SACRAMENTO – Senator Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) made the following statement in response to the Legislature’s approval of $10 million in resources and grants for victims of human trafficking:
“This is a huge step in the right direction and an immense sense of relief for victims and service providers. The state came very close to cutting 100% of victim resources and services. I’m thankful to fight alongside important advocates to ensure that trafficked victims have the tools and resources necessary to survive and thrive.”
Senator Chang’s inaugural legislation in the California Senate called on the state to reinstate $15 million in grants through the Office of Emergency Services. The grants support qualified nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive services to victims of human trafficking.
In the last weeks of a two-year session, the Assembly and Senate approved $10 million in grant funding for service providers. Since 2014 the state has committed funding for programs with a proven record of helping human trafficking victims. This year’s budget eliminated funding for these programs, leaving victims vulnerable.
California is ranked #1 in the United States for most trafficking cases, nearly double the margin of Texas which is ranked #2.
