California Legislators Commend Milestone $6 Billion “Broadband For All” Budget Investment Approved by the Legislature Now Headed to the Governor’s Desk
Sacramento, Calif. – On July 15th, 2021 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) shared the following statements commending the passage of a major broadband budget bill, SB 156, which allocates $6 billion in funds for broadband infrastructure projects. The bill will provide much needed investments and compliment further legislation that seeks to increase access to high-speed, affordable broadband for Californians.
“Today’s unanimous vote in favor of SB 156 is a huge milestone in our efforts to close the digital divide in California,” said Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “This investment to modernize our broadband infrastructure is sorely needed and was long overdue. Expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet will empower future generations, provide them better opportunities and greater upward mobility. We cannot leave any child, senior, individual or family behind. This bill will also spur a competitive environment amongst local internet service providers and California small businesses of all sizes to drive technical innovation and increase broadband affordability. I am very thankful to the Governor, Senate Leadership and the collective work of all my colleagues in the Legislature to help pass this incredible bill. Now we must continue our advocacy for the successful passage of SB 4 and AB 14 as well in order to secure continuous funding and strengthen policy to advance Digital Equity through Broadband For All.”
"Even before the pandemic, which shone a glaring light on Californians’ lack of reliable, affordable internet services, we knew access to the internet is essential for participating in the promise of today’s online world," said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). "I want to thank my colleague Senator Gonzalez for her partnership, and the Governor, Legislative Leadership, and my colleagues on the negotiating team for this incredible achievement. With the passage of SB 156 today, California has committed to a generational investment in providing for all Californians the access they need to internet-based services like education and job training, telehealth, and the digital economy. The California of today cannot lead our people into the future with the technology of the past. We must now pass the policy companions in AB 14 and SB 4 to complete the roadmap to Internet For All in our State."
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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.