On Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 72 by the Assembly Budget Committee, which makes a number of immediate state budget increases relating to wildfire, drinking water, and other urgent statewide needs.
One of the key provisions within AB 72 provides three years of property tax backfill relief for local agencies in Butte and Lake Counties due to the severity of recent wildfire damage. AB 72 also provides current year funding for the emergency preparedness public awareness campaign to prepare for future emergency events. Finally, of importance to RCRC, AB 72 provides $10 million to address urgent drinking water needs.
It should be noted that while RCRC supports AB 72, RCRC requested a number of amendments. These included: 1) adding Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma Counties as areas to receive additional years of property tax backfill; 2) amending the language to specifically define “disadvantaged communities” as those with a median household income less than 80 percent of the statewide average; and, 3) amending the language to ensure that non-profits are assisting disadvantaged communities. RCRC’s requested amendments were not included in the legislation that was sent to the Governor.
RCRC’s support letter can be accessed here. Staci Heaton, RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate, can be reached at (916) 447-4806 or sheaton@rcrcnet.org.