Dear Senate District 8,

Now that the Governor has signed the 2023-24 State Budget, I wanted to send an update about what it includes, and how great it is for us here in Senate District 8.

The Legislature worked together with the Governor to create a balanced budget, which reflects California’s shared priorities. It does not raise taxes, it boasts a healthy reserve, and uses existing resources to cover identified shortfalls.

The budget prioritizes education, childcare, early learning, housing, access to healthcare, critical infrastructure needs, and achieves important natural resource goals like increasing water supply—all while supporting our state’s robust economy.

One of my top priorities coming into office was to address the many societal factors that lead to homelessness. More than half of the population living on our streets identify as former foster youth. It stands to reason that addressing the educational needs of foster youth earlier in their life would create a pathway to a better future. My effort starts with making college in California debt free for former foster youth. Just 7 months into my first term, I am proud to share with you that this year’s budget includes that priority legislation along with several Senate District 8 specific funding requests.

Here is a news report out of San Diego talking about that program.

This year’s budget includes ongoing funding that will make college debt-free for foster youth, $55 million retained in local water resilience and environmental projects specific to Senate District 8, and over $10 million to support community improvement projects throughout Elk Grove and Sacramento.

This year, I was able to secure nearly $100 million dollars that will benefit Senate District 8 and California:

• Annual, on-going funding that will support debt-free college for foster youth
• $55 million retained in local water resilience and environmental projects
• $8 million to the City of Refuge in Oak Park, which will create a new supportive housing development for victims of human sex trafficking
• $1 million to the City of Sacramento for community improvement projects
• $1 million to the City of Elk Grove for community improvement projects
• $200,000 to Fairy Tale Town to complete capital improvements
• $150,000 to Sacramento Street Soccer for facilities

Thank you for your continued support. Our team is here if you need us at (916) 319-0309 or Senator.Ashby@senate.ca.gov.

Sincerely,
Angelique
State Senator District 8

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