FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2025

CONTACT: Jason Scalese (916) 651-4614

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Announces Budget Priorities for Senate District 4 in 2026

 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) announced her key budget priorities for 2026, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, outcome-based spending, and targeted investments to address the core needs of Californians in Senate District 4 and across the state.

 

“California has the resources to address our most pressing challenges, but only if we prioritize fiscal responsibility, accountability, and real results over wasteful spending,” said Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil.

 

Fully Fund Treatment and Enforcement Under Proposition 36

Over 68 percent of voters approved Proposition 36 in November 2024 to reduce crime through treatment-focused approaches that break cycles of addiction and lower recidivism. Local law enforcement and mental health providers identified annual needs of nearly $350 million for full implementation, yet the 2025-26 budget provided only $80 million temporarily. Senator Alvarado-Gil calls for ongoing full funding to honor the voter mandate and improve public safety.

 

Invest in Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention

Recent tragic wildfires underscore the urgent need for greater investment in vegetation management and forest health. Wildfires threaten public safety, the environment, and greenhouse gas reductions. Senator Alvarado-Gil urges a minimum $2 billion annual commitment to fire prevention. including utilizing year-round firefighters, and prioritizing CAL FIRE grants to areas with the highest concentration of FAIR Plan members.

 

Preserve Health Care Access by Supporting Distressed Hospitals

Hospitals statewide risk closure due to Medi-Cal underpayments. Senator Alvarado-Gil calls for The Distressed Hospital Loan Program, funded at $300 million in 2023-24, to be restored to at least that level to sustain operations (noting federal funds cannot cover short-term operating costs). This ensures continued access to critical care for communities.

 

Reduce Government-Imposed Unemployment Debt for Job Creators

California carries a $21 billion unemployment insurance debt from pandemic-era shutdowns and recent increases, the only state not to fully repay it despite past surpluses. Employers face rising taxes amid the state’s highest unemployment rate, hindering job growth. Senator Alvarado-Gil advocates a multi-year payment plan to eliminate the debt, save interest costs, and boost employment opportunities.

 

Reduce Costs for Renters

Senator Alvarado-Gil calls for expanding the state’s renter’s tax credit to provide immediate relief from high housing costs driven by state policies.

 

Improve Water Storage to Prepare for Fire Response and Climate Variability

Senator Alvarado-Gil supports significant investments to prevent water infrastructure decline and enhance fire response readiness.

 

“These priorities reflect the needs of families in District 4 and across the state—safer communities, protected environments, accessible health care, job growth, affordable living, and reliable infrastructure. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver meaningful solutions for all Californians,” Alvarado-Gil concluded.

 

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