CALIFORNIA POLITICS
Cheers to the Class of 2019!
Earlier this week, the newly elected members of Congress — including the seven Democrats from California — were sworn in. As one of the largest cohorts in the incoming class, “they could wield outsize power for first-time members.”
We also want to celebrate the seatings of our endorsed, newly-elected state legislators: Melissa Hurtado in SD14, Maria Elena Durazo in SD24, Robert Rivas in AD30 and Christy Smith in AD38. We are very excited about continuing to build strong relationships with each of them, as are our partner groups.
Governor Newsom’s First Budget Proposal
Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his 2019-2020 budget proposal yesterday. The $209 billion ($8 billion more than Governor Brown’s last budget) proposal includes expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families, increased spending for early childhood education, expansion of paid parental leave and a second year of tuition-free community college.
EVENTS
California Budget & Policy Center: Briefing on the Governor’s Proposed 2019-20 State Budget
California Budget & Policy Center Executive Director Chris Hoene responded to the proposed budget: “Governor Newsom’s inaugural budget proposal calls for a series of bold and smart investments in broadening economic security and opportunity for Californians, while continuing to strengthen the state’s underlying fiscal health.” The Center will be hosting a webinar on the budget proposal on Thursday, January 17, 1-2pm PT. Register here.
Building the California Dream Alliance Reception
CDT is part of the Building the California Dream Alliance, a coalition of progressive organizations that advocate for legislative priorities, including on criminal justice, environmental justice, immigrant and refugee rights, and racial justice. The Dream Alliance will be hosting their third annual reception on Tuesday, January 22 at 5:30pm in downtown Sacramento. Ludovic and Nicole will be attending, so please contact them if you are interested in or are planning on going to the reception.