Governor Signs Bills by Senator Wiener to Strengthen Food Access and Employment Programs

Sacramento – Governor Jerry Brown has signed two bills by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to strengthen food access and employment and training programs for low-income residents, while also protecting recipients from any gross negligence by government administration.

“Strengthening our social safety net is critical in these uncertain times, when President Trump and Congress are constantly threatening budget cuts to essential programs,” said Senator Wiener, who serves as chair of the Human Services Committee. “By strengthening our CalFresh program, we can better serve our low-income residents, particularly those who are homeless, senior, or disabled, and protect them from negligent acts by the government. I want to thank Governor Brown for joining me in supporting some of our most vulnerable Californians.” 

Senate Bill 278 addresses the issue of accidental over-issuance of Cal Fresh benefits. At times - and mostly recently in Los Angeles - counties accidentally over-issue benefits and then seek repayment. Recipients, who are poor, often cannot make those repayments and struggle as a result. SB 278 allows counties not to collect small over-issuances and also allows them to excuse mass over-issuances that resulted from government negligence and from no fault of the recipient. Governor Brown signed SB 278 today. 

Senate Bill 282 improves CalFresh by creating employment opportunities and increasing access to prepared food in participating restaurants, which is critical for homeless, elderly, and disabled people who can’t access cooking facilities or have trouble cooking for themselves. Governor Brown signed SB 282 on Thursday. 

SB 278 is co-sponsored by the Western Center on Law and Poverty and the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations.

SB 282 is co-sponsored by the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, and the San Francisco Human Services Agency.