Sacramento, Calif. – On July 13th, 2021 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) released the following statement in response to the newly announced agreement reached by Legislative Leaders on the broadband trailer bill, AB/SB 156, that will expand 21st century high-speed broadband infrastructure to help close the digital divide and meet connectivity needs for more California businesses, individuals and families. 

“California is one of the largest economies in the world and this unprecedented broadband investment will create many opportunities for generations to come,” said Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “Whether you are in urban, rural or suburban California, this budget bill will ensure you are connected to a fast, reliable and affordable broadband network in our state. However, the work continues, and we must not only invest now, but continue investing through legislation. Both, SB 4 and AB 14 will provide an ongoing funding source for infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of our state while also promoting competition by empowering local governments and internet service providers of all sizes to serve our California residents. This is a bill that represents our values and for that, I am truly proud.” 

“This broadband deployment budget bill will have an enormous impact on the lives of all Californians,” said Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “In partnership with my colleague Senator Gonzalez, we have highlighted the critical need to modernize our state’s broadband policy and programs, and to commit long-term funding to guarantee internet connectivity for all California communities, rural and urban.  I am immensely proud that our efforts have contributed to a budget deal between Governor Newsom, Pro Tem Atkins and Speaker Rendon to provide a generational $6 billion investment in broadband infrastructure.  Modern, adaptable technology in every corner of our State will provide access to education and job training, health care, and the digital economy. Passage of AB 14 and SB 4 this year is the next essential step in providing a historic policy and funding package to lead California into the future.”

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Senator Gonzalez represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes the City of Long Beach and portions of South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles including the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Signal Hill, and South Gate. Senator Gonzalez lives in Long Beach with her family.

Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa Counties, parts of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma Counties, and all of Yolo County except West Sacramento. Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry resides in Winters a block from her childhood home with her longtime partner, Larry Harris, and has two grown daughters and a stepson.