CA SB 628 (Allen) Signed into Law!
Oct 11, 2021Co-sponsored by Arts for LA and California Arts Advocates, SB 628 (Allen) was signed into law by Governor Newsom.
On October 9, 2021, Governor Newsom signed SB 628 – an innovative, Works Progress Administration (WPA)-style jobs bill that prioritizes building a more diverse creative workforce and living wage jobs. This landmark legislation was made possible by our passionate arts advocates and incredible arts leaders.
With the dedicated support and advocacy from over 110 organizations and over 500 individuals, the State of California and Governor Newsom have invested in the vital arts and culture sector and creative economy that lifts California and all residents. Read an excerpt from the bill below.
Senate Bill No. 628
CHAPTER 767
An act to amend Section 8753.5 of the Government Code, and to add Article 4 (commencing with Section 14240) to Chapter 4 of Division 7 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, relating to workforce development.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
SB 628, Allen. California Creative Workforce Act of 2021.
Existing law establishes the California Workforce Development Board, which assists the Governor in the development, oversight, and continuous improvement of California’s workforce investment system. The board reports to the Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Existing law creates various workforce development programs, including the Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative and the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development Initiative. Existing law establishes an Arts Council in state government to, among other things, promote the employment of artists and those skilled in crafts in both the public and private sector.
This bill would enact the California Creative Workforce Act of 2021, to be operative upon appropriation by the Legislature of sufficient funding for its purposes. The purpose of the act would be to establish creative arts workforce development as a state priority and to promote employment and “earn and learn,” as defined, job training opportunities for creative workers, among other things. The bill would require the Arts Council, in collaboration with the California Workforce Development Board, to design the program pursuant to specified objectives. The bill would require the council to consult with local government, community nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions, among others, in this effort. The bill would require the council to adopt criteria, guidelines, and policies for the program, which would be exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act, and would make this information available to the public.