Update from Senator Dahle - 04.28.2023

Dear Neighbor‚

The Legislature adjourned for a short spring recess‚ and I was grateful for the opportunity to be out in the district with my constituents‚ and to take a quick trip home to our farm to see how our crops are coming along. As a small-business owner‚ I’m very aware that the laws passed in the Legislature can make or break businesses in California. Unfortunately‚ there are many bills this year that I will not be supporting. In fact‚ there are 23 bills the California Chamber of Commerce recently dubbed “Job Killers.”

We’re seeing increasing numbers of Californians leaving the state - 500‚000 in the past two years - because their jobs just can’t keep up with high cost of living The Legislature should be doing more to create a sustainable and thriving economy in California that is leading the nation.

I recently brought up some key concerns in committee and pointed out the environmental and financial folly of continuing to spend cap-and-trade dollars on the High-Speed Rail when higher priorities exist for Californians. I mentioned a recent nonpartisan report that stated price increases have caused financial hardship for six in ten California households.

Those billions of dollars would be far better spent maintaining our forests to better protect communities or reducing the regulatory burden this state places on small business owners.

Speaking of protecting communities - the Governor is proposing to decrease oversight of electrical corporations’ efforts to reduce wildfires. Currently‚ power companies are required to submit plans describing efforts to minimize the risk of utility-caused wildfires to the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. The plans include vegetation management projects to reduce the risk of power lines connecting with trees and starting a wildfire. However‚ the Governor proposes to make these audits optional‚ rather than required. I expressed great concern in Senate Budget Subcommittee #2 as these requirements exist to provide oversight of utilities that have for decades failed to maintain their systems and to put the safety of the public before their profits. I urged legislators to consider the implications of this dangerous proposal.

I continue to advocate for a safer and more affordable California. It’s an honor to serve you!

Sincerely‚

Senator Brian Dahle
FYI
California State Parks: Free Vehicle Day-Use Pass Program

Spring is here and it’s a beautiful time of year to get outdoors and explore California’s scenic state parks. If you have a public library card‚ all you have to do is visit your local library and check out a state parks pass for free! The free vehicle day-use pass grants you entry to over 200 California state parks. Click here for more information.

Local Agencies Receive Critical Funding to Address Hunger

Congratulations to 2 grantees in Senate District One‚ Chico State Enterprises and Etna Farmers Market‚ Inc.‚ who have been selected to receive funding through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s California Nutrition Incentive Program. The California Nutrition Incentive Program not only supports rural famers‚ but also gives low-income shoppers the ability to purchase healthier food options.
 
Around the District
 
Around Senate District One
My staff joined in honoring a number of North State community servants at the United Way of Northern California’s Toast to Equity. Congratulations to Eddie McCallister‚ Don Yost‚ and Lee Macey for their Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Congratulations to Shasta County Farm Bureau annual honorees Kelly Landry and Bob Nash. I applaud the talented individuals who work behind the scenes serving the agricultural community year in and year out.

Team Dahle was delighted to attend the Siskiyou County Fire Chiefs Association Dinner to honor the work of local firefighters who went above by displaying heroic efforts during emergencies.

Team Dahle was proud to help honor Pacific Farms & Orchards‚ which received Chico Electric’s 2023 NC Nielsen Memorial Founder’s Sustainability Award. I appreciate the work the Flynn family has done to promote progressive energy utilization and sustainable practices. I applaud their work!

It was an exciting moment for our team to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hat Creek Bioenergy facility in Burney. The three-megawatt bioenergy plant will convert forest waste and other products to renewable energy sources. The plant will also provide lasting economic benefits to the region.
 
At the Capitol
 
Around the Capitol
A true honor to meet with representatives and participants of the Special Olympics. I’m inspired by their dedication and competitive spirit.

I’m a strong advocate to increase health care access in our district-optometry being one of them. I was grateful to welcome members of the California Optometric Association to discuss screenings‚ services‚ and workforce recruitment and retention in the region.

I was honored to welcome Placer County Office of Education Board Members Andrew Tagg and Lynn Oliver as well as Superintendent Gayle Garbolino-Mojica to the Capitol. I’m thankful for their insightful leadership and commitment to investing in California’s 1st Senate District students.

It was great to welcome students from the district! The Notre Dame 4th grade class came to the Capitol‚ and their enthusiasm was quite enjoyable. I appreciate their interest in government‚ and one of them just might be a state senator one day.

I recently met with Fire Safe Councils who represent various regions throughout the district. We discussed funding for restoration‚ home-hardening‚ and defensible space to protect California’s life and property from devastating wildfires.
 
Resources
Relief is available for your mortgage payments! The California Mortgage Relief Program is offering support to homeowners who are struggling with financial hardships. Eligible applicants can receive assistance for missed mortgage payments or property taxes during the pandemic. For more information‚ call the Contact Center at 1-888-840-2594 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

If you’re behind on your water bills, help is on the way! The state of California recently expanded eligibility requirements‚ and individuals who are in need of financial assistance can apply for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). LIHWAP is a federally-funded program that offers a one-time benefit of up to $15‚000 per eligible household for past due or current bills. LIHWAP helps pay residential water bills accrued anytime. There are no date restrictions. Recipients of CalFresh‚ CalWORKS‚ and LIHEAP are automatically income qualified for LIHWAP assistance. The California Department of Community Services & Development is offering the LIHWAP to those who meet income eligibility requirements. Click here to find services near you!

Are you a resident residing in Paradise or Magalia? Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce is seeking your feedback-take this short survey!

If you need assistance with any State agency‚ or have questions about legislation‚ please contact one of my offices below.