Updates from 37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart

As one of the most visible legislative representatives of our 37^th district, Assemblymember Gregg Hart has this past week provided accurate information regarding two important issues facing California: funding efforts for recovery from the Los Angeles fires and resident’s rights regarding DEI and immigration. 

Recovery Efforts & Funding Post Wildfires

Hart reports that California Legislators are continuing to support disaster preparedness statewide. On January 23, the CA Legislature approved a $2.5 billion funding package to jumpstart recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Federal Government support is needed and being counted on for state agencies and first responders. Governor Newsom issued executive orders to streamline permitting to assist with rebuilding, push back tax deadlines for affected residents and more. 

Hart extended formally his appreciation to the first responders, National Guard members, relief workers, community volunteers and all people who have selflessly served the residents of Los Angeles in their time of need. 

He stresses everyone sign up for Emergency Alerts on their phone. Next, review the information on the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council website regarding their education and outreach safety programs. There is info on Home Evaluations, Defensible Space Assistance, Community Chipping laws, Wildfire Education, and more. 

Hart further adds, “The State of California supports the work of our local agencies to prepare for fire hazards and winter storms with vegetation management by hand crews, prescribed burns, the identification of defensible space for homes and the clearing of debris basins ahead of rain events.”

411:For disaster assistance, document replacement, returning home, as well as free debris removal by March 31, 2025, visit www.ca.gov/lafires/

DEI & Immigration

Hart explains the concern and California’s laws on DEI and Immigration: “The policies of the new presidential administration have instilled fear in many members of our community. The Legislature has recognized the negative consequences of heavy-handed immigration enforcement policies, especially the erosion of trust between essential services and immigrant communities. California state law provides a number of safeguards to support immigrant communities. To make sure people feel comfortable calling for emergency help when they need it, California law prohibits police officers from enforcing federal immigration law or asking people about their immigration status. State law also ensures access to education and emergency medical care regardless of immigration status and protects student and patient information from federal immigration enforcement.”  

411: For the complete list of Immigration Rights in California, go to the California Attorney General’s website: https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources

Assemblymember Hart Santa Barbara Office phone: 805-564-1649; Email: Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov