SACRAMENTO--Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) today issued the following statement following an initial review following release of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2023-24 state budget:
I was pleased to see that taxes are not part of the new state budget. Even though California faces a budget deficit, we will continue moving forward to improve education, reduce homelessness, and combat fentanyl use, especially among our children and youth ensure public safety and economic development in the face of threats from flooding, wildfires, drought, and other climate extremes. These are all challenging concerns in the Inland Empire.
I was especially pleased to see more than $15 billion for a homeless package that will include community care assistance, $750 million for encampment cleanup and $2.2 billion for behavioral health. This funding provides new resources and tools to assist local decision makers and organizations.
Fentanyl is a scourge that is skyrocketing among all populations, including our young people. Parents and schools are taking drastic and necessary step to provide Narcan to help prevent overdose deaths on campuses. The $3.5 million allocated by the governor will help schools fund this lifesaving measure as will another $4 million for test strips to check whether fentanyl has been added to other drugs.
Although California remains a global economic power, it is critical that we continue aiding small businesses, including the $4.2 billion in grants, more than a $1 billion in small business credits and $2.1 billion for workforce development. These proposals will keep the state’s economic engine fueled and running at full speed.
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Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly District, which includes Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state Legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Committees on Rules.