MEETING DATE:
February 9, 2021
SUBJECT:
Title
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
NOTE AND FILE updates to legislation with an official City position.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Planning for the Future
Good Governance
Relevant Department Goal
Not applicable
Executive Summary
The City Council adopted the 2021 Legislative Platform to guide the consideration of state and federal bills that affect City operations. In keeping with that direction, this report provides updates on California state legislative activity, specifically the Governor's budget proposal for Fiscal year 2021-22.
Discussion
As the legislature convenes the new two-year session, it is expected to be in Sacramento for a short time to take up a short list of urgent issues, including rental evictions, COVID related expenditures (vaccines and distribution) and then work remotely from their districts for several weeks. Of particular interest is the ongoing discussion surrounding rental evictions and rental assistance. Both issues are the subject of ongoing negotiations in the Capitol but are expected to move to the Governor quickly once a deal has been reached. Staff will continue to monitor and report any relevant updates on this issue area as it develops.
The deadline to introduce new bills will be February 19, after which staff will be reviewing introduced bills and will be back with an update and recommendation for positions on relevant bills at the March 9 regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his $221 billion budget on January 8. The Governor's proposed budget emphasized the need to focus on "Urgent Needs of Californians" including the safe reopening of schools, support for small business, financial stimulus, vaccination efforts, and wildfire preparedness. Of note, is the temporary good position the state finds itself in financially with a $15 billion surplus. The fo...
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