Investing in our Neighborhoods

From my very first day in public service, I’ve believed our budgets are moral documents. They reflect what we value. That’s why I’ve always taken my role in shaping public budgets seriously, whether on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors or now in the California State Assembly.

As we’ve worked through California’s 2025-26 budget, I brought that same focus to the table. With a historic deficit and growing uncertainty driven by federal instability and economic headwinds, these negotiations have been particularly challenging. But even in these tough times, I fought to ensure that the budget we passed in the Legislature protects the essential services our communities rely on. I will continue to fight for those investments as final negotiations with the governor move forward.

Here is what I advocated for in the version of the budget that I voted for:

Protecting Access to Health Care

I fought to protect Medi-Cal and preserve access to care for low-income and vulnerable Californians. The Legislature rejected cuts to women’s health services, including funding for Planned Parenthood. We also delayed harmful changes like new premiums for undocumented adults and cuts to dental benefits. These efforts are critical as we work to build a health care system that is accessible, affordable and equitable for all.

Strengthening Public Education

This budget keeps education at the forefront by increasing per-student funding to more than $25,000 for public schools. It also rejects proposed ongoing cuts to the University of California and California State University systems, ensuring that our higher education institutions remain strong and accessible. We also preserved investments in transitional kindergarten, early learning and school facility upgrades.

Building Safer Communities

The budget includes $100 million to backfill federal cuts to the Victims of Crime Act, ensuring support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. I fought for this critical funding because we cannot allow federal dysfunction to jeopardize services for victims. It also includes $200 million to support the implementation of Proposition 36 – funding behavioral health treatment, pretrial services, courts, prosecutors and public defenders.

Tackling Our Affordability Crisis

As housing costs continue to rise, I pushed for historic investments to build more affordable homes and prevent homelessness. The Legislature secured $500 million in tax credits, $120 million for multifamily housing and $209 million for prevention programs.

Additionally, I helped secure a $750 million loan to support Bay Area transit agencies like BART, Muni and Caltrain – vital for affordability, access and economic recovery.

This budget isn’t perfect – no budget ever is. But it reflects a serious, responsible approach to governing in uncertain times. It avoids new taxes on working families, maintains critical safety-net programs and makes smart investments in our future.

As final decisions are made between the Legislature and the governor, I’ll keep fighting for the priorities that matter to the people of San Francisco and San Mateo County: quality health care, strong public schools, safer neighborhoods and a California where everyone can afford to live and thrive.

Thank you for your trust. I’ll continue to work every day to ensure our public dollars reflect our shared values.

Assemblymember Catherine Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. She can be reached at 415-557-2312 or Assemblymember.Stefani@assembly.ca.gov.