Update from Senator Dahle - 03.07.2024

Dear Neighbor‚

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I don’t mean for this to be long‚ but I want you to be aware of these important legislative items. Sacramento Democrats fast-tracked AB 205-allowing the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to approve new fixed charges for customers based on income. In January of this year‚ Senate Republicans gave them the chance to right their wrong by forcing a Floor vote to repeal the unjust law‚ but they voted it down.

We didn’t let that stop us. My Republican colleagues and I introduced Senate Bill 1326‚ the Cost of Living Reduction Act to repeal AB 205 to provide financial relief for consumers. I also will be championing legislation like AB 2205 that will direct the CPUC to lower utility rates by 30%.

I’ve been very vocal about bad policies from the left pushing electricity rates to unsustainable prices. After CalMatters interviewed me last fall‚ they interviewed a business in my district that has been impacted by soaring rates-click here to read.

(If you’re needing financial assistance with utility bills or purchasing a generator‚ I listed helpful links in my last newsletter.)

Another pressing issue in our state is homelessness. To address this‚ I’m proud to coauthor Senate Bill 1011‚ which aims to compassionately clear homeless encampments around sensitive areas. A video recording of the press conference can be found here.

Additionally‚ I am deeply concerned about the practice of dumping sexually violent predators into communities on transient status without proper supervision from law enforcement. I recently took up an amendment on the Senate Floor to stop this harmful practice - it was voted down. Read more about it here.

In closing‚ as your State Senator‚ my top priority is ensuring your voice is heard in Sacramento. I’m inviting you to take this short survey to share your thoughts on issues that matter to you most. Your opinion is valuable‚ so I want to hear from you.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

Senator Brian Dahle

P.S. A measure‚ AB 2200‚ to bring single-payer healthcare to California is making its way through the Legislature. I do not support this bill‚ and I encourage you to reach out to the author and let your voice be heard.

FYI 

AT&T

My staff have heard from constituents who are concerned about AT&T’s recent application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to be relieved of being the Carrier of Last Resort in certain parts of California‚ which would phase out older copper telephone landlines that are critical in rural areas.

This can be especially frightening for those who live in remote parts of the district and rely on a landline for emergencies. I continue to be in discussions with AT&T regarding this process‚ and am hopeful there are opportunities to provide the public with greater transparency and better outcomes. Here is a link to the CPUC’s website with several Q&As‚ and you can click here for a map of localities impacted by their request. I would encourage those affected by these changes to weigh in at their next virtual meeting on March 19th or submit comments here.

It’s Tax Season! Did you know the California Earned Income Tax Credit offers assistance for low-income, working Californians? Click here to visit their website for more information.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Every year‚ millions of dollars and (non-real estate) property are turned over to the state of California when businesses are unable to contact property owners. Click here to see if you have any unclaimed property.

At the Capitol 

Senator Dahle

I joined my legislative colleagues at a press conference to introduce Senate Bill 1011‚ which aims to compassionately clear homeless encampments around sensitive areas.

It’s always an honor to meet with veterans from the district. Thank you Nevada County Veterans Services for coming by my office to discuss issues pertaining to veterans services and how the Legislature can better serve our military service members. I’m grateful for their partnership and advocacy to ensure California veterans are receiving the support and services they deserve.

As the Vice-Chair of Senate Energy‚ Utilities and Communications Committee I was honored to speak at the California Municipal Utilities Association’s Capitol Day. 

In the District 

Senate District 1

Recently my staff member‚ Sam Perkins‚ attended the grand-opening ceremony for Chapman Park. Chapman Park includes a splash park water feature‚ a revamped gardening and teaching area‚ as well as a multi-sport court and covered picnic area.

Thank you to the Red Bluff Tehama County Chamber of Commerce for providing the opportunity to get to know the candidates running for the County Board of Supervisors. As a proud former county supervisor‚ I know that local government is really where the rubber meets the road‚ and I appreciate those who step up to serve their communities.

The grand opening of Poptastic in Paradise was a success! Poptastic offers services such as balloon creations‚ arches‚ gifts‚ and wedding and party décor. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a testament to the community’s resilience‚ unity and support for local enterprises.

Congratulations to the owners of the new True Value hardware store in Paradise. I wish them great success!

Team Dahle presented a joint resolution to Jamie Johansson for his work as President of the California Farm Bureau.

Senate District 1

Team Dahle had an enjoyable time at the Red Bluff Dragon Parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event was the culmination of a series of events commemorating the history of Chinese settlers in Red Bluff‚ arranged by the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation.

Chico Chamber of Commerce recently held a round table discussion for young professionals. Panelists included Butte County Supervisor Peter Durfee‚ Chico City Councilmember Addison Winslow‚ and Chico Deputy City Manager Jennifer Macarthy.

Congratulations to Paradise Playdium on their grand opening. They offer new and classic arcade games‚ axe throwing‚ party rooms‚ and more.

Congratulations to Placer County Health and Human Services on their new building in Auburn.

Team Dahle attended the Colusa Farm Show breakfast‚ a great community event focused on the importance of agriculture and featuring Enloe Health CEO‚ Mike Wiltermood‚ a major employer and partner in the region.

Bill Dennison‚ longtime Northern California forester‚ was the keynote speaker at the Sierra Cascade Logging Conference in Anderson. Team Dahle was proud to attend the kickoff breakfast and help celebrate the conference’s 75th anniversary.

Senate District 1

My District Director‚ Bruce Ross‚ spoke to a group of early-childhood educators at First 5 Shasta about how they can use their expertise to advocate for issues important to their work.

Staff presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jeni Harris‚ owner of Curves in Paradise‚ commemorating 25 years in business.

The 2024 North Valley Nut Conference in Chico was a success. The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss pertinent issues‚ share knowledge‚ and collaborate on solutions to enhance the sustainability and success of the industry.

District Director‚ Bruce Ross‚ took an informative tour of Shasta County’s Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility. Special thanks to Carla Stevens‚ juvenile division director for Shasta County Probation for the tour.

Congratulations to Pattie Bay‚ counselor at Sycamore Elementary School in Redding‚ for being named Shasta County Counselor of the Year. I can’t say enough good things about the people who work to help our kids grow up healthy. 

Helping our Neighbors 

After encountering repeated denials from the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) with explanations that seemed incongruent with the established guidelines and stipulations for qualification‚ a constituent reached out to my office for assistance.

Through collaborative efforts‚ our office engaged with CalOSBA to address these challenges and provide the necessary clarification. After many exchanged emails‚ his grant application was accepted. He proudly shared the letter officially congratulating him on being awarded the $100‚000 grant.

I’m extremely proud of my dedicated staff and their diligence to resolve pressing issues like this. If you need assistance with any State agency‚ or have questions about legislation‚ please contact one of my offices below.