Redding Today

Several measures proposed by Senator Brian Dahle, including bills to support rural healthcare and biomass energy, recently passed unanimously in the Senate Appropriations Committee. They are now slated for a vote on the Senate Floor this week.

"I’d like to thank the Senate Appropriations Chair, Senator Caballero, and Committee for moving these measures forward. Each of these measures, from investing in critical access hospitals and healthcare reimbursement to biomass infrastructure, play a vital role in shaping sustainable rural communities in California," said Dahle. "I appreciate the input from stakeholders, community leaders, and advocates who came together to get these bills before the Legislature."

Senate Bill 1423 has been particularly championed by North State health care leaders as it aims to support patient needs in rural areas.

"We couldn’t be more appreciative of the support Senator Dahle and his staff have offered California Critical Access Hospitals through the introduction of SB 1423. This bill improves access to care in underserved communities by providing equitable funding that enables rural hospitals to practice the latest medical techniques in modern facilities with the highest quality providers. Restoring the financial health of Critical Access Hospitals ensures the most vulnerable communities in California will thrive for generations to come," stated Darren Beatty, CEO of Plumas District Hospital.

The other bills moving forward include Senate Bill 1062 (Biomass), Senate Bill 1163 (Wildlife Traffic Safety), Senate Bill 1207 (Insulation), Senate Bill 1258 (Medi-Cal Interest), and Senate Bill 1423 (Hospitals).

Senator Dahle represents California's 1st Senate District which contains all or portions of 11 counties including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, and Shasta. He also serves deferred areas of Tehama, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties.