Last week was a suspenseful one, as I waited to learn which bills in my 2021 legislative packet passed Appropriations. I am happy to share that seven of my bills passed the committee and are advancing in the legislative process in addition to one other non-fiscal bill.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with local teachers and migrant families in Long Beach to provide legislative updates and discuss important matters such as school re-openings and proposed legislation to help our diverse immigrant communities in the state.

Furthermore, I also have many updates for you: a sponsorship opportunity is now available to community groups in Senate District 33, the FDA has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine, the California Gubernatorial Recall Election has started and there are various methods available to you to cast your vote, and there is an upcoming Exide Community Meeting. Continue reading to learn more, and make sure to complete our new poll!

News from the Capitol
Bills Advancing in the Legislative Process

• Since the California Legislature came back from summer recess, we have been hard at work as deadlines approach to get bills passed. The last day for each house to pass bills is September 10th and the Governor has until October 10th to veto or sign bills into law.
• I’m thrilled to share that on August 26, seven of my bills passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee, including bills to help close the digital divide, advance clean transportation, provide safe & affordable drinking water, protect workers & more!
• After bills pass Appropriations, they are read for a second time on the Floor and get a vote in both houses. Here is the list of bills advancing in the legislative process from my 2021 legislative package.
  • SB 4 - The Broadband 4 All Act
  • SB 338 - Protecting Port Truck Drivers
  • SB 606 - Workplace Safety Enforcement
  • SB 403 - Consolidation of At-Risk Water Districts
  • SB 671 - Clean Freight Corridor Assessment
  • SB 726 - Revitalizing the Clean Transportation Program
  • SB 776 - Safe and Affordable Drinking Water

Ending Wage Theft in California’s Garment Industry

• On August 18, I joined 45 garment workers from Los Angeles who travelled on bus after midnight and after their shifts in LA garment factories to speak in support of SB 62, which would help to end wage theft in California’s garment industry. It is unfair and unjust, that workers still experience wage theft in the 5th largest economy in the world, especially as the retail industry reaps millions and workers earn wages that are often well below the state minimum. We can do better; I am committed to fighting for fair wages for all California workers.

In the District
Legislative Update with Teachers Association of Long Beach

• On August 21, I had the pleasure of joining the Long Beach Teachers Association meeting to discuss school re-openings, education investments in the 2021-22 state budget, and what SB 4 The Broadband for All Act would mean for our community.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center Welcome Day Event

• On August 28, I joined the Immigrant Defenders Law Center event to welcome reunited migrant families that were served by the Long Beach Convention Center Emergency Intake Site. I shared details about AB937 (the VISION Act) of which I am a proud co-author and SB 452 which I introduced this year to help keep families together and address the needs of California’s immigrant and refugee population.

Port of Long Beach Community Sponsorship Applications Open

• Applications are now open for sponsorships from the Port of Long Beach for activities and events. Community groups are invited to submit sponsorship funding requests online beginning Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. For more information visit: www.polb.com/sponsorship or call (562) 283-7700.

Voting By Mail, Tracking Your Ballot and Voting Locations Near You

• The September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election has started. Ballots have been mailed to registered voters in California and ballots can be returned by mail at no charge (postage prepaid). You can also drop off your ballot at any participating Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box location or at any vote center in LA County. Once you return your ballot, you can sign up for personalized text messages, emails and/or automated voice messages on your Vote by Mail ballot by subscribing to Where’s My Ballot. This is a free service available to all registered voters that gives you updated information on where your ballot is and when you can expect to receive it.

FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine

• On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Please know that COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone age 12 and up—regardless of immigration or insurance status. With the recent surge in cases due to the Delta variant, it is important that we do all we can to help our community stay healthy. Protect your loved ones and help end the pandemic by getting vaccinated. You can find a walk-in clinic or make an appointment today at https://myturn.ca.gov/.

Next Exide Community Meeting September 9

• The Department of Toxic Substances Control will hold an online community meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, to update the public on the Exide Cleanup project.
• To attend online: Go to zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 896 6173 5545
• To attend by phone: Call (669) 900-6833 and enter meeting ID: 896 6173 5545
• For help with any questions call: (844) 225-3887 or email ExideCleanup@dtsc.ca.gov.

This Edition’s Poll Questions

• With California’s eviction moratorium ending on September 30, 2021, I want to make sure you are prepared with the resources and answers you need to help you, your friends or neighbors. Please take a moment to submit your comments and questions by completing our next poll here.

Top social media posts
Check out my top social media posts below! Remember to follow me @SenGonzalez33 on FB and Twitter for legislative updates, resources, events and much more!

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. Have a Happy Labor Day weekend, and stay safe!

Sincerely,

Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District