Sighting the lack of available state funds, the same committee rejected adding $10 million proposed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) to increase funds for California’s local tree mortality efforts. These funds were cut by Governor Jerry Brown in his May budget revision from $52 million to $2 million. At the same hearing, Democrat politicians approved tens of millions for pet projects ranging from skate parks, K9 retirement accounts and pork for their districts.
“Making sure that these trees are removed before they fall on their own must be a greater priority for this legislature,” Assemblyman Jim Patterson said. “Adding an extra $10 million for local tree mortality efforts is a drop in the bucket in comparison with our state budget. This is about public safety for families, firefighters and people who visit our mountain communities.”
Funding is still being cut for CalFire’s extended fire season, increased firefighter surge capacity, Conservation Corps fire suppression crews, and large air tankers.
The committee also unanimously approved a change that will help counties in California’s “high hazard” areas fund tree removal projects through the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) without putting up a 25 percent funding match. According to committee analysis, Tuolumne County is the only county in the “high hazard” area that has been able to meet the matching fund requirement but did so by exhausting their general fund reserves.
Assemblyman Patterson (R-Fresno) represents the 23rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes communities in Fresno and Tulare County.
