Issues
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
In Sacramento, the homelessness crisis was growing, with over 5,500 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2021. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing was identified as a key factor contributing to the homelessness crisis. In 2020, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Sacramento was $1,395 per month, which is higher than the national average. I have direct experience and knowledge of the various housing developments and programs that have been approved and proposed to address this crisis. I plan to work closely with organizations providing housing services to expedite developments and increase housing opportunities for our unsheltered and working families.
Education
The pandemic has had profound and far-reaching effects on our children, many of which we may not fully comprehend at this time. It is imperative that we not only address the educational gaps resulting from the pandemic but also prioritize the crucial aspect of mental health support for our young ones. As a leader, I provided support in the successful implementation of the Children Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, a groundbreaking $4.4 billion program that has made a significant impact on the mental well-being of children and youth throughout our state. This initiative has provided essential support and resources to those in need.
Moving forward, my plan is to apply the valuable lessons we have learned from this initiative to ensure that our children are mentally prepared to excel in their education. By equipping them with the necessary resources, we can alleviate the financial burdens faced by families while fostering an environment conducive to their academic success. Together, we can create a brighter future where our children not only thrive academically but also receive the vital mental health support they require.
Environmental Protection
In Sacramento, the average air quality index (AQI) is around 40, which is considered moderate but can still pose respiratory challenges for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. As your representative, I am committed to collaborating with the community to establish valuable resources that will enhance public transportation, foster investments in green technology, and promote the widespread adoption of solar and electrical advancements. By prioritizing clean energy solutions, we can improve air quality and safeguard the well-being of our residents.
Public Safety
In recent years, crime rates in Sacramento have been increasing at an alarming rate, with a notable 16.5% surge in violent crimes from 2019 to 2020. Regrettably, these numbers have continued to escalate amidst the ongoing pandemic. As your representative, I am determined to create and enact impactful legislation that safeguards our residents from the improper use of weapons, regardless of whether they are registered or not. Furthermore, drawing upon my professional background in corrections, I will address the concerns our community faces regarding the successful reintegration of parolees, ensuring that they can be safely reintegrated into society.
Accomplishments
Housing Approval Votes
Emmanuel has voted on more than $300 Million Dollars in housing development for our unhoused and programs for low income residents. He is the only candidate with direct housing experience to address our housing crisis.
Legislation
Primary Witness and advocate to:
AB 105 Upward Mobility Act of 2021:This bill would require that, on or after January 1, 2022, all state boards and commissions consisting of one or more volunteer members have at least one board member or commissioner from an underrepresented community. The bill would define the term “board member or commissioner from an underrepresented community” as an individual who self-identifies as Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native; who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender; who is a veteran, as defined; or who has a disability, as defined. The bill would apply these requirements only as vacancies on state boards and commissions occur.
AB 1604 Upward Mobility Act of 2022- This bill would, under the Government Code (GC), modify several processes related to civil service job announcements, examinations, and classifications. The reason for this bill is to provide civil service employees with greater opportunity to move upward within state service through additional accountability and procedural requirements.
Leadership
The City of Sacramento Civil Service Personnel Board- Vice Chair Board Member
The Civil Service Personnel Board for the City of Sacramento oversees matters related to the civil service system within the city. Its responsibilities typically include managing personnel policies, conducting hearings related to personnel matters, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and laws. Emmanuel has presided over many cases including disciplinary actions for City Police Officers. He has held them accountable for their actions and has provided departmental policy recommendations.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)- Division of Rehabilitative Programs.
Supervision and oversight to the state's Re-Entry Services for parolees released after serving their term. At DRP, Emmanuel helps to deliver the primary objective which revolves around empowering incarcerated individuals with the necessary tools and programs to diminish their chances of reoffending upon reintegration into society. As a vital component of DRP, Emmanuel is deeply committed to overseeing the funding and delivery of impactful services that facilitate the rehabilitation process. Services provided include education, employment, substance use disorder treatment (sudt), anger management, detox, and more services addressing redintegrative needs.
The Department of Health Care Services- Strategic Planning of the California’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health-Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a historic, five-year, $4.4 billion initiative to reimagine and transform the way California supports children, youth and families. Emmanuel provided support on developing strategic planning and implementation of this initiative.
The initiative focuses on:
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Promoting mental, emotional and behavioral health and well-being.
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Prevention and providing services to support children and youth well-being.
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Providing services, support and screening to ALL children and youth for emerging and existing needs connected to mental, emotional and behavioral health and substance use.
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Addressing inequities for groups disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges and that face the greatest systemic barriers to well-being.
Built on a foundation of equity and accessibility, the CYBHI is designed to meet young people and families where they are to create an ecosystem that can help them when, where and in the way they need it most.