Bill Introduction Deadline Nears as Budget Deficit Looms

The February 16th deadline for introducing bills in 2024 is quickly approaching, and approximately more than 50 new pieces of legislation have been introduced in the Senate and Assembly as this article is being written. We expect the pace to increase tremendously over the coming weeks, as evidenced by the length of time it’s taking Legislative Counsel to draft proposals.

While legislators are developing their legislation for 2024, the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees have begun to meet as they work toward solving a projected budget deficit of anywhere from $38 billion to $68 billion. The Department of Finance projects a deficit of $38 billion, and the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a deficit of $68 billion, with ongoing structural deficits in future budget years of approximately $30 billion.

To watch the Assembly Budget Committee’s first hearing providing an overview of the State Budget proposal, please click here.

Over the coming months, each state agency will make presentations and answer questions from lawmakers as their budgets are crafted by the Legislature. WMA will keep you informed about budget actions that impact the manufactured housing community industry.

March Election Ballots Going Out Soon — Candidates Reaching Out for Forums to Meet Voters

County registrars across the state will begin mailing ballots to every registered voter beginning February 5 for the March 5th Presidential Primary Election. Candidates for the State Legislature are actively working to finish either first or second place on the March ballot, as only the top two finishers will earn a spot on the November 5th General Election ballot. This means there could be two Democrats or two Republicans on the November ballot.

Because of the generosity of our WMA members, the WMA PAC has been able to financially support nearly 50 candidates for Senate and Assembly. Financial support helps WMA’s policy goal of electing people who understand the importance of private property rights and appreciate the difficulty the manufactured housing community industry faces as it struggles to provide essential housing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people.

In addition to providing financial assistance, candidates have begun reaching out to WMA to provide them with a forum to speak with residents in mobilehome parks. These candidates understand that money is important, but votes decide the election. Our efforts to educate candidates and legislators through park tours has made WMA a valuable resource for more than just a financial contribution. 

If you have a park where you would like to invite a legislator or candidate supported by the WMA PAC to meet residents (voters), please reach out to me by email, and we can help set up the logistics. This is another opportunity for WMA members to build a personal relationship with a candidate early in his or her legislative career, and the importance of these connections cannot be overstated.

February 8th MCM Webinar Approaching Quickly — Fair Housing Basics for 2024

Every rental housing professional should be aware of and understand the implications and sometimes complicated Fair Housing regulations.  

Join us for an informative session with Angel Rogers of STAR Training as she covers best practices and trending issues regarding Fair Housing.

Additional information and online registration can be found here. 

It is an honor to serve WMA, please feel to reach me directly at chris@wma.org or on my direct line at the office – 916.288.4026.