Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris Secures $25 Million for Her District

SACRAMENTO—Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Chair of the Accountability & Administrative Review Committee, released the following statement after voting for the 2022-23 California State budget bills:

“California is leveraging an historic budget surplus by utilizing our $300 billion state budget to open windows of opportunity and meet unforeseeable challenges to safeguard our future. This year’s historic budget will invest a record amount in the future of California. It also ensures that we continue to build on a strong foundation with a record $37.2 billion in reserves, a 50% increase from last year.

“Over the past year, California has navigated a period of unprecedented challenges. As we emerge from this pandemic, the 2022 – 23 budget is an historic opportunity to set California on a robust path to recovery. It is with great pride that I can announce significant investments I have secured for the 74th Assembly District:

• $7 million for the County of Orange for the Be Well OC Campus in Irvine (building on the $5 million secured last year)
• $5 million for the UC/CSU Cal-Bridge PhD program to diversify the State’s science and technology workforce, specifically at UC Irvine                                                                                                              
• $2.8 million to renovate Sweet Shade park in Irvine to be accessible for all abilities with a focus on STEM inspired play
• $2.5 million to expand Irvine Valley College’s Veterans Resource Center
• $1.8 million for UC Irvine to expand the Leveraging Inspiring Futures Through Education Degrees (LIFTED) Program, extending a high-caliber education to qualified incarcerated students
• $1.5 million to expand Irvine’s mobile crisis response program
• $1.5 million to support a new mobile crisis response program in Laguna Beach
• $1.5 million to support the mobile crisis response program in Huntington Beach
• $1.3 million to upgrade Ketchum-Libolt Park in Costa Mesa with a parkway and recreation amenities
• $400,000 for the Dream Play Yard at the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach

“This budget makes meaningful investments across California in education, climate resilience and wildfire preparedness, healthcare, and by providing direct relief to working families and small businesses. I advocated for the following allocations which benefit the entire state:

• $21 billion Climate and Energy Package to address Water-Drought Resilience, Wildfire Resilience, Sea Level Rise, Extreme Heat, Biodiversity and Outdoor Access, Energy, Zero-Emission Vehicle and other climate-related actions
• $9.5 billion in relief to Californians from the impacts of high gas prices and other growing costs due to inflation
• $9 billion in increased education investments from last year, including:
  • $950 million for transitional kindergarten
  • Increased investments of $200 million for UCs and $600 million for community colleges
  • $227 million for Middle Class Scholarships program
  • $750 million in grants and $1.8 billion in zero-interest loans for student housing
  • $17,011 in Prop-98 per pupil spending, as compared to $11,704 from when the Assemblywoman first took office
• $2 billion added for various housing programs
• $1.3 billion in relief to small businesses and non-profits, including:
  • $1 billion over next two years to begin to pay down the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund federal debt, plus $500 million to begin direct relief to employers for higher UI costs beginning as early as 2024-25
  • Relief grants to offset costs of the recently enacted Paid Sick Leave program
  • Funding for additional COVID Relief Small Business Grants which I co-authored in 2021
• $420 million to fund mitigation efforts to protect the California coast from sea-level rise. My bill, AB 65, ensures these funds will be prioritized for the use of green, natural infrastructure that will protect us from rising seas without harming habitats.
• $350 million for the CalHOME Program to enable low- and very low-income households to become or remain homeowners
• $164 million for the CalFood Program to fund food banks across the state
• Combined $29 million for Small Business Technical Assistance Programs to handle increased program demand and to sustain support for small businesses
• $22 million for fentanyl taskforce and contraband interdiction
• $20 million to fund targeted recruitment and retention resources, and training programs for health care providers that serve patients at a reproductive health provider location to compliment my Assembly Bill 1918.
• $8 million for Women Business Centers to support women entrepreneurs, particularly those businesses operated by women of color and those located in underserved communities
• Financial investments to offer every UC undergraduate a path to debt-free education by 2029-2030

“And I also supported a number of other projects that will benefit our Orange County community:

• $16.95 million to the Orange County Fire Authority for the new Wildland Hand Crew Station, vehicles, and equipment
• $4.9 million to the OC United Way for affordable and supportive housing services for voucher holders experiencing homelessness

“I am grateful to partner with my constituents, community leaders and with our state and local elected officials to ensure Orange County remains a special place to live, work and raise a family. This state budget will improve the lives of all Californians.”

The Governor has signed SB 154 and has 12 days to sign AB/SB 178 & 183.