This year, as we prepare to tackle San Francisco’s budget deficit, I, as chair of the San Francisco Board of Supervisor’s Budget Committee, called a number of hearings to help bring transparency and understanding to what is at stake in this year’s budget and what it means for all of us. This is my fourth year as the Budget Committee Chair, where I have worked with two different board presidents and two different mayors to help guide our City’s finances to provide a stronger and more resilient San Francisco. I believe that, throughout these four years, we have done a lot of good work to trim waste, increase efficiencies and guard against corruption. These hearings were intended to help Budget Committee members understand the progress we have made as well as hear the priorities of everyday San Franciscans.

In April, I called a hearing into the denial of healthcare by Blue Shield for our employees, retirees and their families. These denials came to light after a retired firefighter, Ken Jones, shared his story about being denied care as recommended by his oncologist for his Stage IV lung cancer. Firefighter Jones served and protected our City for almost 20 years, and to be denied treatment, particularly at this most critical time of care, is unacceptable. Across our country we are seeing access to healthcare being cut, made unaffordable or inaccessible. We must push back – we cannot allow insurance companies to put profit over people.

In 30 days, San Francisco residents will begin to receive their vote by mail ballots for the June 2 primary election. This midterm primary election carries a significant importance for our City and state’s future.

You have all heard me say it before, but small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods. They are where we find community and gather for celebrations. We rely on them for everyday essentials, delicious meals, special treats, local artisan products and so much more. Which is why I have been working to find ways to both protect and support our small businesses and neighborhood commercial corridors.