March 26, 2024

Spring is now here and the longer, sunny days are keeping the NextGen team even more energized and focused on our mission to build a more equitable, climate friendly and prosperous California for all! This edition of What’s Next has several important updates that we’re excited to share with you: the introduction of our brand new blog, “Let’s Talk”, which gives our policy advisors an opportunity to share their points of view on a variety of equity-centered issues; a Politico newsletter which features a NextGen team member and takes a look at a controversial highway expansion project; a recap of our team’s recent activities in the fight against food insecurity and for Cal Grant Reform; and lots more!!

With that, let’s take a look at What’s Next here at NextGen:

★ Introducing NextGen’s New Blog “Let’s Talk”: NextGen invites you to check out our new blog – “Let’s Talk”! Hear directly from our policy advisors as they share their professional insights and observations with you on a wide-range of topics including NextGen’s bill and budget work, our advocacy on various equity-centered programs, breaking news from the State Capitol, and other updates curated just for you! We’re working to change the conversation, putting equity front and center – and we believe “Let’s Talk” will allow more Californians to be directly a part of it. So find a quiet place to relax, get comfortable, and Let’s Talk!

★ NextGen’s Climate Team in the Press: A chorus of environmental organizations continues to voice their shared concerns about a controversial highway project proposed by Caltrans, particularly because this project is being considered for funding before its full climate impacts have been analyzed and the  findings released to the public. “The fact that Caltrans is asking for funds ahead of all of that process is just really concerning,” shared NextGen’s own Policy Advisor Jamie Pew in Politico’s California Climate feature when asked about the highway project, which would affect a 17-mile stretch of I-80 in Yolo County, burdening disadvantaged communities with more traffic and air pollution.

★ NextGen at the State Capitol: Last week, the NextGen team showed up to support several of our policy priorities at the California State Capitol! From fighting food insecurity to supporting Cal Grant Reform efforts, here’s what our team was up to:

• Our team proudly joined Assemblymembers McCarty and Connolly, along with fellow advocates and partners, for a rally at the State Capitol to express our support for Market Match, an essential program which helps vulnerable Californians dependent on CalFresh when purchasing healthy foods at California’s farmers markets! Special thanks to Assemblymember Ting for his continued support of such a vital anti-hunger program. Additionally, we spoke at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing to advocate in support of School Meals For All. With 1 in 4 California families facing food insecurity, we need programs like School Meals For All more than ever to help fight child hunger in our state.
• In the higher education space, our team and other Cal Grant Reform coalition members joined the 3 student associations, CSSA, UCSA and SSCCC to support Cal Grant reform! We’d like to thank Assemblymembers Alvarez and Fong for their comments in budget hearings in support of both California students and the future of our state by supporting funding for Cal Grant Reform! We’re proud to play a part in removing barriers to and simplifying state financial aid to help all students pursue their higher education goals.

Hey college students! 🎓📣 Have you or a friend ever owed outstanding fees directly to your school? These “institutional debts” can prevent students from enrolling in classes, receiving diplomas, and more!

Sound familiar? Share your story with us today!

★ Did You Know? All month long, NextGen has been celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the amazing women leaders who make a difference and positively impact California, our communities, and our lives every single day. Catch up on our Women’s History Month celebration and read about the work and achievements done by each of the incredible women leaders we’ve uplifted this month!

★ Member Spotlight: We’re shining a spotlight on Assemblymember Mia Bonta, a champion for digital equity and inclusion, and author of a NextGen co-sponsored bill AB 2239 which aims to end discrimination to digital access. We’re proud to work alongside Assemblymember Bonta as we fight to close the digital divide for all Californians! Recently, NextGen’s Executive Director Arnie Sowell Jr. had a chance to catch up with Assemblymember Bonta at a CETF Policy Convening. Thank you, Assemblymember, for helping all Californians access affordable, fast, and reliable internet!

Photo of NextGen Policy’s Executive Director Arnie Sowell Jr. with Assemblymember Mia Bonta at a recent California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) Policy Convening.

★ Legislative Deadlines and Insights: With spring officially upon us, the Legislature is headed to Spring Recess this week. This is an excellent chance for legislative offices to take a beat and regroup with sponsors and supporters for bills making their way through their house of origin. When the Legislature returns from recess on April 1st, bills will be making their way through the last stretch of policy committee hearings. Simultaneously, Budget Committees will be working to pass an early budget action package quickly in the next couple of weeks.

★ Our Mission: NextGen Policy fights for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial, and economic inequities through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and democratic civic engagement.

Thank you for being a part of our journey toward a more equitable California. As we continue to push for progressive policy change, we invite you to make a difference by donating to support our organization. Your contribution will directly impact our efforts to address environmental, social, and economic inequities throughout the state.

Thank you,

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