Central Coast Caucus prioritizes economy, environment in budget
– The California Central Coast Legislative Caucus, chaired by Assemblywoman Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), unveiled its budget priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These priorities aim to bolster the economy, environment, and well-being of the Central Coast.
Addis emphasized the region’s significance in the global economy, with industries such as clean technology, innovation, agriculture, and education contributing over $12 billion. She stressed the need for continued investments in coastal resiliency, emergency preparedness, ocean restoration, and renewable energy to strengthen local communities.
Senator Monique Limón, Vice Chair of the Central Coast Caucus, highlighted the importance of prioritizing issues such as emergency preparedness, wildfire and flood mitigation, climate and coastal resiliency, among others. She emphasized the critical role of advocating for Central Coast communities in the state budget and beyond.
Established in 2023, the Central Coast Legislative Caucus represents Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The caucus identifies and prioritizes regional issues for advocacy before the state and federal government, including in the state budget process.
The legislature has until June 15 to pass the 2024-2025 Budget Bill.
Dawn Addis, elected to the California State Assembly in 2022, represents the coastal 30th Assembly District, encompassing San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties.