Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 228, authored by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), which builds on an executive order he signed in June announcing the creation of a Master Plan for Aging.

The plan addresses challenges the state’s growing aging population is encountering. SB 228 builds on actions the governor has taken to promote healthy aging and protect senior citizens.

“Every day, 1,000 Californians turn 65 years old, and in the next 20 years, senior citizens will represent 20% of our state’s population,” Newsom said. “Older Californians deserve dignity and our state’s respect. Californians are living longer, and they are facing new challenges and uncertainties including issues like health care, housing and overall services and support. Our Master Plan will help the state prepare for this transition.”

The Master Plan will serve as a blueprint that can be used by state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropic entities. It is anticipated to be completed by October 2020.

SB 228 is complementary to the Master Plan work underway to implement strategies and partnerships that promote healthy aging. The bill facilitates consideration of the California Department of Aging’s organization and structure to implement and administer the Master Plan.

“By 2030, our older population will nearly double in California, bringing an increase of 4 million people over the age of 65. We owe it to them and all Californians to ensure that our state has thoughtfully prepared for this demographic shift,” Jackson said. “The Master Plan will provide us with a roadmap for success.”

According to the California Department of Aging, by 2030, the 60-plus population will be 40% larger than it is in 2019. There are currently approximately 4 million Californians over the age of 60, which represents approximately 11% of the population.

The governor has also taken action on several issues affecting senior citizens. He recently signed Assembly Bill 1482, enacting the nation’s strongest statewide renter protections and SB 329, banning Section 8 discrimination. Section 8 housing vouchers help California senior citizens age in place. Currently, 248,400 California seniors rely on rental assistance.

Additionally, the governor signed legislation banning “pay for delay” to block pharmaceutical companies from keeping cheaper generic drugs off the market. Older adults take an average of 4.5 medications each month, which can add up to a total retail cost of more than $30,000 a year for brand-name drugs, according to AARP. AB 824 by Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) and sponsored by Attorney General Xavier Becerra, makes California the first state to tackle pay-for-delay agreements.