From inmate release to immigrant housing aid, California bills spur end-of-session fireworks

By Sameea Kamal (CALMATTERS) – It’s not that California lawmakers shouldn’t aim high, but in an election year, they might avoid taking on bills that could upset voters — their own, or voters of their colleagues. But that’s not always the case. In the final days of this session, some Democratic lawmakers are pushing bills that seem ripe for Republican attack ads. Take Assembly Bill 1840 by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, which would expand the state’s “Dream for All” down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to undocumented Californians. The bill has prompted criticism from Republican lawmakers, some of whom cited the state’s budget troubles in their opposition. It also drew “no” votes from four Democrats in the Senate Tuesday, where it ultimately passed 25-14. Wednesday, the bill passed through the Assembly on a 45-15 vote and was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Senate Republicans immediately urged Newsom to veto the bill, calling it the latest in “a long litany of taxpayer dollar giveaways…that encourage and reward illegal immigration.” Arambula, a Fresno Democrat, said the measure is part of representing his constituents, who struggle with being able to purchase a home despite working and paying taxes. He is up for re-election,...