AB 338 addresses the current state of the workforce for those in Los Angeles and Ventura counties affected by the 2025 fires, and encourages funding for workforce development and training for essential roles, such as construction, fuel reduction, and other important roles in wildlife recovery. This bill would allow for licensure and certification for these roles to be expedited, meaning that we are able to make sure individuals are qualified quicker and can contribute to post-fire relief in the community, while also making sure that the product of the work is held to high standards, workers are compensated fairly are receiving the support and tools needed to contribute to the work of post-fire relief. 

This bill would include $50,000,000 of public funding from the General Fund to contribute to the California Workforce development board, which will then be distributed to fund the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Development Collaborative in doing the necessary training for workforce development as well as stipends for underemployed and/or low-income workers. Passing this bill would also increase and encourage employment and is a critical component to fire-recovery in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Relief, recovery, rebuilding, and regional economic development and community resilience are the main goals AB 338 are aiming for when providing post-fire relief in the community. Help us rebuild hope and uplift the individuals, families, and legacies affected by the 2025 wildfires.  

Additional information on the bill: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB338/id/3087260