Dear Neighbor,

It’s back-to-school month and we have been busy helping students and parents get ready for the new academic year!

At the Capitol, I was appointed to be a member of the newly-formed Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox and was elected to be the next Latino Caucus Vice Chair.

In the District, we participated in numerous National Night Out Events, co-hosted a Backpack Giveaway in the City of Bell, rallied for Pride Disability Month, held a legislative brunch in North Long Beach, and celebrated outstanding students receiving scholarships this year.

Did you know eligible children now have access to a FREE college savings account in California? The program is called CalKIDS and families are not required to contribute. Also, updated state resources are available to answer questions about Monkeypox, to help California’s trucking industry identify funding opportunities, and to inform students and parents about financial aid for higher education. 

Lastly, next month is Hispanic Heritage Month and I want your help in identifying exceptional Hispanic community leaders making a positive difference in Senate District 33. Submit a nomination today!

Happy Back to School Month!

School year kickoff can appear to be somewhat overwhelming after the summer break but a new school year also means new opportunities. It is a great time to make new friends and learn exciting things! So I wish the best of luck to all our Senate District 33 students, parents, teachers, and school staff for a great fresh start and a successful academic year.
 

News from the Capitol

• On August 3, I was appointed as a member of the newly-formed Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox. The committee will hold hearings to discuss the state’s response to this public health emergency and how to better treat and prevent the disease. For information on upcoming meetings and agendas, and to stream the next hearing live, visit the Select Committee on Monkeypox webpage.
• On August 9, I was elected as the next Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC).  My two-year term will begin on December 5, 2022. I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to champion the issues of greatest importance to our constituents and I am grateful to my colleagues for their confidence in my ability to lead our dynamic group of legislators.
• August 31 is the last day for each house of the Legislature to pass bills. Bills that pass the Legislature will then be sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed or vetoed by September 30.
• My bill SB 972 recently passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is soon headed for a floor vote. This bill is an important step toward ending the vicious cycle of criminalization and poverty that micro-entrepreneurs face in our communities. SB 972 will improve health and food safety by creating greater access to food vending permits and by bringing California street food vendors into compliance within a more equitable food economy. Want to learn more about SB 972? Check out this op-ed I wrote about SB 972 for Los Angeles Daily News, and this recent editorial piece by the LA Times. 

In the District

• Team Gonzalez has enjoyed spending time with community members at great summer-time events including National Night Out, a Backpack Giveaway in the City of Bell, scholarship ceremonies, a legislative brunch in North Long Beach and an inaugural Disability Pride Month rally. It is truly heart-warming and inspiring to come together to build relationships amongst friends and neighbors, celebrate the successes of bright young minds and help create a more inclusive and accessible community for all.   
   

What You Should Know About Monkeypox- Information from the CA Department of Public Health

• What is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus which is related to the smallpox virus. While generally less severe and much less contagious than smallpox, monkeypox can be a serious illness. It spreads from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus but primarily through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with people who have monkeypox symptoms, such as rash and sores.
• What are the symptoms? Monkeypox can cause flu-like symptoms, fever, a distinct rash, sores or blisters on the body.
• Who can get Monkeypox? Anyone can get monkeypox after having close physical contact with someone who has the infection, especially contact with infected lesions (sores), bodily fluids, or other contaminated surfaces. However, the current risk to the public is low.
• Who can get a vaccine? The risk of getting Monkeypox is still low for the general public. Given the limited supply, monkeypox (MPX) vaccines are currently prioritized for people with a known exposure, or at higher risk of an exposure. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible for a vaccine, reach out to your local health department or health care provider. 
• Do you have more questions about Monkeypox? Check out the California Department of Public Health Q&A webpage to find answers to the most common questions. 

California Trucking Incentives Available

• The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has created a guide to help those across California’s trucking industry identify relevant new and existing state funding resources for growth and success. Access the California Trucking Incentive Guide here. Encuentre la guía de recursos para servicios de transportes en español aquí.

Cash for College Webinars

• Are you a rising senior? Are you worried about how to pay for college? You don’t have to fully rely on your family for financial assistance to go to college. California offers thousands of dollars in grants for eligible students. Sign up for a FREE Cash For College webinar to receive assistance in applying. Register today at: csac.ca.gov/cash-college.
• Don’t have time to sign up for a webinar? No problem! Access my pre-recorded Cash for College webinar anytime in English or Spanish at your convenience.

FREE Cash for College: CalKIDS college savings account

• CalKIDS is a California state program that helps children save for college or career training after high school. Children born in California starting on July 1, 2022, and eligible low-income public school students are awarded a CalKIDS college savings account with an initial deposit in it. Enrollment is automatic and families are not required to contribute. CalKIDS is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an instrumentality of the State of California, chaired by the State Treasurer.
• To ensure that your child has access to the CalKIDS account, you must register on the program’s online portal. The easy registration process does not require you to disclose any taxpayer identification numbers. Visit the CalKIDS website to get started today!
   

Seeking Nominations! Hispanic Heritage Month

• Next month Hispanic Heritage Month begins and I want your help in identifying exceptional Hispanic community leaders making a positive difference in Senate District 33. Do you have someone in mind my office should recognize? I want to know about them, submit a nomination today!

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. Happy Back to School Month!  

Sincerely,

Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District