The California Weekly - December 21, 2024

Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed.

News you might have missed

1. SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA STUDENTS

Beginning in the upcoming school year, California’s kindergarten, first, and second grade students will be annually screened with newly approved tools for reading difficulties, providing early identification and support for 1.2 million students. Local school districts can use these tools to screen all kindergarten through second grade students for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia.

2. SUPERCHARGING THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEM

The state received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its proposed Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) demonstration waiver. The Biden-Harris Administration just approved California’s BH-CONNECT Initiative, which allows California to provide eligible people receiving behavioral health treatment up to 6 months of transitional rent to support their recovery and initiates a new $1.9 billion behavioral health workforce initiative. Learn more about why this is important.

3. BREAKING GROUND ON SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

The Department of Housing and Community Development joined the groundbreaking of new supportive housing in Contra Costa County. This housing will also support those experiencing homelessness and facing mental health challenges – through the state’s successful No Place Like Home program. Watch why HCD’s efforts like this are important to supporting Californians getting back on their feet.

4. NEW GENAI EFFORTS

Three state projects seeking GenAI solutions are moving forward to help agencies improve housing, budget spending, and job training strategies. Learn more at the newly launched GenAI.CA.Gov. 

5. GOLDEN STATE OF MIND

The California Film Commission has awarded $108.6 million in tax credits to 10 film and television projects through its Film and Television Tax Credit Program and Soundstage Filming Tax Credit Program. As a result, this investment is expected to generate $509 million in expenditures, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Projects included “Imperfect Women” and “Bad Monkey,” which is relocating from Florida to California. 

Here’s what we’re reading

New Census data confirmed earlier reports by the California Department of Finance: California’s population is increasing again, in fact by more than 200,000 since last year alone.

By the numbers

• $1,300,000 - From the CAL FIRE Forest Health grant program to the Hoopa Valley Tribe – enhancing wildfire resilience, preserving oak woodlands, and expanding cultural heritage. Learn more about fire resilience efforts.
• $53,000,000 - Recovered by the Department of Managed Health Care from health plans on behalf of Californians.
• 14,600+ - Jobs created by the California High Speed Rail project, with more than 70% located in the Central Valley region.
• 55 - Months of job market expansion in the Golden State, during which more than 3 million jobs have been gained.

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