Delays in public health implementation spark urgent budget review

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the significant delays in implementing a crucial public health bill following the withdrawal of a referendum. Assembly members expressed concerns that the 18-month delay caused by the referendum has compounded existing challenges, with some departments indicating that even without the delay, the implementation timeline would have exceeded the deadlines set in the bill.

Assembly member Bennett highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that these delays directly impact public health in communities. He called for enhanced oversight to ensure that the implementation remains a priority in future budget considerations.

The discussion also revealed that the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) began preparations for implementation immediately after the referendum was withdrawn. However, there was confusion regarding the timeline for operators to respond to new regulations, with CalGEM initially providing a six-month notice but later extending this to twelve months. Assembly members sought clarification on this change and the budget implications, noting that discussions about the referendum's status had not occurred during earlier budget hearings.

Officials acknowledged that the necessary budget resources for implementation were not included in the regular budget process due to the uncertainty surrounding the referendum. With the referendum now withdrawn, the administration has submitted a Budget Change Proposal (BCP) to secure funding for the bill's implementation, which is now deemed urgent.

The meeting underscored the critical nature of timely action in public health policy and the need for robust oversight to prevent further delays in addressing community health needs.