Villapudua Wins Critical Funds, Central Valley on the Map for California’s Finalized Budget

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) celebrated the passage of California’s Budget Act of 2021, Senate Bill (SB) 129, which includes millions of dollars in direct funding to critical departments and programs throughout San Joaquin County.

“I am grateful for the provided funding from the State for our communities within San Joaquin County,” said Assemblymember Villapudua. “Where we decide to put our money sheds a light on our priorities, so I’m excited to see this type of recognition and support for our families, many of whom are experiencing financial struggles they never would have expected to be in but will now see the direct benefit of this financial support for programs aimed at serving them.”

Among a number of allocations for San Joaquin County, the city of Stockton is poised to receive:

$5 million for a food distribution center to address food insecurity. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Oasis City Center, through their Oasis Cares program, has distributed over one million pounds of full meals, pantry items, and essential supplies to hundreds of thousands of individuals. Food insecurity has only increased throughout the pandemic, but this one-time funding will help increase access to free meal supplementation that will help those in need maintain hope and independence.

$2 million to bolster public safety through the Stockton Police Department. The increase in financial insecurity from the pandemic has been accompanied by a rising need to ensure our communities are being kept safe. This includes supporting our police officers by providing them with the proper software and equipment needed to maximize the departments success in field operations and administration.

$250,000 for playground equipment for Dentoni Park. Access to our great outdoors has shown to have tremendous benefits for not just our youth and families, but for the mental health of all individuals. These funds will be used to help replace the 40-year-old playground equipment that is in poor condition to make the structure safer and more enjoyable for our children. “I am so thrilled to hear that there will be funding for playground equipment for this beautiful park,” said Stockton City Councilmember Sol Jobrack. “It fills a huge void in a neighborhood with many families and lots of needs by replacing a decades old play structure. Thank you for making this happen.”

SB 129 is now awaiting the Governor’s signature to finalize these allocations. You can learn more about the legislation here.