#United States #California #Affordability #Peter Coe Verbica

Peter Coe Verbica's Comprehensive Federal Plan

Peter Coe Verbica, a U.S. Congressional candidate for California's District 19, has unveiled a meticulous 25-point federal action plan aimed at mitigating the ongoing affordability crisis that is significantly affecting the state's residents. Known for his book, Hard-Won Cowboy Wisdom, Verbica, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), emphasizes the pressing need for federal intervention to alleviate the financial burdens facing Californians.

As California grapples with soaring costs in housing, fuel, and utilities, Verbica's plan aims to empower California families, teachers, healthcare workers, and small business owners struggling with these escalating expenses. He states, "California's affordability crisis is pushing out teachers, nurses, firefighters, small businesses, and young families. While Sacramento bears some responsibility, I intend to pursue federal solutions for tangible relief."

Root Causes of the Crisis

Verbica underscores that many affordability challenges are rooted in state-level policies. Key contributors include:
1. Housing Shortages: Years of underbuilding and misapplication of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) have led to a lack of available housing.
2. High Fuel Prices: Abnormal fuel blend regulations and multiple layers of state taxes have inflated California’s fuel prices.
3. Rising Utility Costs: Utility rate increases stem from wildfire liabilities and aging infrastructure needing modernization.
4. Water Resource Management: The inability to construct new dams or reservoirs in over five decades has worsened water issues, regardless of previous voter-approved funding.
5. Insurance Market Instability: Strict regulations like Proposition 103 contribute to an unstable insurance environment.
6. Burden of Labor Laws: Strict labor legislation such as the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) deters hiring.
7. Overregulation: An overall environment that is detrimental to business growth hampers economic vibrancy.

Detailed Federal Strategies to Alleviate Costs

In response to these challenges, Verbica has outlined 25 strategic initiatives that a federal representative can adopt:

Housing Initiatives

• - Align HUD funding with local zoning reforms to facilitate expedited permitting processes.
• - Increase allocations for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
• - Propose reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to streamline land development at the federal level.
• - Utilize federal surplus land for housing development.
• - Introduce funding for scalable modular housing technology and carry out pilot CEQA-exempt housing projects on federal lands.

Fuel and Transportation Strategies

• - Advocate for national standardization of clean fuel blends.
• - Request Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers to broaden gasoline availability.
• - Investigate potential fuel market manipulations that impact prices.
• - Expand electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in underserved communities and incentivize remote work through tax breaks.

Utility and Wildfire Resilience Plans

• - Increase federal funding for grid-hardening grants through FEMA and the Department of Energy.
• - Establish a federal wildfire reinsurance or bond market to manage wildfire costs effectively.
• - Support projects aimed at modernizing the interstate grid connectivity via the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Water Infrastructure Investments

• - Allocate funds for essential storage projects such as the Sites Reservoir.
• - Invest in initiatives focused on desalination and water recycling methods.

Enhancements in Job Growth and Business Climate

• - Consider federal preemption of detrimental labor regulations affecting interstate commerce.
• - Create a 'safe harbor' employment category for startups, agricultural employees, and gig workers.
• - Offer tax incentives aimed at encouraging the reestablishment of manufacturing within California.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Reform

Verbica insists that federal partnership with state reforms is essential. He argues, "The cost of living in California shouldn't force residents out of the state. We recognize that Washington cannot solve all issues, but we can be a robust ally in fostering positive changes."

Moving forward, Verbica plans to introduce legislative measures aligned with these 25 recommendations and work in close coordination with local stakeholders and officials to ensure the federal resources are effectively deployed to meet the needs of Californians.

With a strong belief that current incumbents have failed to address foundational challenges, Verbica’s campaign focuses on providing genuine solutions to the constituents of California’s District 19. For more information about Peter Verbica's campaign and policy proposals, visit peterverbica.com.