustainable agriculture.
Health Care Affordability: Makes historic $2.7 billion increase in reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal providers in primary care, maternity care and mental health. The funding will expand health care access for the 14 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal.
To learn more about the 2023-24 California state budget, please visit the California Budget website.
Santa Barbara County Food Bank's
Free Summer Lunch Program - Picnic In the Park
This summer, kids can enjoy free lunch at locations all throughout Santa Barbara County. All kids under the age of 18 are eligible to eat for free. No registration is required. In addition to healthy meals, fun activities are also available at the meal locations. Find more information on this program. If you do not see a location listed near you, access the United States Department of Agriculture's Summer Meals Site Finder.
Out in the Community
Celebrating the 4th of July.
Celebrating the hard work of People Assisting the Homeless (PATH).
Joining community members and local experts for a panel discussion on supportive housing.
I hope that these legislative and community updates provide insight into our work together. As always, I value your feedback and encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions or concerns by calling my district office at (805) 564-1649 or via email at Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Gregg Hart
Assemblymember, 37th District
