Governor’s Revised Budget dedicates funds to backfill property tax losses from Thomas Fire, and an additional $96 million for forest management
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), , who represents the area that was devastated by the Thomas Fire and chairs the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, released the following statement today on Governor Jerry Brown’s May Revise, his revised budget proposal based on the latest revenue estimates. In the May Revise, Governor Brown dedicates $11 million for local government property tax losses and $14.5 million for schools and community colleges losses incurred from the Thomas Fire and resulting mudslides, and $96 million for forest management and fire protection, in addition to the $160 million he proposed in January’s Cap and Trade expenditure plan.
“With our changing climate, California is facing a new normal of increasingly destructive wildfires and related disasters such as the debris flow that decimated the community in Montecito. We need to take bold action to protect our communities from these catastrophic events. As Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management and the State Senator representing the region devastated by the Thomas Fire, I am extremely pleased to see Governor Brown has heeded our calls and dedicated an additional $96 million to forest improvements and fire protection in his revised budget, in addition to the $160 million he proposed in January. This funding, coupled with legislation like my SB 1260, which clears the path for responsible wildfire fuel reduction, marks a critical step in California’s adaption to the threats posed by our changing climate.
In addition, I am pleased to see the Governor committing significant additional investments to combat homelessness and mental health issues and boost child care for working Californians. I look forward to ongoing discussions on these important issues as we work toward finalizing a budget for this year.”
Jackson is a member of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and she chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. She represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.