SACRAMENTO—Senate Appropriations today approved two bills by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) that would help federally recognized tribes with limited or no gaming resources through grants from gaming tribes and a bill that would require Caltrans and the Office of Suicide Prevention to identify cost effective strategies to reduce suicide attempts on state bridges and roadways. Committee members approved both bills unanimously.
“These bills will now head to the Senate Floor. Both measures represent important steps California can take to help the vulnerable in our state,” Ramos said. “I look forward to getting them to Gov. Newsom’s desk.”
AB 221 would take funding provided by gaming tribes to aid federally recognized nongaming tribes or that operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices through the Tribal Nation Grant Fund (TNGF). Funds are distributed annually, upon application, and may only be used for tribal purposes. Sponsors of the bill are the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations and the California Nations Indian Gaming Association. Other supporters include the California Chamber of Commerce, California Democratic Party Rural Caucus and more than 30 tribes from around the state.
AB 440 would require the Office of Suicide Prevention, created through Ramos legislation in 2020, to work with Caltrans to identify strategies aimed at preventing suicide attempts on California bridges and highways. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services is a sponsor. Others in support include Children Now, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Behavioral Health Association, Helpline Youth Counseling, Inc., California Police Chiefs Association, California Hospital Association, California State Association of Psychiatrists and others.
###
Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs.