I am the proud co-author of bi-partisan legislation – along with Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel), that finally provides a reliable funding source to ensure children and families across the state have access to safe and clean water from their faucets.
The legislation has been vetted through nearly two years of policy and budgetary hearings.
The proposal now provides greater economic security to agricultural and rural regions like ours while addressing nitrate impacts in drinking water.
In exchange for regulatory relief regarding nitrate contamination, the agricultural industry has agreed to very modest funding increases assessed on fertilizer and livestock.
In Sacramento, I represent one of the poorest Senate districts in the state, which includes thousands of constituents who lack access to safe and clean drinking water.
As a farmer, I understand how burdensome regulation and job-killing policies are increasing the cost of doing business in California.
This counter-productive approach makes agriculture – already one of the riskiest industries – even more difficult in which to succeed.
However, SB 844 allows California farmers and farmworkers to plan for costs that help make sure all Californians have safe and clean drinking water.
However, the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund has been thoroughly reviewed by all stakeholders.
Our communities, our farmers, and our farmworkers cannot afford another year of inaction.