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.
Advancing Legislation to Benefit Our Community
Over the past few weeks, 11 of the bills that I have authored passed the Assembly and are now being considered by the Senate. My legislative portfolio includes bills to protect communities from leaking oil wells, ban toxic PFAS in packaging, protect whales from ship strikes, expand access to mental health resources and more. AB 1866, for example, will require oil operators to plug over 40,000 idle oil wells throughout California, especially those close to our neighborhoods and schools. I will keep you updated as these bills continue to move through the process.
Supporting California's Nonprofits
I was honored to receive the Live United award from the United Ways of California for my work to support the nonprofit sector. Last year I authored AB 590, which authorized state agencies to provide nonprofits with up to 25% in advance payments for state grants and contracts. Since being signed into law by Governor Newsom, AB 590 has started to remove financial barriers for many nonprofits that provide critical services to our communities. The success of this legislation wouldn't have been possible without the support and advocacy from the United Ways of California. This year, I am building on the success of AB 590 by championing AB 2322. AB 2322, which will further streamline the process for nonprofits seeking state grants for up to $20,000.
Supporting Our Ranchers
Source: rcdsantabarbara.org/rangeland-management
I was honored to join a podcast with the California Cattlemen's Association to talk about my efforts to represent ranchers on the Central Coast. Listen to the podcast.
Hike With Hart - June 29
Please join me for a hike on June 29 at the UCSB North Campus Open Space. This event is being held in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Trails Council and the UCSB Cheadle Center for Biological and Ecological Restoration. This will be an opportunity for us to meet informally while enjoying one of the many remarkable trails located in Santa Barbara County. All community members are welcome to join. We will meet at 12 p.m. at 6969 Whittier Drive, Goleta, CA 93117. Find more information.
California College Corps
The California College Corps is recruiting members on the Central Coast! Students from Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and other schools are eligible to apply. This program offers members unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while addressing some of the most pressing issues in our society today, including by working to advance k-12 education, climate action and food access. By participating in these programs, individuals can gain valuable experience, develop essential skills and make a meaningful difference in their communities. Learn more.
Recent Highlights
Celebrating the passage of ACR 185, which recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Speaking at the Goleta Valley Memorial Day ceremony.
Attending the Solvang Memorial Day ceremony.
Meeting with constituents in Old Town Orcutt.
Meeting with constituents in Carpinteria.
Recognizing 50 years of the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice celebration.
Team Hart at the Lompoc Senior Health Expo.
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
