Senator Bill Dodd Responds to Final Budget

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today upon passage of California’s $262.6 billion budget, which invests portions of a record surplus in pandemic recovery while supporting essential services such as schools, drought relief and wildfire protection.

“This is a sustainable budget that represents the shared values of California’s elected leaders and the people we represent,” said Sen. Dodd. “Through a historic collaboration, this blueprint achieves our goals to invest in key areas such as education, drought relief and wildfire safety while supporting programs to ensure a robust economic recovery. I’m especially pleased to bring millions of dollars back to our district to shore up our fire suppression and drought response capabilities.”

Successful negotiation between lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom was bolstered in part by an unprecedented $100 billion surplus, which forms the basis of a strong COVID-19 recovery plan. Included are up to $1,100 stimulus checks for families earning less than $75,000 and grants of up to $25,000 for small businesses that struggled during the pandemic. Lawmakers also negotiated expanded Medi-Cal eligibility, and increased investments in subsidized day care and homelessness relief.

Local government agencies in Sen. Dodd’s North Bay district will receive a combined $15 million for specific programs including wildfire safety enhancements and transportation improvements. Highlights include:

• $7.6 million for Napa County for fuel reduction, fire suppression and critical drinking water supply improvements.
• $3 million for Highway 37 improvements.
• $1.9 million to Solano County for fuel reduction, alert warning systems and fire preparedness public engagement and education.
• $1.5 million to Yolo County for fuel reduction, alert warning systems and fire preparedness and mitigation.
• $500,000 to Sonoma County-Sonoma Valley Wildlands Collaborative for fuel reduction, perimeter fuel reduction, roadside fuel breaks, defensible space and fuel break maintenance.
• $350,000 to the city of Clarksburg for a new fire engine.

Other budget highlights:

• $93.7 billion in education guarantees with a record $21,000 per pupil for K-12. Includes 2023 phase-in of universal transitional kindergarten – an addition long-sought by Sen. Dodd.
• $5.2 billion for rent relief for low-income people.
• $3 billion in drought relief.
• $2 billion in utilities and water debt relief. Includes assistance called for under Sen. Dodd’s water access and equity bill, SB 222.
• $6 billion for broadband expansion. Supports Sen. Dodd’s SB 556 calling for better internet access to bridge the digital divide.
• $2.8 million to expand Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center created by Sen. Dodd’s SB 209.
• $1 billion for wildfire prevention, preparedness and response.

Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.