On Wednesday, Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3 on Resources and Transportation considered several Budget issues including Budget Bill language provisions, as requested by Assembly Member Frank Bigelow, which would permit the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to expand the 2-1-1 telephone referral service to counties that currently lack access to the service.
The 2-1-1 telephone referral service provides a free, confidential referral and information helpline for health, human service, and disaster-related needs. Currently, only 37 counties in California have 2-1-1 networks. Twenty-one RCRC member counties don’t have a 2-1-1 service network in their area, or are in the process of developing a 2-1-1 network. These counties represent some of the most rural areas where emergency or response resources are non-existent or severely limited.
Senate Bill 1212 (Hueso) is currently making its way through the Legislature. SB 1212 would appropriate $1.5 million to the PUC - to use over the next 5 years - to help close 2-1-1 service gaps in the counties lacking access. The measure is currently awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
RCRC’s SB 1212 support letter can be accessed here. RCRC’s Budget Subcommittee #3 support letter can be accessed here.