Today marks the last day of session for the Legislature and it’s been a busy final week in Sacramento as the Senate and Assembly wrap their work and push bills to Governor Brown’s desk for signature or veto by September 30. As I shared last month, with an election year and the Governor’s final few months in office, we did not anticipate major investments or policy changes for affordable housing.
Still, CHC is proud to report we have advanced five key bills this year. More detail on the specific bills can be found in our In Case You Missed It section of this newsletter. These bills, if signed, will not only build upon the tremendous work of 2017 but also lay groundwork for 2019 and working with a new governor and Administration to make building more affordable homes for Californians a top priority.
Speaking of what’s ahead and our primary focus: November and Proposition 1. Our campaign is in full swing (see more in another section of this newsletter on an outstanding Sacramento press event earlier this week). Our latest polling shows likely voters are generally very supportive of the $4 billion bond to build and providing more affordable housing for veterans, hardworking families and other Californians. Being at the top of the ballot as Prop 1 also helps. There’s ongoing work to ensure we all keep our communication focused on who the measure helps – veterans, hardworking families, seniors and people with disabilities – as we hold onto our base of supporters. And it’s a good reminder for each of us in our daily conversations on Prop 1 – more about the people; less about the programs.
While CHC’s primary mission and focus is building affordable housing for low-income and moderate-income families, we understand California’s housing and homelessness crises are inextricable and we need multiple solutions. This is why we are also supporting the campaign to pass Prop 2, also known as No Place Like Home, that helps people suffering from a serious mental illness and experiencing homelessness by building stable housing for them and keeping mental health services in close reach.
As we go out and connect with our professional and personal networks, let’s remember CHC’s core message and work: we all agree that Californians need more affordable housing. And that’s why we all can and must support Props 1 & 2. Let’s say yes to building and providing affordable homes for veterans, hardworking families and many others in need.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
