May 19, 2023 - Legislation from Merced Irrigation District and Merced’s local Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria to support groundwater recharge from flooding streams is progressing through the state legislative process.

“This has massive potential to help water managers across the state, especially those of us in the San Joaquin Valley where overdrafted groundwater is such a significant challenge,” said MID Deputy General Manager of Water Supply and Rights Hicham Eltal.

May 16, 2023 - SACRAMENTO, CA – On Monday, Governor Newsom signed AB 112, the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, into law. This program aims to help Madera Community Hospital reopen with the assistance of an emergency loan.

MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Senate Bill/Assembly Bill 122 has been approved by legislators in Sacramento.  It is now on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk waiting to be signed.  The bill will create the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, aimed at helping struggling hospitals throughout the state.

Madera Community Hospital could reopen under legislation heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk that would make more than $100 million available in loan assistance to struggling California hospitals.

A trio of state lawmakers have announced a “major victory” in the effort to address the state’s hospital closure crisis.

SB/AB 112 would create the Distressed Hospital Loan Program, funded by up to $150 million for interest-free loans to nonprofit and public hospitals in “significant financial distress. It was approved in both the Senate and Assembly, and now awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

MADERA, Calif. – Madera Community Hospital could soon have access to state funding to help reopen services.

The California Senate and Assembly approved AB 112, outlining the “Distressed Hospital Loan Program.” The final step in the law is a signature from the governor – which would allow the law to go into effect immediately.