Budget
As the federal government is making deep, draconian cuts to healthcare and social services, California must defend the safety and welfare of our residents. Protecting the safety net, while addressing key statewide needs are the core of my budget priorities.
I’m proud to advocate for billions of dollars in critical investments to advance the priorities that matter most to Californians, which have been incorporated into the State Senate’s Foundation for the Future budget plan. These priorities will help reduce homelessness, build affordable housing, improve community safety, protect vulnerable communities, and preserve access to essential social services.
Change Senator Arreguín Advocates For
California is making real progress in reducing street homelessness, including a 9% statewide decrease this past year. With 45,000 affordable homes waiting for funding and federal proposals that could push 41,000 people back onto the streets, we must build upon our momentum to prevent losing what we have gained. As the Senate Housing Chair, I am advocating for:
Preventing Homelessness & Supporting Local Response
- $1.5B Homelessness, Housing, Assistance and Prevention Prgoram (HHAP)
- $500M Continuums of Care
- $32M Regional Housing Finance Authorities, including $15M for the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority
Building & Preserving Affordable Housing
- $500M Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
- $500M Multi-Family Housing Program (includes $60M to stabilize at-risk affordable housing)
- $32M Regional Housing Finance Authorities, including $15M for the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority
Supporting Working Families & Homeownership
- $200M Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program (FWHG)
- $500M CalHOME to support first-time homebuyers
Smart, community-based solutions to reduce gun violence and crime are delivering results. The California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Program has helped cities like Oakland and Richmond achieve historic reductions in homicides. To build on this success, I am advocating for $55M to expand the Cal VIP Program.
As the federal government is engaged in mass deportations, California must stand firm in protecting immigrant families and ensuring access to justice. I am fighting for: $15M for the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP), supporting unaccompanied minors with legal and social services; and $5M for the Immigration Counsel Access pilot program to uphold due process for unrepresented individuals.
No one should go hungry or lack basic healthcare due to federal cuts. These investments ensure Californians can meet their most fundamental needs. I am working to secure $102.8M for CalFresh to protect food assistance benefits; and $311M to restore Medi-Cal Dental funding, unlocking an additional $517M in federal matching funds to expand care for millions.
A cleaner transportation system is key to California’s economic future and climate leadership. That’s why I’m advocating for: $230M from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund this year and $460M next year to help transit agencies transition to zero-emission fleets; and guaranteeing funding for the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program.