SACRAMENTO — State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), released the following statement June 14 about the passage of the California State Budget, which includes significant funds for wildfire prevention and recovery as well as the highest level of school funding in state history, all while setting aside the largest budget reserves in a generation.
“Today, the California Legislature passed a historic budget, representing a paradigm shift in the way we address the impacts of climate change on our natural resources. The budget dedicates more than $900 million for fire prevention and mitigation, which align with the forest management directives in my Senate Bill 1260, while dedicating significant resources to help restore and rebuild the communities devastated by the Thomas Fire and resulting mudslides.
In addition, this budget includes the highest level of school funding in state history, boosts childcare spending, invests in our transportation infrastructure, and dedicates significant funds to proven programs that reduce homelessness and fight poverty.
This is a smart, balanced budget that invests in our future while recognizing the challenges and uncertainties ahead. With the action taken today, we can be sure the Golden State will continue to shine and while there are challenges ahead, we should continue to celebrate our state as the fifth largest economy in the world.”
Highlights from the Budget specifically for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties:
- More than $12.6 million in property tax backfill for the communities devastated by the Thomas Fire.
- More than $10 million to cover two years of lost school funding incurred from the Thomas Fire and resulting mudslides.
- $5.5 million for debris removal in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties as a result of the Thomas Fire.
- $9 million for the City of Oxnard’s wastewater treatment plant for emergency repairs.
- $3.9 million to restore the Ellwood Mesa Butterfly Preserve in Goleta after years of drought.
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.