Dear Neighbor,

As the State Legislature breaks for summer recess, I’m continuing to fight for working families and the safety of all Californians. I spoke on Fox 11 and Spectrum News 1 about legislative efforts to protect immigrant communities, joined Dolores Huerta and Diversity Caucus leaders to denounce ongoing egregious immigration raids, and stood up for our Southeast LA communities calling for long-overdue clean water solutions. In addition, my bill, the PRICE Act to help protect businesses and working families from tariff chaos, cleared a key committee, marking another step forward in the legislative process.

Denouncing Immigration Raids

I joined members of the Latino, Black, Asian Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ Caucuses to uplift Senate Joint Resolution 9, formally denouncing the federal immigration raids targeting our communities. At the press conference alongside civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, we stood united in demanding an end to these harmful and immoral actions. Watch the full press conference here and see coverage from Spectrum News 1 here. 

Senator Lena Gonzalez, Diversity Caucus members, and Dolores Huerta speak at a press conference on July 3, 2025.

Legislative Efforts to Protect Our Immigrant Communities

I joined Elex Michaelson on Fox 11 to talk about how we’re taking action in the Legislature to support our communities in response to immigration raids. I discussed state funding to strengthen the Department of Justice and expand legal aid for Californians. I also highlighted the need to keep schools safe by protecting against the use of school data and resources for deportation efforts—one of the key bills in our proposed fast-tracked package of immigration legislation. As state Senator, it is my priority to ensure we protect the rights of all Californians and keep our communities safe. Watch the segment here.

Safe Drinking Water for All

In the Senate Rules Committee on July 9, I called out the unacceptable reality that residents in Cudahy and across Southeast Los Angeles have endured for decades: brown, discolored water caused by exceeded levels of manganese. I recently sent a letter demanding that the State Water Board and CalEPA take immediate action to address this serious public health issue, starting with holding failing water providers accountable and using state resources to ensure that access to clean water is not just a promise, but a reality. Clean water can’t wait, and SELA deserves better. Watch my remarks here.

Senator Lena Gonzalez addresses water quality issues in Southeast Los Angeles during Senate Rules Committee hearing on July 9, 2025.

Federal Tariffs and the State Economy

My bill, SB 263, also known as the PRICE Act, passed out of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact on July 8, bringing us one step closer to protecting Californians from the rising costs of global trade disruptions. As The Federal Administration threatens a new wave of tariffs ahead of an August 1 deadline, this bill is more urgent than ever to shield our families and small businesses. Watch my comments on these developments here.

The Big Ugly Bill

The recently signed Big Ugly Bill skyrockets our national debt by trillions, hands out giant tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, and pours billions into the federal administration’s extreme immigration agenda — all while stripping millions of hardworking Americans of life-saving healthcare and essential services. Our communities deserve better. I’ll keep fighting for California families and against these backward priorities. Read the full Latino Caucus statement here. 

Upcoming Events, Resources & More

As summer temperatures rise and the back-to-school season approaches, be sure to check out school prep resources, heat safety tips, and family-friendly events in our local parks. And if you’re looking for traffic updates on the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project, you can now sign up for real-time text alerts in English or Spanish through Caltrans’ new website. Explore these and other helpful tools and information in our resource corner! 

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. 

Sincerely, 
Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District