Thank you for joining us: NCJW California Lobby Day

Wow, Sacramento Section turned out in force for NCJW CA Lobby Day program on April 26! Thank you to all who joined the three hour Zoom call. Along with advocates from sections across the state, we heard from esteemed leaders of statewide organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women, families, and children. For those of you who missed the program, click here to view the recording.

Senator Nancy Skinner, chair of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, kicked off the morning and inspired us to work even harder to ensure abortion access in California for its residents and those seeking care here from states where it is restricted.  She stressed that our Jewish faith-based values supporting abortion is an important voice to be heard.  Our other keynote, Chris Hoene, Executive Director of the California Budget and Policy Center, provided us with thoughtful information about this year’s anticipated revenue shortfall, the budget implications and how funding can be obtained to help fill the gaps. Click here to view: The Proposed 2023-24 State Budget: An Overview of the Governor’s Budget Proposal and Other Key Considerations

Our other speakers talked about our priority bills to address the need to increase the child income tax credit for poor families, the child care crisis and proposals to resolve it, an approach to increasing the use of low income housing vouchers by incenting landlords to accept them, and protections for out-of-state people seeking abortions.  This is a very busy time at the Capitol which makes us especially grateful that the speakers gave of their time and expertise.

Learning is the first step, action the next, and we are on it!  Delegations of NCJW Sacramento members are now training to meet with their respective legislators to let them know our position on our priority bills.  Meetings with Assemblymember Hoover and Senator Niello are scheduled for next week and others to follow.  Our goal is greater justice, equity and compassion for all in California.

For the most up to date status of a bill, visit: California Legislative Information

Learn more about the topics presented:

• AB 1128 – GRACE/End Childhood Poverty
• SB 36 – CA Legislative Women Caucus
• AB 596/SB 380 – Child Care Law Center and Parent Voices
• AB 653 – Housing California