May has been a very busy, exciting, and productive month – across all aspects of our policy, advocacy, and program work – for the NextGen Policy team! Last week, the Governor released the update to his January budget proposal – also referred to as the May Revise. Although the May Revise reflects a significant downturn in state revenues, the NextGen team was pleased to see that the updated budget proposal, though dire in its deficit projections, still continues to value, support, and prioritize equity and justice focused program and policy solutions. Last week, we were also pleased to see that one of our newest NextGen team members was featured as a Rising Star in the Capitol Weekly. In this What’s Next you will also receive information about the current status of the California Climate Commitment from our Climate 100 Project, as well as more bill and program news to help keep you in the loop! Here’s What’s Next at NextGen:
★ The Governor’s May Revise is HERE!: On May 12th, Governor Newsom released the May Revise. 🚨 This year’s May Revise budget reflects a significant multi-year financial deficit and proposes cuts, delays, and alternative funding options to weather this fiscal storm in the current year. Learn more about the details of the May Revise proposal and how the NextGen team will continue to advocate for solutions that will help address environmental, social, racial, gender, and economic inequities throughout our state, including:
★ NextGen’s Rising Star: Recently, NextGen’s Education Policy Associate Kimberly Sanchez was featured in Capitol Weekly as a Rising Star! ⭐ We’re beyond proud of Kimberly and her accomplishments, especially how she has been able to integrate her academic and lived experiences into her policy development, legislative advocacy, and grassroots organizing work at NextGen. We celebrate and truly appreciate her commitment to equity and justice for all California students.
★ Standing Up to Big Oil: With California facing a significant budget shortfall, it seems only fitting that state policymakers specifically examine tax advantages and other benefits provided to big oil and gas companies – some of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world – for elimination! 🛢️ Now more than ever, it’s crucial that California remain committed to climate action by ending Big Oil subsidies and tax benefits.
Despite state revenue shortfalls, additional resources in the form of federal infrastructure funding as well as state bond funding are on the horizon! The latest letter from our Climate 100 Project breaks down why our state must incorporate climate and equity goals into these investments:
★ Did You Know? On May 15th, we proudly joined our friends at the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence for Day 1 of their advocacy event in Sacramento! Together, with advocates from across California, we engaged with legislative offices on the program and resource needs of those in their communities who have been harmed by intimate partner violence, with a focus on prevention and intervention strategies.
★ Member Spotlight: A huge thank you to Governor Newsom, Senate pro Tem Atkins, and Speaker Rendon for taking early budget action to protect student borrowers by passing and signing AB 111 into law. This budget trailer bill exempts critical federal student debt relief programs from state taxes. We were proud to support AB 111 and stand with student borrowers – we must ensure that everyone receives the full financial benefit of loan forgiveness programs!
★ What’s Next: In June, stay tuned for the What’s Next email where we’ll be sharing updates on floor votes on our priority bills, the status of budget negotiations, and much more – keep a lookout for more information and live reactions on Twitter!
★ Our Mission: NextGen Policy fights for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial, and economic inequities through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and democratic civic engagement.
Thank you,
NextGen Policy