2023-24 Budget, MLK Day, Winter Weather Resources

Dear Neighbor, 

The New Year has begun and the Legislature is back in session! 

At the Capitol, we reconvened for the new legislative session on January 4^th and it was great to catch up with both returning and newly elected members. This year, I was re-appointed as the Senate’s Chair of Transportation and Majority Whip and will serve on six committees. As Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I had the honor of welcoming our members and celebrating a record high of thirty-five new Latino (a) members!

Recently, Governor Newsom unveiled his 2023-24 state budget proposal, and here are my thoughts on the proposal and the need to advance clean transportation equity investments to protect the health and future of our communities.

In the District, my team is getting ready for our robotics and coding workshop in Florence Firestone where I will present $2 million in funds for a Technology Career Incubator site to help bridge the digital divide for youth in South Central and Southeast Los Angeles.  

With winter weather expected to continue, it’s important to stay informed and aware. Take some time to review winter weather resources to help keep you and your family safe.  

Next month is Black History Month and we want to celebrate and uplift Black leaders making a difference in Senate District 33. If you know of extraordinary Black community leaders of distinction and service in your community, I want to know about them. Please submit your nominees by Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

News from the Capitol

• The 2023-24 legislative session officially started on December 5 and I began my role as Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC). The CLLC is dedicated to identifying, promoting and advocating on behalf of the professional, educational, social, political and cultural interests of the Latino Community. Since its creation 50 years ago, the Latino Caucus serves as a forum for members from the State Senate and Assembly to identify key issues affecting Latinos and develop avenues to empower the Latino community throughout California. Learn more about the Latino Caucus here.
• On January 4^th, we reconvened for the legislative session and I am excited to report I will be serving on six committees this year. In addition to being re-appointed as the Senate’s Chair of Transportation and Majority Whip, I will be joining as a member of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Joint Committee on Rules.
• Recently, Governor Newsom unveiled his 2023-24 state budget proposal of $296.9 billion in total state funds, consisting of approximately $223.6 billion from the General Fund, $70.4 billion from special funds, and $2.9 billion from bond funds. You can see a visual breakdown of revenues versus expenditures, and percentages for allocations such as transportation (7%), environmental protection (2%), and more in this visual budget summary. Here are my thoughts on the proposal and the need to advance clean transportation equity investments to protect the health and future of our communities.

In the District

• Join us at our Robotics and Coding workshop to learn to code and build a robot! During the event, I will also present $2 million in funds that will be dedicated to a Technology Career Incubator site to provide STEM opportunities for youth and to help close the digital divide!

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr for a Day of Service

• Join my office and Leadership Long Beach to serve our community at the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 16th, 2023. We are excited to activate hundreds of community volunteers to help deliver service projects planned throughout Long Beach! Please share this volunteer opportunity with family, friends, and community groups to join us in “Making it a Day On, Not a Day Off.” The MLK Jr. Day of Service begins with a Kick-Off Event at King Park (1950 Lemon Ave, Long Beach) at 8:00 AM on January 16^th, and then head to the service project site of your choice at 9:00 AM. For more information about the event, and to register click HERE! Please note that if online registration is full, day-of registration at the event is welcome!

Winter Weather Resources

• With winter weather expected to continue, it’s important to stay informed and aware. Sign up for alerts and review important resources that can help you prepare for an emergency.
  • Alert LA County: opt-in mass notification program utilized by the County of Los Angeles that allows you to receive emergency alerts by text, email and/or phone call.
  • Ready LA County: view helpful disaster preparedness resources for LA County.
  • Cities and other jurisdictions: cities, special districts, employers, schools and universities may each have their own emergency notification systems. View the list of systems utilized by jurisdictions throughout LA County and be sure to opt-in to your jurisdiction’s alerting system.
  • Alert Long Beach: receive Emergency Notifications to your mobile phone or email.
  • Caltrans: if you must drive, download the Caltrans QuickMap app or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov to learn up-to-the minute road information.
  • Listos California: free materials in many languages that you can use and share to promote disaster preparedness in your home and community.
  • CalAlerts.org:  here you can sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) designed to get your attention and alert you with a unique sound and vibration. WEAs are rebroadcast until the emergency situation has passed and is no longer a threat to those in the area.

GO-Biz Now Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credits

• There are $120 million in tax credits available during this CCTC application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 23, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time). The online application can be accessed here.

Black History Month Leadership and Service Recognition Nominations 2023

• Next month is Black History Month and we want to celebrate and uplift Black leaders making a difference in Senate District 33. If you know of extraordinary Black community leaders of distinction and service in your community, I want to know about them. Please submit your nominees by Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Any Senate District 33, African American-founded organization, individual, or group of volunteers that has demonstrated commitment and dedication to Senate District 33 through significant and direct volunteer service can be nominated.

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. Happy MLK day!

Sincerely,
Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District