TO: Napa County Legislative Subcommittee
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Andrew M. Mize, Legislative & Policy Analyst
SUBJECT: State Legislative & Budget Update
RECOMMENDATION
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Receive a presentation by State advocates regarding the 2024 session of the California legislature.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The California legislature is currently in session and grappling with a range of issues, including an ever-increasing budget shortfall. The deadline for legislators to file bills was February 16, 2024. Advocates will provide insight about newly-introduced bills and discuss the political climate in Sacramento.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On February 20, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, a nonpartisan office providing fiscal and policy advice to the California Legislature, revised their estimate for the likely budget shortfall upward by $15bn, from $58bn to $73bn. The LAO recommends covering this additional shortfall through reductions in one-time or temporary spending. Advocates will discuss the LAO’s recommendation and potential responses from the Governor and Legislature.
Among new bills introduced was SB 958 by Sen. Bill Dodd at the request of Napa County. The bill would authorize the County to purchase Camp Coombs within Skyline Park from the State. Advocates will discuss the bill’s path forward and potential hurdles.
Finally, on February 5, Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) was sworn in as Senate President Pro Tempore. Sen. McGuire’s district spans from just north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border. McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) bring rural perspective to the top positions in each chamber.