1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Hi, I’m a constituent from Santa Monica. I’m contacting you because of my concerns with the Governor’s May Revised Budget. I understand that the state faces a serious budget shortfall, and some difficult decisions must be made, but these decisions should reflect Californian values and the well-being of its residents. Unfortunately, many of the Governor’s choices do not meet that standard. Currently on the chopping block is funding for vital programs that address public health, access to Medi-Cal and Covered California, affordable housing, climate resilience, employment and workforce development, and environmental protection. These cuts will disproportionately affect the lives of low-income communities, Californians of color, Californians with disabilities, and families with children, as well as our environmental justice, biodiversity, and climate goals. For example, on the table a plan to sweep $45 million already allocated to the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), and language that would eliminate the existing requirement to appropriate $30 million per year to the HCF through 2030. More than $100 million of funding critical for meeting the state’s 30x30, nature-based solutions to climate change, and wildlife connectivity goals are at stake. Meanwhile, the state’s $18 BILLION budget for Corrections remains bloated and is hardly being touched. With 15,000 empty prison beds statewide – a number expected to grow substantially in coming years – the state could save $1B right now by closing just five prisons. PLEASE protect funding for the vital HCF!