By JOSE HERRERA
A delegation of Los Angeles city officials led by Mayor Karen Bass will conclude two days of meetings at the statehouse in Sacramento Tuesday, continuing to push legislators for more resources to combat homelessness, improve public safety and recover from recent storms and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Bass’ office, Tuesday’s agenda includes a meeting with Gov. Gavin Newsom and several of his cabinet secretaries.
The delegation — which includes Bass, City Council President Paul Krekorian and council members Bob Blumenfield, Hugo Soto-Martinez, Monica Rodriguez and Eunisses Hernandez — left for the state capital Sunday and plans to return Tuesday following its various meetings.
On Monday, Bass’ office used the visit to highlight the fact that 3,365 housing vouchers the city had already received have now been fully used, bringing homeless Angelenos inside.
Additionally, Bass noted that the city secured a $7.2 million Homekey Round 3 grant last week — the seventh such award the city has secured from the state.
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Other goals of the trip include obtaining funding for more housing and advocating for expedited reimbursements for past emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic and recent storms.
Krekorian, a former Assembly member, told City News Service it’s been years since his last meetings at the capital.
“I don’t remember a time when we’ve had a city delegation come up here with a mayor and members of the City Council,” he said Monday.
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He said it’s important — and impactful — for city leaders to visit with state leaders.
“When we’re not here, if we’re not being heard then we will be overlooked when it comes to budget decisions and policies,” he said.
Rodriguez said the trip is an opportunity to connect with many legislators and elevate issues…
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