25 signatures reached
To: Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblymember Jose Solache
Support AB 338: Empowering Wildfire Survivors through Workforce Development
We are MSW graduate students from California State University, Fullerton, preparing to enter the field of social work as frontline advocates for social and economic justice. We are calling on California lawmakers and Governor Newsom to support AB 338, a vital piece of legislation that will help communities devastated by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires begin the long recovery process in a way that prioritizes dignity, equity, and local empowerment.
The 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties caused severe destruction, displacing communities and devastating the local economy. Low and moderate-income residents have been disproportionately affected, facing job loss, housing instability, and financial instability. Communities affected by the fires are also experiencing increased stress, displacement, and trauma, leading to a growing need for mental health support.
Additionally, the demand for workers in critical sectors like construction, healthcare, education, mental health support, and emergency response has surged, but there is a lack of trained and certified individuals ready to fill these roles. Without fast and focused workforce development, the recovery process will be slower, and many vulnerable residents will continue to struggle to rebuild their lives.
The bill put forward to alleviate this issue is AB 338: Workforce Development: The Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura: 2025 wildfires, authored by Assemblymember Jose Solache. This bill aims to assemble a skilled and local workforce to aid in rebuilding efforts in communities impacted by the 2025 wildfires. It would provide $50 million towards workforce development to train individuals in high-demand essential jobs, promoting economic stability.
Why is this important?
The 2025 wildfires didn’t just destroy homes, they exposed deep systemic inequities and left vulnerable residents without jobs, homes, or access to critical services. As future social workers, we believe recovery is not just about rebuilding structures; it’s about restoring people’s lives, their connections, and their opportunities.
AB 338 is crucial because it provides a targeted solution for those most affected by the disaster. The bill would not only help rebuild the physical infrastructure but also offer long-term benefits, such as job training and local employment opportunities, that contribute to economic stability. This will help survivors recover their livelihoods while giving them the tools to rebuild their communities.
If AB 338 is not passed, the rebuilding process will face significant delays, and thousands of low- and middle-income residents will be at risk of homelessness, financial instability, and adverse mental health outcomes. Families and businesses need the support of both local and state governments to recover in a way that restores their dignity and independence.
By supporting AB 338, we can ensure a faster, more equitable recovery and invest in a California where communities are stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.