Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill that will provide emergency funding to domestic violence centers across the state. The bill was spearheaded by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, and the effects will be felt locally as the bill will provide much needed funding to our local Domestic Violence Center.

“I want to congratulate the many groups that put victims first and came together to find this creative solution that will keep domestic violence shelters throughout the state open,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am proud to sign this bipartisan legislation that is good news for every Californian whose life is devastated by violence in the home and will help ensure domestic violence victims have a safe place to go.”

Assemblyman Smyth was equally excited to see the bill fly through the legislature.
“After several difficult months we are finally able to declare victory in the fight to restore critical funding to domestic violence programs throughout the state.” He said. “Ideally this situation would have been resolved before the end of session in September, but I’m proud of my colleagues and the Governor for making domestic violence funding restoration a priority during special session.”

He continued; “Over the last three months there have been a number of shelters in the state that have had to close their doors and many others that have been forced to relocate and cut back the services they provide. Today’s signing means that these shelters will soon be receiving the funding that is necessary to provide services to victims of domestic violence.”

“The Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley is appreciative of the Governor restoring funding for this important program and applauds our local legislators, Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, and Senators George Runner and Tony Strickland, for their support of this vital bill. This is less than a one-year stop-gap and our hope is that come next year, we are not right back in the same quandary with the State and its budget,” commented Mary Ree, president of the Santa Clarita Domestic Violence Center. .