The Toni Times | February 2024
Happy February! This year we get an “extra” day because 2024 is a Leap Year. Let’s all make the most of it and do something special. Take that leap into something you’ve always wanted to do, or reach out to someone you may have lost contact with, or even adopt a new fur baby, who will have an extra special “Gotcha Day” every four years. Having another day in February may also help us catch up to some important deadlines coming up, a few of which we talk about later in the newsletter.
In the Capitol we are busy working to meet the February 16th legislative deadline for submitting new bills for 2024. We are also continuing to work on the state budget, which, as you know, will be tougher this year than it has been lately. The good news is that the responsible budgeting and preparation we have been practicing ensures that California in a relatively good position to get through this downturn in revenue.
We’re also getting ready for the Capitol’s annual celebration of Black History Month, and I’m looking forward to joining the California Legislative Black Caucus in honoring the outstanding Californians they have chosen to highlight at this year’s ceremonies.
February starts off with Groundhog Day, which thanks to the movie, has kind of become a synonym for nothing ever changing. That’s certainly not true for me this February, because next week there will be a change when I step down from my position as President pro Tem of the Senate. It has been an honor beyond words to have served in this position and to be able to accomplish so much for the people of San Diego and all Californians. Take it from me though, Team Toni will still be working hard for the 39th District—and for all the new folks our office temporarily represents following redistricting.
There’s still a lot of work to be done this year—and nice we have an extra day to do it!
Thanks for reading.
Balancing the 2024-25 California state budget will be a challenge, but it is one that the Legislature is well-prepared for. As we look at our state revenues and spending, my colleagues and I will remain cautious and attentive to ensure that we protect the path of progress our state has made through responsible budgeting.
Read more in my statement on Governor Newsom’s January Budget Proposal.
Supporting San Diego’s unhoused residents is a cause extremely close to my heart – getting people the services, support, and shelter they need is a fundamental part of our California’s efforts to address homelessness.
As part of that goal, each year, my staff and I volunteer at the annual #WeAllCount Point-in-Time Count (PITC) conducted by San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness. This year’s PITC was held on January 25, and Team Toni joined with approximately 1,700 volunteers at 43 sites across the San Diego region.
The unsheltered people we encounter are often hesitant seeing us in the early morning hours, but once they learn that the count and the survey are important in getting resources directed to homeless services, they sometimes open up and willingly share their personal histories. Their stories can be heartbreaking as they explain how circumstances beyond their control led them to a life on the streets, but their resilience inspires us to continue the hard work to address the crisis.
The PITC is a federally mandated initiative to conduct a comprehensive count of every person experiencing homelessness in the nation. By collecting data from people experiencing homelessness, regardless of their shelter status, we as policymakers gain insights into the homeless population demographics, policy effectiveness, and the personal narratives and challenges of those without housing. We use those valuable insights as we write legislation to address homelessness, identify state funding needs, and build a supportive pathway to resources and housing.
Most volunteers reported to their assigned location at 4:00 a.m. for training before sunrise. This year’s PITC also included an early evening shift at the new Safe Parking and Safe Sleeping sites. Volunteers used a mobile app to tally people sleeping in tents, sleeping bags or other places outdoors, and in vehicles, and to record their responses to a brief survey gathering demographic information.
The data collected from the PITC is analyzed and is critical for receiving federal funding and for developing strategies and solutions to homelessness. Click here for more information.
The last day to register to vote for the March 5, 2024 Primary Election is February 20! If you are not already a California voter, you can register, confirm your registration, and check the status of your vote-by-mail ballot online here.
All California active registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. For those who would prefer to vote in person, select San Diego County polling places will open Saturday, February 24 for Early Voting from 8am to 5pm.
Several important deadlines are approaching for families and students in Senate District 39, including for student aid and the California Earned Income Tax Credit, which can help working families keep more of their hard-earned money:
- California Earned Income Tax Credit: This credit for working Californians, which I am proud to have created and expanded, can help increase your refund or lower your tax bill. If you have a lower income, work, and are at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child, you may be eligible. If you don’t have a social security number, don’t worry—taxpayers with an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) are eligible, too. Learn more about the tax credit and see if you’re eligible by visiting CalEITC4Me.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA is the federal government’s financial aid program for students in colleges, universities, and trade schools. California students and parents should file the FAFSA by April 2, 2024 to qualify for priority aid consideration.
- Cal Grant: The Cal Grant program is California’s higher education financial aid allocation, providing funding to over 50,000 California students yearly. Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and do not have to be repaid. To be considered for Cal Grant eligibility, file a FAFSA or California Dream Act application, then create a WebGrants4Students account to finalize your application before April 2, 2024.
- CA Dream Act: The California Dream Act allows some undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, U Visa holders, and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to receive financial aid, including Cal Grants and community college fee waivers. Students who live in California and meet the eligibility requirement should submit their application before April 2, 2024 to meet the Cal Grant financial aid priority deadline.
The All Peoples Celebration is a beautiful and empowering community gathering that honors the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was humbled to receive Alliance San Diego’s Ashley Walker Award, named after a woman whose entire life has exemplified community service and fighting injustice. Thank you again for this incredible honor.
Women in agriculture bring diverse perspectives and skills to the field. I welcomed the California Women for Agriculture’s 2024 convention, and new President Debra Stroschein, to San Diego where we have over 5,000 farms that provide over 16,000 jobs, and produce $1.8 billion in sales annually.
My father, my twin sister, both of my brothers, and several other relatives served in the Armed Forces. It was an honor to speak at the California Air National Guard 195th Wing’s Outstanding Airmen of The Year Leadership Symposium. Congratulations to this year’s awardees, and thank you for your service to our country.
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