California State Assembly District 38 issued the following announcement on March 16.
Assemblywoman Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita) released the following statement upon her vote to pass emergency funds to address our current public health crisis:
“Assembly colleagues and I took swift, decisive action to meet the unprecedented challenges this public health crisis has presented,” Assemblywoman Smith said. “In the coming weeks, I will work closely with our local partners to make sure these funds are properly targeted and disbursed, in addition to providing whatever service or resource assistance needed from the community. I thank the Governor for his concise problem solving and collaboration with the Legislature. These are difficult times, but we will get through this together.”
The appropriations amend the 2019-20 budget and dispense the 72-hour rule required by the California Constitution. Important provisions include:
- Up to $500 million for purposes related to the March 4, 2020 State of Emergency declaration;
- Expresses legislative intent that the administration will work with stakeholders, including the legislature to develop strategies to assist small businesses, individuals and non-profits experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19;
- And allows local education agencies (LEAs) to continue to receive funding during this emergency and support flexible learning options for students.