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Dear Partners in Financial Justice:

In 2022, our team at The San Francisco Financial Justice Project continued to build the movement for Financial Justice and ensure that fines and fees do not adversely impact low-income people and communities of color.

We are deeply grateful for all of our partners. With your help, this year we lifted tens of millions of dollars in debt off of San Francisco residents, launched innovative pilot programs, and brought Financial Justice statewide and nationwide. Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished together in 2022:

1. Launched “Be The Jury,” a unique pilot program to increase juror pay to help juries better reflect the communities they serve.

This first-of-its-kind pilot program in SF Superior Court compensates low- to moderate-income jurors $100 a day for their jury service. This effort aims to ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier to serving. The initial results show success in creating juries that are economically and racially diverse, and able to administer justice that reflects diverse San Francisco communities. Big thanks to our partners at the SF Superior Court, District Attorney, Public Defender, and Bar Association. Read media coverage here and see the Golden State Warriors PSA here.

2. Announced $50 million in debt eliminated for tens of thousands of local residents who owed “high pain/low gain” $300 late fees on traffic tickets.

Civil assessment fees are charged to people who miss a deadline to pay or appear in court for a ticket hearing. In partnership with the Debt Free Justice California Coalition, we reduced civil assessment fees from $300 to $100 through AB 199. In San Francisco, this eliminated $50 million in outstanding debt from 169,000 civil assessments charged prior to July 1, 2022. Big thanks to our coalition partners, legislative leaders, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Read media coverage here.

3. Reformed draconian late fines and fees for Bay Area bridge tolls, reducing them by 80%.

Previously, people who missed a $6 toll payment were penalized with both a $25 fine and a $45 late fee. They can also have their DMV registration held until they pay off this debt all at once. In partnership with other community groups, we were successful in informing the Metropolitan Transit Council (MTC) about the harm of these harsh penalties. In December 2021, the MTC reduced fines and fees by 80 percent on all unpaid bridge tolls received since January 2021, saving people thousands of dollars. Read media coverage here and here.

4. Helped indigent incarcerated people maintain their nutrition and dignity by doubling the Commissary Allowance Program and making it permanent.

The Commissary Allowance Program is a $20 monthly allowance for indigent people SF Jails. The program helps incarcerated people purchase essential items, like shampoo, deodorant, and food, and lifts a financial burden off of their families. Big thanks to the SF Jail Justice Coalition and the SF Sheriff’s Office. Read more here.

5. Ended the interception of child support payments intended for California parents who receive government aid.

If a single parent requests safety net services—Medi-Cal or CalWORKs—for themselves and their child, the state requires the other parent to pay for these services by taking it out of child support, due to antiquated federal rules. In 2020, this money grab siphoned off $430 million from poor parents in California. In partnership with the Truth and Justice in Child Support Coalition, we successfully advocated for 100 percent of child support payments to go where they are should—to children. This will put approximately $350 million each year back in the pockets of hundreds of thousands of low-income families. Big thanks to our coalition partners, California State Senator Nancy Skinner, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Read more here.

6. Made all calls FREE from California prisons and youth facilities by passing the Keep Families Connected Act!

In partnership with the Keep Families Connected Coalition, we passed SB 1008, which makes prison calls free. Excessive phone call fees force incarcerated people to pay predatory prices just to hear a loved one’s voice. Research shows that increased communication between incarcerated people and their loved ones keeps families connected and improves reentry outcomes. Big thanks to our coalition partners, State Senator Josh Becker, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Read more here.

7. Increased water affordability and helped people behind on their water and wastewater bills by partnering with the SFPUC to launch and evaluate a 6-month pilot program.

The pilot program provided up to 90% off water and wastewater bills and debt relief to low-income San Franciscans. Our evaluation found that participating households started paying their bills, made more frequent payments, and received significant discounts without increasing water usage. Nearly 70 percent of households that qualified for debt relief were successful in making payments and received debt relief. Read more here.

8. Provided relief to people experiencing homelessness by launching the SFMTA CONNECT Program in partnership with the SFMTA and community groups.

Through this program, people experiencing homelessness have a one-time option to earn credit toward their parking tickets ($17 per hour) by receiving social service assistance from approved social service providers.

9. Help people avoid getting their car towed by launching “Text Before Tow” in partnership with the SFMTA and community groups.

This program allows people to receive a text message if their car is about to be towed for certain violations. Read more here.

10. Launched the second leadership group of Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice and held the first fine and fee justice bootcamp for local leaders across the country.

Over 50 cities and counties participated in the inaugural Fine and Fee Justice Bootcamp. We are so proud to work with six counties and cities in this years Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice. Big thanks to our local partners across the country and the Fines and Fees Justice Center and Results for America!

We are thankful to all of our nonprofit and government partners. We look forward to continuing to advance Financial Justice with you all at the local, state, and national levels in 2023.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

Yours in Financial Justice,

Anne, Michelle, and Cecilia

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