Dear Neighbor,
I am excited to share with you this news update about recent legislative developments and some of the work I am doing to represent our community in the California State Assembly.
Ending Sex Discrimination in Higher Education
Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues in announcing the introduction of a package of bills to end sex discrimination and harassment in higher education. My bill AB 2407 will increase accountability at the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges through rigorous state audits of how our public colleges and universities respond to sexual harassment and discrimination complaints. Sexual harassment and discrimination not only undermine the fundamental principles of equality and fairness, but also pose significant risks to the well-being of our students and higher education staff. AB 2407 will require the State Auditor to review and audit the discrimination and harassment policies, along with the handling of incidents, at the CSU, UC and CCC systems every three years. I would like to thank Higher Education Committee Chair Mike Fong for his leadership in championing this legislative package, aptly named "A Call to Action." Learn more about AB 2407.
Hike with Hart Event Recap
I enjoyed hiking with more than 60 community members at my Hike with Hart event on April 6. Thank you to all who participated in the event and especially to our partners at the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and California State Parks. The hike along the Olive Grove Trail featured a historical lesson on the Santa Inés Mission Mills, along with many conversations about important local topics. April is Healthy People Healthy Trails Month and there is no better place to celebrate this month than District 37. As a member of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, I am committed to preserving our natural resources and increasing public access to the outdoors. View a video from the event.
The Hike with Hart event that was previously announced for the UCSB North Campus Open Space on May 5th is being postponed to a future date.
Apply for College Financial Aid by May 2
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) announced that the priority deadline for state financial aid has been extended from April 2 to May 2. This extension was codified through the signing of Assembly Bill 1887 (Cervantes) by Governor Gavin Newsom on March 25. As an urgent measure, this bill takes effect immediately.
As a result, students who submit a 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a 2024-25 California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by May 2, 2024, will be considered on time for state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. Learn more about these programs.
Out in the Community
Celebrating the grand opening of La Posada, the newest supportive housing site operated by the County of Santa Barbara, DignityMoves and Good Samaritan Shelter. Photo by Ingrid Brostrom.
Attending the Ocean Conservancy's Plastic Free Future event.
Speaking with Solvang Mayor Mark Infanti and community members.
Pictured with Mike Imwalle, State Parks District Superintendent Dena Bellman, Mark Wilkinson and Ranger Trevor Scoggins.
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 with any questions, suggestions or concerns. My Santa Barbara office can be reached at (805) 564-1649 and my Santa Maria office can be reached at (805) 346-1237. You can also email me at Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Gregg Hart
Assemblymember, 37th District
