Press Releases

Sen. Gonzalez and Assembly Majority Leader Reyes Introduce Legislation to Modernize California’s Clean Transportation Program

February 19, 2021

Sacramento, Calif.– Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) introduced legislation to bring the Clean Transportation Program up to date to achieve the state’s new environmental targets. The last iteration of the program was developed nearly a decade ago, rendering fundamental measures and objectives within the program outdated and in grave need of revitalization. SB 726 and AB 1389 would ensure it is updated to reflect clean vehicle technological advancements and to align with current clean air and climate goals.

Sen. Gonzalez Introduces SB 671 Clean Freight Corridor Efficiency Program

February 19, 2021

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) introduced SB 671 to create a Clean Freight Corridor Efficiency Program to advance heavy-duty clean vehicle goals and ensure the development of supporting highway infrastructure. The program would require the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and the Air and Resources Board (ARB) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of key factors needed to build clean freight corridors, such as, road safety, alternative fueling infrastructure and road resiliency. Guidelines, best practices and data obtained through these assessments will be used to inform future and continued planning of clean freight.

Sen. Gonzalez Announces SB 606 to Create Stronger Enforcement Measures to Keep Workers Safe as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

February 18, 2021

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) announced the introduction of new legislation to address the need for stronger enforcement measures to keep workers safe as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. SB 606 would give the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) the necessary tools to hold large employers accountable for workplace health and safety violations and strengthen worker protections to encourage workers to report unsafe working conditions and prevent employer retaliation. 

Sen. Gonzalez Introduces Bill to Establish the California Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Agency

February 16, 2021

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) introduced SB 452 to establish the California Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Agency. The agency would help streamline immigrant and refugee programs ran by state and local offices that offer services such as educational opportunities, legal services, job training, and placement assistance. With more than 11 million immigrants and refugees comprising nearly one quarter of the state’s population and 34% of the labor force, the new agency would be a critical asset in supporting many people who are highly underserved and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who, nonetheless, significantly contribute to economic growth, business, and innovation in California.

Senator Gonzalez Becomes Member of the Senate Leadership Team as New Majority Whip

February 12, 2021

SACRAMENTO – On February 10th, 2021 Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) made appointments to the Democratic Leadership team for the 2020-2021 session.

Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) was appointed as Majority Whip, one of seven Democratic leadership positions in the California Senate. The Democratic leadership team plays a significant role in guiding Senate members through the legislative process.

Sen. Gonzalez Introduces SB 245 the Abortion Accessibility Act on the 48th Anniversary of the Landmark Roe v. Wade Court Decision

January 22, 2021

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, on the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill 245, the Abortion Accessibility Act to ensure all women and pregnant people have access to abortion services regardless of an individual’s income, status, race, zip code, or bank account.

Senator Lena Gonzalez Issues Statement on Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal

January 08, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-long Beach) released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 budget proposal:

“I was pleased to see Governor Newsom’s newly released budget proposal incorporates significant investment toward critical programs and services that will help ensure a strong path toward wellness and prosperity for our communities. Many families, students, workers and businesses have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we must do all we can via a financing framework of substance that will adequately meet the immediate needs of Californians and help our entire state recover and flourish.”

Sen. Lena Gonzalez Becomes First Latina to Be Appointed Chair of the California State Senate Transportation Committee in Over 50 years

December 15, 2020

Sacramento, Calif. – On Monday December 14th, 2020 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) was appointed Chair of the California State Senate Transportation Committee by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), becoming the first Latina in over 50 years to be appointed to this role in the California Senate. The Committee is comprised of 17 members and has jurisdiction over the California High-Speed Rail Authority, California Highway Patrol, California Transportation Commission, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation (Caltrans), driver’s licenses, freight, regional transportation agencies, transit authorities, intercity rail, mobile sources of air pollution, fuels, rules of the road, state highways, local streets and roads, vehicles, aircraft, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and vessels.

Sen. Gonzalez Introduces Broadband for All Act to Bridge the Digital Divide and Address Inequity Underlined by COVID-19: CA Low Income, Rural, Urban Families and Minorities Face Greater Challenges Accessing Education and Healthcare due to Lack of Internet

December 07, 2020

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill 4, the Broadband for All Act to help bridge the digital divide that has long resulted in deep inequity for California low income, rural, urban families and minorities throughout the state. With students learning remotely and medically fragile patients in need of telehealth, lack of adequate internet service is an urgent matter of education and healthcare equity that necessitates bold legislative action.

Sen. Gonzalez Holds Press Conference on Broadband for All Bill that Will Help Generate Upwards of $1 Billion in Funds to Deploy High-Tech Broadband Infrastructure to Bridge the Digital Divide

December 03, 2020

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) will hold a virtual press conference at 10:00 a.m. to highlight “Broadband for All”, a bold legislative proposal she will be introducing on Monday, December 7th for the new 2020-2021 legislative session. Senator Gonzalez’s “Broadband for All” bill will generate upwards of $1 billion in funds needed to deploy high quality broadband infrastructure to end the inequity California low income, rural, urban families and minorities face in work, education and healthcare due to lack of internet access.