Legislative Update – July 10, 2017

Your calls made the difference!

After a very lengthy partisan debate on the floor, SB 2 (Atkins) passed the Senate last week with 27 votes. (All Democrats voted “aye” and Republicans “oppose” – Republicans remain concerned that the funding source will put an unfair financial burden on homeowners.)

The bill will now be heard in the Assembly where it is expected to pass the Housing and Community Development and Appropriations Committees.  However, we are expecting MAJOR challenges on the Assembly floor.  It will be extremely difficult to reach the 2/3 vote threshold without Habitat for Humanity California’s grassroots network joining us in full support.


CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER DURING SUMMER RECESS!

The Legislature will adjourn for summer recess on July 21st and will return on August 21st.  They will be in their districts during the break.

Starting today, we ask that you to call and meet with your Assemblymember and tell them to support SB 2 and SB 3.
Please contact them in person, by phone and by mail and stress the following:
  • The cost of renting a home is at an all-time high.
  • Homeownership in California is at its lowest rate since the 1940s.
  • 1 out of 5 residents pay more than half their income on housing.
It only takes 3 steps:
Step 1: Find Assemblymembers in your affiliate’s service area.

Enter home addresses here to find your Assemblymember(s). Then call the members’ District and Capitol offices.

Step 2: Call

Use this sample script to make the call easier. Feel free to add your hometown context on the crisis.

Step 3: Meeting in the District
Call your Assemblymember’s district office and formally request a meeting.  Bring a support letter and local facts and figures on the housing crisis in your community.
The California Legislature cannot get away with another year of inaction on funding for workforce housing.  Thank you for making the time to take action.
Chair | Habitat for Humanity California Legislative Committee
President/CEO | San Diego Habitat for Humanity