EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This month, we're spotlighting the continuous work philanthropic organizations are doing in the areas of issue-based policy that most closely impact the communities we serve. We touch on issues including affordable housing, public charge, and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility criteria. We also highlight proposals and recommendations from philanthropic and nonprofit leaders on the uses of cannabis tax revenues for the Youth Fund, and provide resources on the topic of foster youth trauma. Other highlights include:
- California’s new Future of Work Commission
- Effects of the state’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCCF) on local school district spending
- Poverty in California
We are also introducing a new section in the Roundup, focused on keeping you up-to-date on actions taken by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that may affect your work and efforts as a funder in the region. As always, we welcome any feedback or comments on this newsletter.
PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION
SCG & Members Oppose Proposed Changes to SNAP
SCG opposes the proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility criteria that would take away vital food benefits to 230,000 Californians, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. As a part of the federal rulemaking process, SCG submitted a public comment (through our statewide alliance, Philanthropy CA) for consideration by the Department of Agriculture.
READ OUR LETTER
In addition, SCG members including Archstone Foundation, First 5 LA, The California Community Foundation, The Eisner Foundation, The S. Mark Taper Foundation, and United Ways of California also submitted comments opposing this change that would threaten food security for families in our region. Southern California’s foundations led the sector nationwide in providing critical input in detailing the harm this proposed rule would have in our communities.
READ THEIR LETTERS
Standing with Local Leaders to Increase Affordable Housing
SCG joined local Los Angeles philanthropic and government leaders this month in support of legislation aimed at eliminating barriers to the construction of affordable housing. We advocated for the passage of Assembly Bill 1197 (Santiago), which fast tracks approval of supportive housing projects within the City of Los Angeles and urged Governor Newsom to sign AB 1197. Our collective advocacy was successful, and Governor Newsom signed the bill into law last week. The bill takes effect immediately.
READ OUR LETTER
California Philanthropy in Opposition of New Public Charge Rule
With the public charge rule set to take effect on October 15, SCG joined philanthropic leaders across California in a joint letter to demonstrate a united front against the public charge rule. Organized by SCG member, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the letter has gathered the sign-on from over 25 philanthropic leaders throughout the state. If you are a California funder interested in adding your name to the list of signatories, please contact Deborah Kong.
VIEW THE LETTER
U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Religious Hiring Exemptions
On August 15, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a new proposed regulatory rule that would expand exemptions to organizations or companies with a self-identified religious purpose to depart from traditional protections related to race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Our team is closely monitoring this proposed rule during its public comment period. Any funders who would like to act in response to this rule or require technical policy assistance, please feel free to contact us.
CONTACT US
SCG Los Angeles County Watch
This month, we're tracking actions taken by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors related to your work in economic security, the Los Angeles Justice Fund, voter engagement, homelessness, and young adults and children in foster care.
TRACK UPDATES
FOCUS ON YOUTH
Child Welfare Policy Roundtable: Foster Youth Trauma and Resilience
September’s Child Welfare Policy Roundtable, co-hosted by Children Now and the Assembly Foster Care Select Committee, focused on the need for trauma-informed care and practices to ensure that impacted youth can build resilience through their trauma. Funders interested in learning more about foster youth trauma and resilience can view the resources below.
VIEW RESOURCES
New State Funding to Address Youth Homelessness
John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY), hosted an online webinar to discuss the new Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAPP), which provides qualifying cities as well as all counties and Continuums of Care, with funding to address homelessness through a one-time investment of $640 million. Their webinar presentation provided a general overview of HHAP as well as a six-step guide on how to prepare for HHAP funding.
VIEW RESOURCES
Advocates from Across the State Call for a More Targeted Use of Cannabis Tax Revenues
The approval of Proposition 64 in 2018 created the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (Youth Fund), which allocates a portion of cannabis tax revenues to support youth education and community services regarding substance use throughout the state. Last month, a group of 88 advocates across the state submitted a letter to the Governor’s Office asking for a more strategic use of the cannabis tax revenues. View the letter and full list of signatories below.
VIEW LETTER
NEWS & REPORTS
Governor Newsom Appoints Future of Work Commission
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the members of the Future of Work Commission, which will convene public-private stakeholders across the state to strategize how to ensure the state’s growing workforce and economic strength. We are proud to share that our own SCG member, Soraya Coley, President of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, has been appointed to the Commission.
READ PRESS RELEASE
The New Public Charge Rule and its Effects on Poverty in California
The California Budget & Policy Center (CBPC) issued a report showing how the new public charge rule, coupled with previous executive actions targeting immigrants, will affect the state’s overall health, development and economy for years to come. The report provides an analysis on what the new regulation means and who will be affected and provides estimates on the implications for the public health sector.
READ REPORT
California’s Report Card on Local School District Funding
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) recently released a report which details the effects of California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) on district funding and describes how local school districts are utilizing their additional state dollars.
READ REPORT
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
JULY FAMILY PHILANTHROPY NEWSLETTER SCG'S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTING ORIGINAL CONTENT CREATED BY FAMILY FOUNDATIONS, COMMUNITY NEWS, AND RESOURCES
SEPTEMBER PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE SCG'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM CHRIS ESSEL, OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO.
SEPTEMBER CORPORATE BRIEF SCG'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY NEWS, EVENTS, AND PEER PROFILES