Sacramento, CA—The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund Coalition released the following statement from Phoebe Seaton, co-founder and co-executive director of Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability; Jonathan Nelson, Policy Director, Community Water Center; and Jennifer Clary, Water Programs Manager, Clean Water Action upon an announcement of a budget agreement that this year commits $100 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and over $60 million from the General Fund for safe drinking water, along with a $130 million annual appropriation going forward, contingent on passage of the budget bill and budget trailer proposal.
“We are thrilled that the Legislature and Governor Newsom have committed stable funding to ensure that all Californians have access to safe and affordable drinking water this year and in the years to come. Today’s commitment establishes ongoing funding for drinking water, beginning with an investment of at least $1.4 billion over the next 11 years.
“We stand on the verge of a historic victory secured by community leaders, in partnership with elected leaders and a diverse array of supportive stakeholders, who have been fighting for the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund for years. This is a monumental step forward for the million Californians who, today, are being exposed to toxic tap water.
“We thank Speaker Rendon, Pro Tem Atkins and Governor Newsom for demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to ensuring this essential human right.
“We now urge the Legislature to pass the compromise budget proposal and trailer bill to finally deliver safe drinking water to all Californians, no matter where they live or how much money they make. The resolution of California's drinking water crisis now lies in the hands of the Legislature -- and it is up to our elected representatives to put an end to our state’s shameful drinking water crisis once and for all. We urge swift passage of the safe water provisions contained in the budget bill and budget trailer bill.
“We owe this victory, in large part, to the many, tireless community leaders who have fought at the front lines for safe drinking water for decades.”
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