Dear Neighbor‚
The Legislature wrapped up its last day of session on September 14th and sent over 1‚100 bills to the Governor’s desk for signature. I’d like to thank many of you who reached out to my offices to share your support or concern regarding legislation as it moved through the legislative process. Your participation is essential and I value your input. I will keep you informed of my legislative package as we get closer to the deadline (October 14th) for the Governor to sign or veto bills.
Affordability continues to be at the forefront for all Californians. Senate Republicans didn’t let the legislative session end without‚ once again‚ pushing to lower the cost of gasoline by $1 a gallon. Sadly‚ the Democrats blocked this measure to lower fuel costs. Just recently‚ I joined my Republicans colleagues and called on the Governor to convene a Special Session to suspend the gas tax.
The Legislature also passed two measures (ACA 1 and ACA 13) to make it easier to tax you. For more than 40 years‚ Proposition 13 has protected taxpayers and is a safeguard to unforeseen property tax increases‚ puts a check on excessive taxation‚ and helps slow unreasonable spending increases. ACA 1 would significantly lessen these protections‚ giving local government more power to tax homes and businesses. I urged my legislative colleagues to reject ACA 1‚ however the majority party moved it forward.
ACA 13 would make it difficult‚ to nearly impossible‚ for Californians to impose new restrictions on taxation. Since these are both Constitutional Amendments, Californians will have an opportunity to vote on these on the ballot.
I also took the opportunity to stand up against irrational energy rate increases being proposed. I will never stop advocating for common sense measures.
Senator Dahle Fights for Lower Energy Costs
In closing‚ I’m pleased to share over $45 million in funding was granted for water projects in the district.
It’s an honor to serve you‚
Senator Brian Dahle
Resources
Have you paid your 2022 taxes? The extended tax deadline for millions of Californians impacted by winter storms is quickly approaching. Avoid fees and penalties - the next deadline is October 16. For those who qualify‚ the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program can help you for FREE. Learn more about this resource here.
FYI
Are you (or someone you know) interested in state government? Apply to be a California Senate Fellow! Eligible candidates must be at least 20 years old and be a graduate of a four-year college or university. Fellows will receive a five-week orientation and a monthly stipend of $3‚253 plus full health‚ vision‚ and dental benefits. The Senate Fellowship Program is now accepting applications. Click the link for more information CALIFORNIA SENATE FELLOWS | Senate Fellows Program.
Red Ribbon Week is just around the corner! Red Ribbon Week is observed annually and this year it happens Oct. 23 - 31‚ 2023. It’s a great reminder to have those important conversations with your kids and teens about the importance of saying no.
PG&E is proposing a rate increase! Every four years‚ PG&E is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to file an application-known as the General Rate Case. PG&E is proposing a monthly rate increase to consumers of nearly $40-just under $500 annually. Customers are encouraged to submit public comment regarding these changes before their voting meeting on November 2.
In the District
My District Director‚ Bruce Ross‚ met with Anderson Fire Chief Steve Lowe to discuss the Shasta County district’s modernization goals. Our small fire districts‚ which work hard to protect their communities with very lean resources‚ deserve all the support they can get.
My staff attended the inaugural Shasta County State of Education breakfast to learn about the important work happening at the Office of Education and the many schools and districts it serves.
Team Dahle attended an Open House for the new location of Butte County Department of Public Health. The new location is 2080 E. 20th Street‚ Suite 180‚ Chico‚ CA 95928. I’m pleased to share this facility provides 29‚107 square feet full of services for our Butte County community.
My staff joined the Vaping and Our Youth Educational Summit hosted by Youth Options Shasta‚ Shasta County Chemical People‚ and the Shasta County Tobacco Education Coalition. Among the sobering facts shared: More than one-third of teens who vape say they do so to ease stress and anxiety - the largest single reason.
Team Dahle was delighted to attend the ribbon cutting for LACO in Chico. LACO Associates is a native-owned consulting firm who aims to improve the future quality of life by applying integrated solutions to their company’s geo-environmental and developing projects.
Congratulations to Plumas District Hospital in Quincy on the groundbreaking for the hospital’s $40 million new Skilled Nursing Facility. Quincy has had no local skilled nursing for several years. I appreciate the Plumas District Hospital team’s dedication to making this project a reality.
Stephen Bell‚ President of the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District‚ speaks at the dedication of Shasta College’s new Community Leadership Center in downtown Redding. I appreciate the college district’s commitment to community education and job training for all residents.
Team Dahle had the pleasure of attending a Mill Fire Remembrance Day hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California in Weed. It’s been just one year since the fire‚ and the residents of Lincoln Heights are still coping with the devastation. I am thankful for the local community resources and outside agencies that are working together to help rebuild.
My staff attended the ribbon cutting for Sierra College’s new Q building. The large new instructional building will be home to almost 60% of all classes on the campus‚ and is a product of Measure E funding.
Team Dahle was delighted to attend the Truckee Chamber’s 70th Top of The Town Annual Awards Celebration. All of the winners received a Certificate of Recognition from my office.
Team Dahle had the opportunity to attend the Glenn County Resource Conservation District’s “Wildfire Prevention and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project Tour.” I applaud the efforts and coordination between numerous agencies in growing the fuels reduction and wildfire prevention program in the region.
If you need assistance with any State agency‚ or have questions about legislation‚ please contact one of my offices below.