•On May 20, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) announced new federal funding—approximately $2.2 million—for the San Luis Obispo County Airport to improve the baggage screening system. The airport’s current system is too undersized and outdated, Carbajal’s office stated, to adequately meet current operational demand. The new grant will fund a complete system replacement to improve the travel experience for passengers. “This federal funding will support necessary infrastructure upgrades, allowing the airport to accommodate the growing number of travelers coming into SLO County each year,” Carbajal said in a statement. “Given SLO’s beautiful landscapes, innovative companies, and acclaimed universities, it is no surprise that SLO County Airport welcomed a record-breaking number of passengers last year.” The new federal funding was possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminals Program. Grants through the program often provide funding for safe, sustainable, and accessible airport terminals, as well as airport-owned airport traffic control towers, and on-airport rail and bus projects that improve multimodal connections. “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Carbajal and his team for their continued partnership and support of SLO County Airport,” Airport Director Courtney Johnson said in a May 20 statement. “This funding supports the replacement of the terminal’s undersized outbound baggage screening system to better meet current operational demand and enhance the travel experience for families and passengers traveling through our community airport. Investments like this are critical to maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable service as passenger activity continues to grow.” Last fall, Carbajal helped secure more than $3 million in funding for two local airports for infrastructure improvements. The San Luis Obispo County Airport received $2.7 million to construct a new 315-foot taxiway to bring the airport into conformity with current standards, while the Oceano Airport received $313,500 to reseal 2,325 feet of existing runway pavement to extend its useful life.
•Five days after hitting the state Senate floor, Senate Bill 931—authored by State Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz)—passed with a 29-10 vote on May 19 and advanced to the Assembly for consideration. This legislation ensures continued funding for communities impacted by the ongoing operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. If passed, SB 931 would extend authorization for the Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2030, according to Laird’s office. “SB 931 ensures that communities surrounding Diablo Canyon are not left carrying the financial burden of supporting critical public services tied to the plant’s continued operation,” Laird said in a May 19 statement.
•State Sen. Monique Limón (Santa Barbara) issued a statement in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s release of the May Revision, a recent revision to his 2026-27 Senate budget proposal. While Limón described the update as overall positive, she opined that “there are still some key points that need further negotiation.” In a May 14 statement, she said she looks forward to working with the governor’s office and the state Assembly to deliver a budget that strengthens the state’s fiscal foundation before the end of May. “We are encouraged that, while not identical, the May Revision from the governor aligns with the Senate framework and is a positive next step in the crafting of the upcoming state budget,” Limón stated. “Our subcommittees will continue their work crafting the final Senate version of the budget by the end of the month.” The Senate budget plan highlights three key priorities: responsible budgeting; maintaining essential programs that Californians rely on; and improving the long-term budget. To do that, the Senate proposed increasing the Rainy Day Fund and continued investments for California Proposition 98; Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP); and MediCal.
This article appears in May 28 – June 4, 2026.