Sacramento, Calif. – Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2022-23 state budget:

“The Governor’s formal budget proposal issued today is an important step in the Legislature’s annual budget process. It provides a framework through which our State can build and protect its financial strength and address some of our greatest challenges, especially as we get through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am thankful to Governor Newsom and his team for delivering a timely, thoughtful proposal that includes funding to: fight the COVID-19 pandemic, advance climate priorities, tackle homelessness and the cost of living, update transportation and infrastructure across the state and at our ports, invest in quality education from universal Pre-K to higher education, assist struggling families and businesses, ensure ongoing commitments for healthcare and new commitments to pave the way toward universal healthcare.  

“As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and Chair of the Senate Select Committee of Ports and Goods Movement, I am encouraged to see funds directed toward improving infrastructure at our ports and throughout California in ways that align with our climate goals. I see much needed  resources going into clean energy, climate resiliency, workforce training, and zero-emission technology that will positively impact the way we transport goods, commute and travel in our State and enable us to reduce emissions and protect our environment. These investments include but are not limited to:

• $22.5 billion for combating the climate crisis including:

o $10 billion for zero emission vehicle acceleration  

o $2 billion to support California’s clean energy transition (to accelerate industrial decarbonization, advance green hydrogen production, create an offshore wind energy program and more)

• $9.1 billion in the transportation system and related zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) efforts such as:

o $1.2 billion for port-related high-priority projects that increase goods movement capacity including zero-emission modernization projects

o $875 million for zero-emission port equipment

o $400 million for state and local climate adaptation projects 

• $465 million for climate jobs and opportunities 

“Through the pandemic, we have seen the impacts of inequity on lower-income communities and it is extremely important that we ensure financial resources are invested in meaningful ways that can help improve the lives of those who need it most. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to create a responsible and well-balanced budget that will put California’s dollars to work for a more equitable and clean 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.