My Bills on Public Health, Economic Development & Affordable Housing Become Law
As this year’s legislative session comes to an end, I am proud to share that more of my bills have been signed into law. I’d like to thank my colleagues, community partners, and our Governor for supporting these legislative efforts that will positively impact millions.
One of my top priorities has been implementing common-sense measures to spur the production of affordable housing to meet the incredibly high need, and I am pleased to have moved the needle on this issue including through the revitalization of creative economic development tools in our state.
I have more bills still awaiting the Governor’s signature that I will be sure to keep you updated on.
There is more to be done in the coming legislative year and I hope to continue to work collaboratively with you to achieve progress for California.
- SB 780 – “Economic Development”: SB 780 will provide helpful clarifications to improve the functioning and usefulness of Special Tax Districts that are used by local governments to fund community infrastructure projects, local economic development, and affordable housing. Since the elimination of redevelopment agencies in 2011, the Legislature enacted several tax increment financing tools to support infrastructure, economic development and affordable housing in local communities. Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts (EIFDs) have emerged as the most flexible tool for local agencies considering infrastructure development. Community Revitalization Investment Authorities (CRIAs) have broader redevelopment powers and a focus on affordable housing but are currently viewed as too cumbersome to establish and operate. Improvements to EIFD and CRIA statutes are needed to facilitate the use of these tools for infrastructure, redevelopment and affordable housing objectives.
- SB 791 – “Affordable Housing; Surplus Land Unit”: SB 791 will expedite the construction of affordable housing on local government surplus land through the creation of the California Surplus Land Unit within the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This unit that will give consultative and technical assistance to local agencies seeking to increase housing production on their surplus land. By requiring HCD to submit an annual report that provides the number and location of housing units assisted by the unit and what funds were used to finance those units, this bill also includes crucial data collection components to help the Legislature understand how we can better augment the unit’s work to effectively promote affordable housing production.
- SB 564 – “Santa Clara County Hospitals”: SB 564 will ensure that two critical public hospitals in Senate District 15 – the O’Connor Hospital (OCH) and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (VMC) – can maintain access to health services for County residents while continuing their progress to meet seismic safety standards by extending the hospital seismic compliance deadline from July 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024, given the impact of COVID-19 on the County’s hospital system, paired with the County’s only recent acquisition of the O’Connor Hospital.
Learn more about my bills previously signed into law at this link.
Check out local news coverage:
The Mercury News: Gov. Newsom signs more than two dozen housing bills
KTVU Fox: Governor signs affordable housing package as statewide eviction moratorium slated to end
Thanks to a budget request I championed, the City of San Jose will be able to purchase a Mobile Operations Satellite Expeditionary Systems (MOSES) to communicate securely and effectively during a wildfire or natural disaster.
To prevent more destruction from natural disasters, the state must prioritize investment in technology that will strengthen our communication infrastructure. By using proven and state-of-the-art technology, we can minimize the risk of failure and ensure first responder and emergency communications to the general public is reliable
I am confident that the funding I secured – over $2,000,000 - will allow us to better fight wildfires and save countless lives through the purchase of a new MOSES system. I’d like to thank my colleagues, including Assemblymember Evan Low and Senate Majority Leader Robert Hertzberg, that signed on to my budget request.
The MOSES satellite communication technology has been successfully deployed – with Santa Clara County becoming the first County in the state to purchase the system – to provide cellular, WiFi and satellite service where it is needed the most to ensure that this community can withstand the challenges of a major disaster, including wildfires. The military grade system allows first responders to make voice calls, track and coordinate resources, support mutual aid resources and communicate with the general public regarding critical evacuation information.
A MOSES satellite unit can be deployed at a moment’s notice, has antenna coverage of 960 miles, can support 100,000 data users, and can operate at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet with wind conditions over 50 miles per hour.
Learn more about state funding I secured to ensure the safety of our community during a wildfire or other disaster in the below news coverage:
SFGate: City Receives State Funding For Wildfire Communications System
San Jose Inside: City of San José to Receive More Than $20 Million From California State Budget
I was also proud to support our state’s historic and much-needed investments to combat our climate crisis that has spawned increased wildfires. You can look here for a detailed breakdown of where these funds are going.
Read my latest column in San Jose Spotlight about the critical need for comprehensive school-based mental health resources and the funding we were able to secure in this year’s state budget that will allow for millions of children and youth to receive mental health and emotional support. Read the column at this link.
This month, I was appointed to serve on our state’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission and I look forward to working in this role to continue to identify and provide new ways to meet the mental health needs of our community, especially our student community.
This 16-person Commission, established in 2004 by the Mental Health Services Act, is charged with the responsibility of driving transformational change in California’s mental health system. As a requirement of the Mental Health Services Act, the Commission is designed to empower stakeholders, with members representing not only consumers and their families, and employers, but also service providers, law enforcement, government officials, and educators.
It is clear that the pandemic will have implications on the psychological and social well-being of our younger generation for years to come. I value the opportunity to work with my new colleagues on the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, that all bring diverse expertise, to affect change in this area.
I’ve enjoyed seeing more and more of you in person and I’m constantly reminded of what a vibrant and lovely community we all share. Thank you to the amazing volunteers that work so hard to organize these events for the enjoyment and betterment of everyone across our district.
I joined a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Little Free Library located in the Saratoga Historic Village with Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao and the local Girl Scout Juniors troop #28843 who worked hard to make this wonderful book-exchange project a reality.
I celebrated Our City Forest’s Outdoor Classroom Launch at Martial Cottle Park. Here I am pictured with our County’s Office of Sustainability Director, Jasneet Sharma, and Our City Forest Executive Director Rhonda Berry. During my time as President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I led the creation and approval of the Martial Cottle Park Master Plan Project – a partnership with the County and State to preserve and create 287 acres of historic public parkland for our next generation to enjoy.
Phuong Nguyen represented my Office to remember and honor Gold Star Families at a service at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
Thank you to the many members of Lions Club International for putting together an Eyeglasses Sorting and Cleaning volunteer event at the Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in San Jose. Over 118,000 used prescription eyeglasses were recently provided for recycling.
If you are a tenant or landlord whose rent is impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for emergency rent relief that we secured in this year’s budget. Visit HousingIsKey.com or call (833) 430-2122 for more information on rental assistance and to start an application.
The program is active and currently accepting applications. There is no deadline to apply.
To this date, the state has paid or approved payment for almost $1.7 billion in rent relief for tenants and landlords.
The State Legislature secured access to utility bill repayment in this year's budget!
The newly established California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) will offer financial assistance for California energy utility customers to help reduce past due energy bill balances accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established by Governor Newsom and the California Legislature in the 2021-22 State Budget and administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), the CAPP program dedicates $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Californian's energy debts.
Utility customers do not need to apply to receive assistance under the CAPP program. If a customer account is eligible, a credit will be automatically applied to the customer bill. Energy utilities will apply for CAPP assistance on behalf of customers who incurred a past due balance of 60 days or more on their energy bill during the COVID-19 pandemic relief period covering March 4, 2020 through June 15, 2021.
Learn more about at this link.
Here are some safe opportunities to explore and volunteer in our local community!
- EIC Food Distribution – Evergreen Islamic Center is coordinating a community-wide food distribution event on October 23rd from 11-1:00pm located at 2486 Ruby Ave in San Jose. Questions can be directed to info@eicsanjose.org.
- Cupertino Residents Recycling Event – Cupertino Residents are invited by the City of Cupertino to a secure document shredding and E-Waste Disposal event on November 13th from 8am to 12pm at the De Anza College Parking Lot A. Learn more here.
- Downtown San Jose Farmers Market – Every Friday from May 7 - Dec 17 (except July 2 and Nov. 26) from 10 am to 2 pm. More information at this link.
- Vintage Market at the San Jose Flea Market – Every 2nd & 4th Fridays & Saturdays of the Month, the Market will feature over 70 vendors, plenty of food trucks, along with rotating local DJs. More information at this link.
For those of you that missed it, check out a recording of our recent Consumer Scam Stopper Town Hall at this link. During this informative presentation and discussion, we were joined by experts from the Contractors State License Board, the California Department of Insurance, and the Department of Financial Protection, including special guest, Board Member Kevin Albanese who serves on the California Contractors State License Board. We learned about the most common scams that are targeted to consumers of all ages.
I will continue to promote and support policies, like my bill SB 461 that became law this year, that allow us to better prevent and fight back against the scams we will learn about today to protect our community.
Video Gallery
In the Video Gallery posted on my website you can find recordings of my recent Town Halls, interviews, news conferences, video compilations, bill hearings, and more. Missed a recent SD 15 event or want to learn more about my budget and legislative priorities? Check out my Video Gallery at this link!
State Resources Posted on My Website
State resources and services available during the pandemic have been posted on my new website: sd15.sen.ca.gov. Just click on the "COVID-19" link under the “Resources” tab of my website to get connected to some of the most frequently used state resources, including resources for businesses and employers, students, those in need of housing and financial assistance, and more.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov.
Thank you,
Dave Cortese
