Special Report: California’s Policy Response to COVID-19
Work in Sacramento may be occurring remotely, but developments are happening at a rapid pace.
Executive Orders from Governor Gavin Newsom, new guidance from state regulatory agencies, and shifting priorities in the State Legislature are changing the way we do business in California in response to the pandemic.
Catch the latest Capitol Farm Connection podcast as Emily and Tricia dive into these issues by clicking this link HERE. The podcast can also be found on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Spotify by searching Capitol Farm Connection.
Ag Council Members Give Back
Special appreciation goes out to Ag Council members donating food to those impacted by the pandemic. Multiple Ag Council members including Blue Diamond Growers, Pacific Coast Producers, Sunkist Growers, Sun-Maid Growers, and others are donating healthy, nourishing food to people in need as part of the nutritional efforts at food banks, hospitals, schools and local non-profit organizations.
If you are looking for a way to give back, please consider a contribution to the California Association of Food Banks. Their website is available HERE.
Noon Briefings with Gov. Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom continues his weekday briefings at noon amidst the pandemic to help keep Californians informed of statewide efforts. You can watch the updates on both his Facebook and Twitter pages by searching @GavinNewsom.
During the briefing on April 13, Governor Newsom announced a shared vision with the governors of Oregon and Washington to work together with California to reopen each state’s respective economies while working to control COVID-19.
Governor Newsom said a California-specific plan will be released on April 14 relating to the reopening of businesses and other elements of our communities shuttered due to the pandemic.
Click HERE to view the statement by Governor Newsom.
Gov. Announces $100 Million for Child Care Services
On April 10, Governor Newsom announced $100 million in state funding to support child care providers serving children of essential workers and vulnerable populations. The allocation follows on the heels of an executive order by the governor to ensure the children of essential workers have access to child care during the pandemic.
Ag Council thanks the governor for this action given that many essential workers are parents with child care needs and face limited options due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Funding will go to the Department of Education and allow up to 20,000 additional childcare slots. The funds will also cover the cost of cleaning child care facilities during the pandemic.
Click HERE for the announcement.
Legislature Seeks More Transparency as Governor Makes COVID-19 Decisions
After Governor Gavin Newsom announced a nearly $1 billion purchase of 500 million protective masks by the State of California last week, Joint Legislative Budget Committee Chair Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) penned a letter to the state finance director asking for greater budget transparency with legislators regarding such spending.
Though recognizing the need for the governor to rapidly address the pandemic and stating she concurred with the decision, Senator Mitchell requested further details about the equipment contract, costs, timing and other information.
An informational hearing in the Special Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on the COVID-19 Response is scheduled on April 16 to conduct an overview of state spending to fight the virus.
On the Assembly side, Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced the chamber’s first COVID-19 hearing will take place on April 20.
The Assembly will webcast the hearing on its website (www.assembly.ca.gov) and a mechanism to obtain public testimony will be available given that physical distancing measures are planned in the hearing room.