[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6579985,"mediaKeyId","3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4","parentId",3172291,"title","Science Center’s new Air & Space Center near completion; state funding requested to maintain building but opening requires additional resources","audioSeconds",1599,"startMs",7921000,"endMs",9520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4&start=7921&end=9520","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4/thumbnail_7921000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579985/California/Science-Centers-new-Air-Space-Center-near-completion-state-funding-requested-to-maintain-building-but-opening-requires-additional-resources","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579985-c37a297898b5a36793283bae137ff744/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410736&Signature=MODcbP4un2Lw0aHGxgtXnb8Ar69XaGHt67xKW6Eh99B2kK-mxTv3eYI6ATpwFYTRLgLnBJ0uitqUISvlj-oIfatcGGrAqqtu5veRx8LwVr45N-gBIIwT~m6qIBDuWvVfkornaZBjokUcVNFzcytDqKfUcaeADJ~AF9Z9iRj38u2~ejBypHmLVHuSD~V8kjgEVUshvrnB118VK9GQmzw5qcA5QuhHRmjIXeUAaiWRIY9l4sGYSVX07KyPvlnqB3an~CZ~yfZP9gxkONqQz0KI5tEtyyqo4WQucJtf~FbyguoVvLVCyA4FMHG7YCn4fuDxkG97SjFzRYmBusKq1UhxPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate","date","2025-05-01T00:00:00Z","article","Jeff Rudolph, president of the California Science Center, told the subcommittee that construction on the new Air & Space Center—which will house the space shuttle Endeavour in launch position and roughly double the center's footprint—is nearing building completion and initial exhibit installation.

Maintenance request, not opening funding
The governor's budget includes a request for modest ongoing maintenance funding to preserve the completed facility and meet lease maintenance obligations once the state takes possession. CDFA's and Finance's witnesses said the requested amount covers basic building maintenance; it does not fund public opening or full operational staffing. LAO staff flagged that the Science Center's special fund that currently supports operations is in structural deficit and said a future, larger proposal for opening and operations is likely and currently lacks an identified funding source.

Why it matters
The project is a major public‑private partnership (project cost cited as about $450 million; the state has contributed a portion and the balance has been raised privately). Committee members stressed the state's interest in ensuring long‑term operations because the new center is expected to attract large visitor volumes during major international events coming to California in the late 2020s, and members pressed Finance for timing and cost estimates for an eventual opening plan.

Next steps
The subcommittee held the maintenance funding item open and asked for future budget proposals and cost estimates for opening and ongoing operations. Science Center officials said they expect additional requests in coming years to cover full launch of public operations.

Speakers from the transcript: Jeff Rudolph (President, California Science Center); Natalie Griswold (Department of Finance); LAO representative.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government","oneSentenceSummary","The California Science Center said the building for its Air & Space Center is nearly finished and requested state funds for maintenance; the department and LAO noted further budget needs will be required to open and operate the facility to the public, and the subcommittee held the item open.","taxTitle","California State Senate, Senate, Legislative, California","taxId",77650,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579990,"Arts council seeks a permanent HR position; advocates press for restored grants and cultural‑district expansion",1954,8760000,10714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4&start=8760&end=10714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4/thumbnail_8760000.jpg","/articles/6579990/California/Arts-council-seeks-a-permanent-HR-position-advocates-press-for-restored-grants-and-culturaldistrict-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579990-8e68bd96e8177fc0b4f3484ae953edda/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410736&Signature=a0l~QUGzklHAZHUwodU3WswMQGfVB4VAsfvaLH0qqNvhn96d0wra7GcaKWccKWWDDIxgMhaRbdkIW0t1miBexfT9a5ae7s~Q2g5BF~j2RecTqtk-cA3CbTm2XPtqaZrc~exhjcHKUWA9TeCBdA09q~YhjF-xHNxDfs3MX5ziHSV2zViC6EYxcQihFKmdo8IaWWCOIThpHfePR0vIxLk6XxFAu3Fy4uNaBojMVM1pPc3cZ1YPSVBL~kazgzk7gL3NF4I-MRkK0oFpgr0B4wmvbGywc18S-Vs1pAqH2SeK9qWOlzXxJf9cA8GuBfB3-Lb8FyPEi21FrxnfhRi~w4AyHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The California Arts Council requested $153,000 from the general fund in 2025–26 to create one permanent human resources liaison position, the agency said, to support statewide grantmaking and operations. Executive Director Danielle Braid and staff told the subcommittee the agency supports local arts infrastructure through grants, programs and technical assistance across all 58 counties.

Stakeholders urged more funding
Multiple public commenters — including arts groups and local district leaders — urged the Legislature to restore a previously cut $5 million from the council's budget and to add $5 million to expand the state's cultural districts program. Witnesses described cultural districts as economic and community anchors that increase visitation, support small creative businesses, and provide arts career pathways. Several speakers gave examples of rural and small‑city success stories and urged resources be prioritized for underserved geographies and communities.

Cultural districts program update
CAC said it will re‑open the cultural districts program; staff said applications will be posted May 20 and the council expects to designate a new slate of cultural districts at its December meeting. CAC staff said the program uses equity tools (including the Healthy Places Index) to prioritize underserved areas and will provide technical assistance to applicants.

Why it matters
Advocates told the subcommittee that arts and cultural organizations contribute substantially to the state's economy and community resilience; the CAC said arts nonprofits collectively hold significant assets and employ tens of thousands of workers. Lawmakers and witnesses tied cultural‑district designation to local economic development, cultural preservation and tourism, urging the state to invest in equitable access.

Next steps
The subcommittee held the CAC staffing request open for consideration in the broader budget process. CAC and advocates said they will follow up with materials on program rollout and technical assistance plans.

Speakers from the transcript: Danielle Braid (Executive Director, California Arts Council); Kristin Margolis (Director of Programs, CAC); Gloria Garcia (interim deputy director); multiple public witnesses including county and local arts leaders and statewide arts advocates.","The California Arts Council requested one permanent HR liaison position; advocates and local leaders urged restoring $5 million and expanding the cultural districts program, and CAC officials said a new cultural‑district application will open in May with designations planned for December.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579995,"Subcommittee approves vote‑only calendar items 1–11 on unanimous roll call",0,11007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4&start=11007&end=11007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4/thumbnail_11007000.jpg","/articles/6579995/California/Subcommittee-approves-voteonly-calendar-items-111-on-unanimous-roll-call","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579995-0556f5f5da9fc1ebef90766752441418/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410736&Signature=XbWAhwV8kvwvBZ2rNO6xkjLUlv-C0I47LsLQgZmY9GBP7RlzlKXgdp3ViKnhtGYYP-Iro8Lc0D4mzXoW6EIRLpATt7x-yJzOGko9r0uKGc72egD0xLl1-swFc-NBsXhVJgEGsJldhrSPQy9UFWGtPsGY5gN3cprq34mNLvtElft5Tln6Y2TBR6izk8jiTAlCLhP8NoZNeO0EDGArJJAIteSybXGoVllisndNEizuDfJNV23u-SZVjJJM2jSn76ILIE3MpcBSRA~Fuh98I2y50HosWtwR50Fqyf3kzgaWN2f6i8EvocWGCTpQVMOfcBULs4tcLPa3m7DIdA-4~FKOoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, Subcommittee No. 4 approved the vote‑only calendar items 1 through 11 by roll call at the end of the hearing. Chair Senator Cabaldon called the roll; Senators Nilo and Smallwood Cuevas also voted. The motion carried 3–0 and the subcommittee adjourned.

The transcript does not provide an itemized breakdown of the 11 vote‑only items during the public hearing; committee members moved and approved the grouped calendar as presented. No objections were recorded on the floor of the subcommittee.

Speakers: Senator Cabaldon (chair), Senator Nilo, Senator Smallwood Cuevas.","Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4 approved the vote‑only calendar items 1–11 by roll call (3–0). The motion was moved and the items carried without recorded objections; the subcommittee then adjourned.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579999,"DFPI seeks fee increases after multi‑year shortfall; LAO urges temporary review, regulated industries press for details",1381,4422000,5803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4&start=4422&end=5803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4/thumbnail_4422000.jpg","/articles/6579999/California/DFPI-seeks-fee-increases-after-multiyear-shortfall-LAO-urges-temporary-review-regulated-industries-press-for-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579999-c1d5e989efb42d18ff880fa474c8d428/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410736&Signature=LDmO99bEHOy8u4-n3Ybx1dCv5yx7dO0EzZxR6VlPALjR787FLB5RkSEWTD8nYWtM-dgeCmycaHga~JSr1uVJ0yNpG7Z7S-UZzexyb5r0SE8Lv69wpDVTZZqxD~jzhHAKhIE1uoCPBA2hcWCoqbwv1HttvGJAv5JC~BHzZltJQEYhntyBCbMKCBm~dwG9ptEJ4S0~VJmYcYtDJ7A-iuh5nuJFQrX-e8jH1sNcxi8Kh89nBQL4VLPW8ZJ4ImRE~GKQilvevWqnMIqYo5v6h-GSaTisNlQY8ahKnOdZ28P8qf4F~9o0LiGWcF4cPoi9lnhRnRib3iYgPSWZNiYdXZ4W~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation told the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 that statutory licensing fees have not kept pace with workload and inflation and that the Financial Protection Fund faces a structural shortfall. DFPI presented proposed trailer‑bill language to raise fees for several licensing programs and to allow the commissioner to set an hourly examination rate; DFPI said without changes it risks insolvency by fiscal year 2025–26.

What was proposed
DFPI said it commissioned Crowe LLP to analyze program revenues and costs; the firm recommended fee adjustments to cover increased staffing, new statutory responsibilities and higher examination and overhead costs. DFPI asked the Legislature to authorize increases that would be implemented across selected programs and to allow an annual hour‑based examination rate (DFPI cited a proposed $120 per hour examination rate for several programs).

LAO recommendation and agency response
The Legislative Analyst's Office recommended the Legislature approve fee increases on a limited three‑year basis, with DFPI reporting actual revenues collected, industry market condition reports, and plans for programs not covered by the trailer bill. LAO said the independent evaluation estimated nearly $193 million was needed through 2027–28 to stabilize DFPI, and the trailer bill covers part of the gap. DFPI opposed a three‑year sunset, arguing its licensees seek predictability and the fee package is intended to put the fund on a sustainable long‑term footing.

Industry concerns
Representatives of affected industries — including mortgage bankers — told the subcommittee they were in ongoing negotiations with DFPI and expressed concern about assessment timing and magnitude. Industry groups asked for clarity on how pro rata assessments and any deficit collections would be implemented for invoices sent this September.

Why it matters
DFPI's regulatory portfolio has expanded in recent years (digital financial assets, debt collection licensing, student loan servicing and the state consumer financial protection law), increasing supervisory and enforcement workloads. DFPI said settlements have temporarily bolstered its fund in recent years but are not reliable recurring revenue; the department told the subcommittee it will conduct annual reviews of program revenues and expenditures going forward.

Next steps
The subcommittee heard DFPI, Finance and LAO viewpoints and held the item open for follow‑up. LAO asked DFPI to produce market‑condition reporting and specific revenue plans for programs not addressed in the current trailer‑bill request.

Speakers from the transcript: Suzanne Martindale (Chief Deputy Commissioner, DFPI); Sophia Smith (Deputy Commissioner for Administration, DFPI); Taylor McCrow (Department of Finance); Heather Gonzalez (Legislative Analyst's Office); industry representatives (mortgage bankers).","The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented trailer‑bill language to raise licensing and examination fees to avert a projected fund insolvency; the LAO recommended time‑limited approval with follow‑up monitoring, and industry groups asked for clarity on assessments that could be billed in September.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6580004,"Senate subcommittee hears CDFA budget requests for cybersecurity, new Turlock lab operations and Farm to School expansion",1149,134000,1283000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4&start=134&end=1283","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3172291-3354e578db4589bdbe2add3f3b34d1f4/thumbnail_134000.jpg","/articles/6580004/California/Senate-subcommittee-hears-CDFA-budget-requests-for-cybersecurity-new-Turlock-lab-operations-and-Farm-to-School-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6580004-b8ad62a03f37aa4fef1b9989bf076c3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410736&Signature=nZDtAxc3-ODRlSZn~Mc~MCz5MshDye~cgCuxX3TXTwC7gFHY6aPOZt74SSf1uX~cMNOp9W42b24rhdJxbuDTrT0SjIz007LGgyoVt~sW3V98~hDbRUyCa-EHQMxfD7RvsJuZZOZncNaV-q2epz9dbo9tSlbTgBKuJq6EOQLUlw-X6N3CsXXKtKhBTgCkuG6x0r2Np4Qpx3Eo0w-KsYn4e4QO0gpG8d-abwOWTHR4lQ6imgpqt7W9rvfK1SYsEC4jqKseTcMBrJcgoUiiSzqukstisLarlqN6w1qh8Tf3KyTGZ-FyC~YaFW38mfBswZ5aJR4vfrLIbRx6JDnqZCb8Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arma Cozina, deputy secretary for administration and finance at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, briefed Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on the department's proposed 2025–26 budget and several budget change proposals.

CDFA told the subcommittee the governor's budget proposes about $775 million and 2,075.2 positions for the department, funded from a mix of general fund, industry assessments, federal, bond and other funds. CDFA said federal funds are roughly 20% of its budget and that federal cooperative agreements—primarily with USDA and FDA—fund much of produce safety work.

Why it matters: the requests touch public health, agricultural emergency response capacity and climate programs that affect schools, producers and local food systems. Members pressed CDFA and Department of Finance on contingency planning if federal cooperative funding declines and on how requested general fund dollars fit into the state's constrained budget outlook.

Security and infrastructure remediation
CDFA requested $2.478 million in 2025–26 and ongoing positions and funding to implement permanent fixes after a March 2024 cybersecurity incident that exposed private data. The request would fund application upgrades, security assessments, and monitoring. CDFA said a temporary fix implemented with the Department of Technology remains in place but is not durable. Lawmakers and staff flagged statewide IT workforce shortages and departmental caps on indirect rates written into Food and Agricultural Code as complicating factors. The subcommittee held the item open for additional review and fiscal scrutiny.

Turlock North Valley Animal Health Laboratory (Turlock lab)
CDFA requested $1.61 million in 2025–26 and $3.3 million ongoing to operate the new Turlock North Valley Animal Health Laboratory, a 41,000‑square‑foot facility (current facility noted at ~5,100 square feet). CDFA said the lab will expand capacity beyond avian diagnostics to large‑mammal necropsies and other testing important to the state's largest dairy‑producing region. Lawmakers asked whether the department could use its special fund for operations; CDFA responded that Food and Agricultural Code restricts the use of certain ag funds and that the department believes the new lab primarily benefits statewide public health rather than a fee‑paying subset of producers, so general fund support was most appropriate. The subcommittee held the item open to review funding options further.

Farm to School grant expansion
CDFA requested $24.9 million one‑time general fund in 2025–26 for the California Farm to School grant program: $20 million for the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, $3 million for climate‑smart technical assistance, and $1.9 million for network capacity and outreach. CDFA said the program has reached an estimated 49% of California schoolchildren through prior rounds and that 80% of schools served in the most recent cycle were Title I. The Legislative Analyst's Office recommended weighing the general fund request against other priorities and suggested using Proposition 98 school funding for activities that go directly to schools; LAO also recommended rejecting the $3 million climate‑smart technical assistance because LAO said it does not clearly expand procurement of local foods to schools.

Climate bond (Proposition 4) expenditure plan
CDFA proposed a $131.8 million appropriation in 2025–26 for nine programs identified in the climate bond (most programs are climate‑smart agriculture grants and one is fairground resiliency for extreme heat). CDFA outlined three timelines: immediate implementation for programs that can use existing grant infrastructure (including SWEEP and Healthy Soils), accelerated implementation for two new farmers' market programs (year‑round certified farmers markets and certified mobile farmers markets), and a phased approach for newer programs that require stakeholder engagement (tribal food sovereignty, regional equipment sharing). CDFA detailed proposed allocations including $37.6 million for SWEEP, $35.9 million for Healthy Soils, $18.8 million proposed for Urban Agriculture, and other targeted grants. The LAO found the plan reasonable in structure but suggested legislative guidance for new programs and asked the administration to provide details and priorities for programs it proposes to phase in or leave for future allocation. Members pressed CDFA and Finance on why several equity‑focused programs had small or no allocations in the near term; Finance said additional legislative guidance and program design work would inform later appropriations. The subcommittee held the Prop 4 items open for further deliberation.

What happened next
Committee members repeatedly held CDFA items open, citing general fund constraints, statutory limits on certain assessment funds, and the need for more program‑level detail—particularly around equity and rollout timelines. CDFA and Finance agreed to provide additional follow‑up information requested by members.

Speakers from the transcript: Arma Cozina (Deputy Secretary for Administration & Finance, CDFA); Natalie Kraut Greenberg (Division Director, CDFA); Rachel O'Brien (Deputy Secretary/Legislative Affairs, CDFA); Aaron Carson (Department of Finance); Frank Jimenez (Legislative Analyst's Office); Senator Cabaldon (chair); Senator Nilo; Senator Smallwood Cuevas.

Authorities referenced: Food Safety Modernization Act (other); Food and Agricultural Code (code); Proposition 4 (2024 climate bond) (other).","The California Department of Food and Agriculture outlined proposed 2025–26 budget increases including cybersecurity remediation, operating funds for a new Turlock animal health lab, $24.9 million for Farm to School grants, and an expenditure plan for Proposition 4 climate bond programs; the subcommittee held each item open for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Science Center’s new Air & Space Center near completion; state funding requested to maintain building but opening requires additional resources

Arts council seeks a permanent HR position; advocates press for restored grants and cultural‑district expansion

Subcommittee approves vote‑only calendar items 1–11 on unanimous roll call

DFPI seeks fee increases after multi‑year shortfall; LAO urges temporary review, regulated industries press for details

Senate subcommittee hears CDFA budget requests for cybersecurity, new Turlock lab operations and Farm to School expansion