Irvine, Cali.—Local politicians are among those lobbying for the distribution of $2.6 billion in grants to pandemic-affected small businesses and non-profit organizations through the Keep California Working Act. The bill would establish the Keep California Working Grant Program, and will see the state earmark 10 percent of its projected surplus to California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate. During a Jan. 6 press conference. Sen. Andreas Borgeas said the funds would be divided into up to six tiers, and provide between $10,000 and $75,000 grants to businesses and nonprofits. The bill was introduced by Laguna Beach Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, alongside senators Borgeas (R-Fresno) and Anna Caballero (D-Coalinga). It unveiled new coalition support and legislative details of the Keep California Working Act, and was co-authored by 24 other state senators and assembly members, including Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel). The bill includes an emergency clause, which would make it effective immediately upon …