Northern California Youth Policy Coalition’s (NCYPC)
Legislative Platform
Bode Gower, Chair
Adrian Bayardo, Director of Policy
Madeline Cline, Advisor
Northern California Youth Policy Coalition Summary
Mission Statement: We seek to give a voice to rural youth who feel unheard and a platform to come together to advocate for issues that are most important to our rural youth in Northern California.
Our Goal: Northern California is an often-overlooked region that deserves more recognition. It's time to shed light on the hidden gem communities of California and give those voices a seat at the table. Our main objective is to ensure that the youth voices of this region are heard on local, regional and state levels, where decisions make a direct impact on our rural communities. By advocating for the needs and priorities of rural youth, we aim to create positive change that uplifts our region and fosters a sense of representation and fairness for all. Through increased representation and dedicated efforts, we can pave the way for a brighter future for Northern California and its youth.
Table of Contents
Federal and State Legislative Contacts……………………………………………………
General Principles………………………………………………………………………………..
Policy Areas………………………………………………………………………………………….
Access to Reliable Broadband………………………………………………………
Affordable Fire Insurance……………………………………………………….…
Quality Education for Youth……………………………………………….……...
School Safety…………………………………………………………………………….
Mental Health………………………………………..……………………….………..
Home Hardening………………………………………………………………………
Affordability and Access to Opportunity………………………………..……
2024 Legislative Report……………………………………………………………………...
Federal and State Legislative Contacts:
State Senate District 1
Senator Brian Dahle
1021 O Street, Room 7230
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4001
State Senate District 2
Senator Mike McGuire
1021 O Street, Suite 8518
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4002
State Senate District 3
Senator Bill Dodd
1021 O Street, Suite 7610
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4003
State Senate District 4
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil
1021 O Street, Suite 7240
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4004
State Senate District 6
Senator Roger Niello
1021 O Street, Suite 7110
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4006
State Senate District 8
Senator Angelique Ashby
1021 O Street, Suite 7320
Sacramento, CA 94814
Phone: (916) 651-4008
State Assembly District 1
Assembly Member Megan Dahle
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
Phone: (916) 319-2001
State Assembly District 2
Assembly Member Jim Wood
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0002
Phone: (916) 319-2002
State Assembly District 3
Assembly Member James Gallagher
1021 O Street, Suite 4740
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2003
State Assembly District 4
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0004
Phone: (916) 319-2004
State Assembly District 5
Assembly Member Joe Patterson
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0005
Phone: (916) 319-2005
State Assembly District 6
Assembly Member Kevin McCarty
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0006
Phone: (916) 319-2006
State Assembly District 7
Assembly Member Josh Hoover
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0007
Phone: (916) 319-2007
State Assembly District 8
Assembly Member Jim Patterson
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0008
Phone: (916) 319-2008
State Assembly District 9
Assembly Member Heath Flora
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0009
Phone: (916) 319-2009
State Assembly District 10
Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0010
Phone: (916) 319-2010
State Assembly District 11
Assembly Member Lori Wilson
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0011
Phone: (916) 319-2011
State Assembly District 12
Assembly Member Damon Connolly
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0012
Phone: (916) 319-2012
Congressional District 1
Congressman Doug LaMalfa
408 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3076
Congressional District 2
Congressman Jared Huffman
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5161
Congressional District 3
Congressman Kevin Kiley
1032 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2523
Congressional District 4
Congressman Mike Thompson
268 Cannon Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3311
https://mikethompson.house.gov/
Congressional District 5
Congressman Tom McClintock
2256 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2511
Congressional District 6
Congressman Ami Bera
172 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5716
Congressional District 7
Congresswoman Doris Matsui
2311 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7163
Congressional District 8
Congressman John Garamendi
2004 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1880
United States Senate
Senator Alex Padilla
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3553
https://www.padilla.senate.gov/
United States Senate
Senator Laphonza Butler
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3841
https://www.butler.senate.gov/
General Principles
To seek or support legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of rural youth across Northern California.
To seek or support legislation that helps to raise up the voices of rural youth to have their voices heard
To seek or support legislation that promotes equitable broadband access and infrastructure in rural areas to bridge the digital divide and ensure that rural youth have the same educational and economic opportunities as their urban counterparts.
To seek or support legislation that includes policies to ensure affordable fire insurance coverage for rural communities, considering the unique risk factors and challenges they face in wildfire-prone regions.
To seek or support legislation that implements comprehensive school safety measures, including but not limited to enhanced security protocols, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness training to create safer learning environments for rural youth.
To seek or support legislation that promotes home hardening initiatives through incentives and grants to enable rural residents to fortify their homes against natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, safeguarding lives and properties.
To seek or support legislation that develops integrated mental health services tailored to the needs of rural communities, including telemedicine options, school-based counseling programs, and community outreach initiatives to address mental health challenges among rural youth.
To seek or support legislation that prioritizes sustainable water resource management practices in rural communities to ensure reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for residents, agriculture, and ecosystem health.
To seek or support legislation that prioritizes policies that ensure the affordability of essential services, including water, broadband, fire insurance, and mental health care, for rural residents, recognizing the unique economic challenges faced by rural communities.
To seek or support legislation that implements policies and programs that expand access to educational, economic, and recreational opportunities for rural youth, empowering them to thrive and contribute to their communities' success.
To seek or support legislation that prioritizes substantial and sustained investment in rural education systems to ensure that all rural youth have access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving world.
Policy Areas
Access to Reliable Broadband
In rural areas, the digital divide isn't merely about slow internet speeds or spotty coverage; it represents systemic inequality that permeates every aspect of rural life. Access to reliable broadband isn't a mere convenience; it's a fundamental necessity for educational, economic, and social advancement. Yet, despite the undeniable importance of broadband connectivity, many rural communities still lack adequate internet infrastructure, leaving residents at a significant disadvantage in today's interconnected world.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of broadband access, especially for youth. In Northern California, access to broadband became a lifeline for high school students. In the digital age, connectivity isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Without broadband access, students struggle to complete homework, connect with peers, and pursue opportunities like college applications and scholarships.
The repercussions of the digital divide extend beyond education. Rural businesses find it challenging to compete in the digital marketplace without robust internet connectivity. Farmers face barriers accessing precision agriculture technologies, which are essential for optimizing crop yields and sustainability. Even basic tasks like paying bills, job applications, or scheduling medical appointments become arduous endeavors without reliable internet access.
Recognizing the urgency of bridging the digital divide, our organization fervently advocates for legislation prioritizing the expansion of broadband networks into rural areas. This entails comprehensive initiatives, including investments in broadband infrastructure, grants and incentives for internet service providers to extend coverage, and support for community-based broadband projects.
Legislative Solutions:
Investments in Broadband Infrastructure: Legislative efforts should allocate substantial funding towards the expansion and enhancement of broadband infrastructure in rural areas. This includes investments in laying fiber-optic cables, upgrading existing network infrastructure, and deploying wireless technologies to extend coverage to underserved communities.
Grants and Incentives for Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Legislation should provide financial incentives, such as grants and tax incentives, to ISPs that commit to expanding broadband coverage in rural areas. These incentives can help offset the high costs associated with deploying infrastructure in sparsely populated regions, encouraging greater private sector investment in rural broadband deployment.
Community-Based Broadband Projects: Legislation should support community-driven broadband initiatives, empowering local organizations and municipalities to take control of their broadband futures. This includes providing grants and technical assistance to community broadband projects, as well as removing regulatory barriers that hinder the development of locally owned and operated broadband networks.
Reliable broadband isn't solely about staying connected; it's about empowering rural youth to thrive and compete on par with their urban counterparts. It's about closing the opportunity gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of their residence, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for success.
Consider a rural student trying to complete an online college application. Without broadband access, this seemingly straightforward task becomes daunting, if not impossible. Similarly, a budding entrepreneur in a rural community may struggle to launch an online business without reliable internet connectivity.
Broadband access isn't just about leveling the playing field; it's about creating an environment where rural youth can flourish and contribute meaningfully to society. By bridging the digital divide, we're not only expanding access to information and opportunities; we're also fostering economic development, social inclusion, and community resilience in rural areas.
Bridging the digital divide isn't just a matter of connectivity—it’s a necessity. Empowering rural communities through broadband access isn't merely a policy objective; it's a moral imperative. We must have a future where every individual, regardless of their zip code, has access to reliable broadband and the boundless opportunities it brings.
Affordable Fire Insurance
Rural homeowners face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their homes and property from the threat of wildfires. Unlike their urban counterparts, rural residents often live in areas surrounded by dense vegetation, making their homes more susceptible to ignition during wildfire events. Additionally, rural homes may be situated farther from fire departments and emergency services, increasing response times and exacerbating the risk of property damage.
For many families, the cost of fire insurance is prohibitive, leaving them vulnerable to financial ruin in the event of a disaster. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires only exacerbate this problem, driving up insurance premiums and making coverage unaffordable for many rural residents. Even when a state of emergency is declared, the financial assistance provided to victims of these disasters may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of their losses. Furthermore, any monetary aid received by disaster victims is often subject to taxation, further compounding the financial burden placed on rural families.
Our organization advocates for legislation that promotes affordable fire insurance options for rural homeowners, ensuring that they can protect their homes and livelihoods without breaking the bank. This includes measures to mitigate the risk of wildfires through proactive forest management and land-use planning, as well as incentives for homeowners to invest in fire-resistant building materials and landscaping.
By addressing the affordability of fire insurance, we can provide peace of mind to rural families and safeguard the stability of rural communities. No family should have to choose between protecting their home and putting food on the table, and no community should be left to fend for itself in the face of a natural disaster. It's time for policymakers to take action to ensure that all residents, regardless of where they live, have access to affordable fire insurance coverage that adequately protects their homes and property. By implementing proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risk and providing financial relief to rural homeowners, we can build more resilient communities and ensure the long-term viability of rural life.
Quality Education for Rural Youth
Quality education is the cornerstone of opportunity and upward mobility, yet many rural schools struggle with inadequate funding, outdated facilities, and a shortage of qualified teachers. Our organization believes that every child, regardless of zip code, deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century economy.
Rural schools often face unique challenges due to their small size, remote location, and limited resources. They may struggle to attract and retain qualified teachers, offer advanced coursework and extracurricular activities, or provide access to technology and other educational resources. As a result, rural students may not receive the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts, limiting their potential for future success.
Many rural schools are greatly underfunded due to the fact that they cannot collect property taxes from Federally owned lands. Many rural schools cover extremely large geographical areas.
We support legislation that invests in rural education systems, providing resources for modern facilities, technology upgrades, professional development for teachers, and enrichment programs. This includes initiatives to address the digital divide by expanding access to high-speed internet in rural schools, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed in today's digital world.
We also support ensuring that schools get the funding that their urban counterparts are receiving. Rural schools serve a large portion of impoverished students across the nation.
By prioritizing education in rural communities, we can unlock the potential of every child and build a brighter future for rural America. Investing in rural schools isn't just an investment in the next generation; it's an investment in the economic vitality and social well-being of rural communities for years to come.
School Safety
Ensuring the safety of students and staff in educational settings is a top priority for our organization. We recognize that rural schools face unique challenges when it comes to security, often due to their remote locations and limited resources. In recent years, incidents of violence and other threats to school safety have become all too common, leaving students, parents, and educators on edge. Therefore, our organization supports a comprehensive approach to enhancing school safety protocols in rural areas, encompassing funding for security upgrades, mental health resources, and crisis intervention training.
Rural schools, despite their smaller size and tight-knit communities, are not immune to security threats. In fact, the remote location of many rural schools can pose additional hurdles for emergency response and coordination. Limited access to law enforcement, longer response times, and difficulty implementing security measures due to budget constraints are among the challenges faced by rural educational institutions.
According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly one-third of all public schools in the United States are located in rural areas. However, these schools often receive less funding per student compared to their urban counterparts, making it challenging to invest in essential security measures. Additionally, rural communities may lack access to mental health resources, further exacerbating the risk of violence and other safety concerns in schools.
Our organization advocates for legislation that prioritizes school safety in rural areas, recognizing the critical need to provide peace of mind to students, parents, and educators alike. This includes a multifaceted approach that addresses infrastructure upgrades, mental health support, and crisis intervention training.
Funding for Security Upgrades:
Legislation should allocate dedicated funding for rural schools to invest in security infrastructure upgrades. This includes installing security cameras, implementing controlled access systems, and enhancing perimeter fencing to deter unauthorized access.
According to a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), only 28% of rural schools have security cameras, compared to 48% of urban schools. By providing funding for these upgrades, policymakers can help level the playing field and ensure that all students have access to a safe learning environment.
Mental Health Resources:
Legislation should allocate resources for mental health support services in rural schools, including counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention programs. This includes funding for hiring additional school counselors and psychologists to address the unique mental health needs of rural students.
Research has shown that access to mental health resources can significantly reduce the risk of violence and improve overall student well-being. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), rural communities often face shortages of mental health providers, making it challenging for students to access the care they need.
Crisis Intervention Training:
Legislation should mandate crisis intervention training for school staff, including teachers, administrators, and support personnel. This training should focus on identifying warning signs of potential violence, deescalation techniques, and response protocols in emergency situations.
According to a survey by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), only 42% of rural schools provide regular training for staff on responding to active threats. By mandating crisis intervention training, policymakers can ensure that rural schools are better prepared to prevent and respond to security threats effectively.
By advocating for legislation that prioritizes school safety in rural areas, our organization aims to create safe and nurturing learning environments where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Investing in security upgrades, mental health resources, and crisis intervention training can yield numerous benefits for rural schools and communities, including:
Improved Student Well-Being: Enhanced security measures and access to mental health resources can promote a sense of safety and well-being among students, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Enhanced Learning Environment: A safe and secure school environment is conducive to learning, allowing students to focus on their academic and personal development without fear or distraction.
Community Engagement: By prioritizing school safety, policymakers can foster greater community engagement and collaboration, strengthening relationships between schools, families, law enforcement, and local organizations.
Prevention of Violence: Proactive measures such as crisis intervention training can help prevent incidents of violence before they occur, saving lives and preventing harm to students, staff, and community members.
Long-Term Resilience: Investing in school safety today can build long-term resilience in rural communities, ensuring that future generations of students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Mental Health
Mental health is a pressing issue facing rural communities, with limited access to resources exacerbating issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Our organization advocates for policies that prioritize mental health services and support networks in rural areas, including funding for counseling centers, teletherapy programs, and peer support initiatives.
In rural areas, stigma surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help or accessing necessary services. Limited availability of mental health providers and long wait times for appointments further compound these challenges, leaving many rural residents without access to the care they need.
By advocating for legislation that expands access to mental health resources in rural communities, we can break down barriers to care and promote overall well-being. This includes investments in telehealth technology to connect rural residents with mental health professionals, as well as initiatives to train community members as peer counselors and advocates. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can ensure that no one in rural America has to face mental health challenges alone.
Home Hardening
Rural homes are vulnerable to various natural hazards, including wildfires and floods. In recent years, these hazards have wreaked havoc on communities across Northern California, leaving homes and livelihoods in ruins. While it's impossible to prevent every disaster, there are proactive steps that homeowners can take to reduce their risk and increase their resilience. Implementing home hardening measures can minimize property damage, protect lives, and reduce the burden on emergency response systems.
Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to natural disaster preparedness. Sparse populations, limited access to emergency services, and vast expanses of land increase the difficulty of responding to emergencies effectively. Moreover, rural homes often lack the infrastructure and safeguards found in urban areas, leaving them more susceptible to the ravages of nature.
Wildfires, in particular, pose a significant threat to rural homes and communities. In recent years, wildfires have grown in frequency and intensity, fueled by climate change and land-use practices. These fires can spread rapidly, engulfing homes and landscapes in flames and leaving devastation in their wake.
Our organization endorses legislation that incentivizes home hardening techniques to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in rural areas. Home hardening involves implementing measures to make homes more resistant to wildfire damage, including the use of fire-resistant construction materials, ember-resistant vents, and creating defensible space around properties.
Investing in home hardening measures empowers rural residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their families and communities. By fortifying their homes against wildfire threats, homeowners can reduce the risk of property damage and increase their resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Advocating for legislation that promotes home hardening in rural areas is essential for building more resilient communities. This includes providing financial incentives, such as tax credits or grants, to offset the cost of home hardening projects. Additionally, educational resources should be made available to help homeowners understand their risk and make informed decisions about home hardening measures.
Mitigating natural disaster risks in rural homes requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes home hardening measures. By incentivizing and promoting the use of fire-resistant construction materials, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space regulations, policymakers can help reduce the vulnerability of rural communities to wildfires and other natural hazards.
Affordability and Access to Opportunity
Rural youth often face limited job prospects, higher living costs, and limited access to essential services compared to their urban counterparts. Creating a conducive environment for economic growth and social mobility is essential for retaining talent and revitalizing rural communities. Our organization supports policies that promote economic opportunity and affordability in rural areas, including initiatives to stimulate local entrepreneurship, expand access to affordable housing, and improve transportation infrastructure.
In many rural communities, the lack of economic opportunity drives young people to seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to population decline and a loss of community vitality. Limited access to affordable housing, healthcare, and transportation further exacerbate these challenges, leaving rural residents feeling trapped and isolated.
By advocating for legislation that addresses the root causes of rural poverty and inequality, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. This includes investments in workforce development programs, small business assistance, and infrastructure projects that create jobs and improve quality of life in rural areas. By empowering rural residents to build better futures for themselves and their communities, we can ensure that rural America remains a vibrant and thriving part of our nation's landscape for generations to come.
2024 NCYPC Legislative Report
Overview
The Northern California Youth Policy Coalition endorses legislation that aligns with our coalition’s mission to ensure the needs and priorities of rural youth are heard. For our coalition to endorse legislation, it must be approved by our Board of Directors.
Federal Legislation Endorsed
Secure Rural Schools Act Reauthorization Act of 2023
SRS Support Letter: NCYPC Secure Rural Schools Support Letter
IDEA Full Funding Act
IDEA Support Letter: NCYPC IDEA Support Letter
Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024
ACP Support Letter: NCYPC Affordable Connectivity Program Support Letter
State Legislation Endorsed
SB-927 (Dahle): NCYPC SB 927 Support Letter
SB-1060 (Becker): NCYPC SB 1060 Support Letter
AB-2416 (Connolly): NCYPC AB 2416 Support Letter