Sacramento, Calif. – Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2024-25 state budget:

“As anticipated by earlier budget analyses, the current fiscal year will present some challenges. Now that the Governor's budget proposal has been released, we will continue the discussion in the Legislature to ensure we protect our progress and maintain investments in critical services, programs, and priority areas necessary for safeguarding the health and well-being of all Californians.

I am optimistic that California will rise to the challenge of current budgetary constraints while remaining committed to our values. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and Senator representing communities historically burdened by pollution in the Southeast Los Angeles and Long Beach region, I remain committed to advancing climate justice, housing, transportation, and broadband infrastructure, and transit investments that will not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance the quality of life for all Californians. In times like this, I believe it is particularly important to prioritize these efforts, especially for our low-income and communities of color, as they stand to lose the most without our concerted efforts.

I applaud the Governor for augmenting investments for middle-mile infrastructure in underserved areas to bring broadband to those that need it most and look forward to collaborating with my legislative colleagues over the coming months to develop and pass a well-balanced, responsible budget that upholds our values, preserves core investments in transit, last-mile broadband infrastructure, and climate and that safeguards the progress we've made so far.”

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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.