By David Bocarsly
SACRAMENTO, California — The state’s budget agreement includes an unprecedented investment to support aging Holocaust survivors – along with critical funding to protect Jewish institutions and vulnerable communities across the state!
Despite a $12 billion deficit and major statewide cuts, the Governor and Legislature prioritized our community’s needs. This reflects not only their commitment to our issues, but also the power of persistent, coordinated advocacy from JPAC, the Jewish Legislative Caucus, and our coalition partners.
Holocaust Survivor Assistance ensures the last generation of survivors can live out their lives with dignity. Administered by seven Jewish Family Service providers across the state – all JPAC members – this program provides vital services such as home care, healthcare, transportation, and social connection for thousands of California’s aging survivors. The $14.5 million allocated this year is the largest single-year state investment in the program’s history.
Nonprofit Security Grants help protect Jewish and other vulnerable communities by providing critical security assistance to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence. Synagogues, houses of worship, community centers, schools, and reproductive health clinics across California rely on these funds to remain safe and welcoming spaces. The $80 million included matches last year’s historic funding – nearly double any previous annual allocation.
Other Key Jewish Community Priorities Include:
— $100 million to backfill federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, helping replace cuts to essential services for crime victims – including domestic violence support and victim services provided by Jewish Family Service agencies.
— $83.8 million for the Home Safe program, which addresses and prevents homelessness for older adults and adults with disabilities who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Services include intensive case management, eviction prevention, landlord mediation, and more.
— $10 million for the Museum of Tolerance modernization and expansion, advancing Holocaust education and efforts to combat hate.
In the face of rising antisemitism, we are especially proud that California is not only investing in the safety of our community, but in honoring the dignity and care of those who survived history’s darkest chapter.
Thank you to our partners, advocates, and allies who made this possible. We’ll continue working through upcoming trailer bills to advance our remaining priorities. Together, we are building a safer, more compassionate California for all.
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David Bocarsly is the executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.