Dear Neighbor,

We are hitting the ground running, as we kick off the New Year, and I wanted to share some big updates with you. Just recently, Governor Newsom and legislative leaders have announced a framework to extend supplemental paid sick leave, to help protect workers and support businesses amid the COVID-19 surge.

This year marked the 49^th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, and I was proud to vote earlier this month in favor of Senate Resolution (SR) 63 that reaffirms California’s strong support for every individual’s fundamental right to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health.

I joined the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors and Middle Mile Advisory Committee as Ex Officio member for the first meetings of 2022.

As this is the second year of a 2-year legislative session, January 31 is the last day for bills introduced in 2021 to pass in their house of origin.

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls launched a first-of-its-kind grant funding opportunity dedicated to women’s pandemic recovery response, with $5 million in state grant funds available.

I am happy to share that the federal government is now offering free COVID-19 test kits. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Lastly, nominations for Woman of the Year 2022 are open! I encourage you to submit your nominations soon!

Framework to Extend Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Announced

• Amid the national surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, Governor Gavin Newsom, and legislative leaders announced that they have reached an agreement on a framework to ensure employees continue to have access to COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave through September 30, 2022
• I am encouraged to see movement on this critical issue, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to help ensure California workers are protected and have access to the financial resources they need during this difficult time.
• To read the Governor’s full statement, click here.

News from the Capitol

• This year marks the 49^th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, and I was proud to vote earlier this month in favor of Senate Resolution (SR) 63 that reaffirms California’s strong support for every individual’s fundamental right to make decisions regarding their own pregnancy and reproductive health. As your State Senator, I will continue to fight for reproductive freedom and access to reproductive healthcare for all Californians. That is why this year, I am continuing to advocate for SB 245, a 2-year bill I introduced last year to eliminate cost barriers that disproportionately affect those already facing the biggest obstacles to accessing abortion care. To learn more about California’s efforts to expand and strengthen access to reproductive health, check out this press conference by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. You can also watch a short clip of my comments here.  
• On January 14, I spoke in support of SCR 62 to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and to re-commit to continuing his work every day for a more just and equitable future for all.
• In my role as Ex-Officio Board Member for the California High Speed Rail Authority, I continue my work on transportation matters as it relates to the planning, designing, building and operation of the nation’s first high-speed rail system with a focus on equity, workforce development and positive environmental change. Our meetings for 2022 have begun and you can access all the information you need to register for public comment, and view agendas for past and upcoming board meetings here.
• As Ex-Officio Board Member of California’s Middle-Mile Advisory Committee, I continue to advocate for equitable access to high-speed broadband service for all Californians. The Advisory Committee meetings for 2022 have begun, with the purpose of monitoring the development and construction of middle mile broadband infrastructure. To learn more about the committee, upcoming meetings, past meeting resources, or how to provide public comment, visit the Middle Mile Broadband website here.
• As this is the second year of a 2-year legislative session, January 31 is the last day for bills introduced in 2021 to pass in their house of origin. One of my 2-year bills is SB 342, a bill with the purpose of protecting and improving air quality in our communities. The bill achieves this by adding two environmental justice representatives to the South Coast Air Quality Management District governing board to empower community involvement and promote equity. To learn more about SB 342 click here.

In the District

• On January 10, our office recognized the leadership and service of the Walnut Park Civic Engagement Project group for their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in the community of Walnut Park. Their hard work is to be commended, thank you for all you do!
• On January 22, I had a coffee meeting with Councilmember Ariel Pe of Lakewood, talking about his first two years in office, Lakewood resident and business needs, and drinking some great coffee. I look forward to reconnecting further with my local Senate District 33 elected officials this year!

Women’s Recovery Response Grant Funding Opportunity

• With $5 million dollars available, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will award funds ranging from $25,000 up to $250,000 to eligible applicants in five distinct funding categories. These grants will provide structural support and resources to a network of local leaders ready to respond to the growing economic challenges and needs of women impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• All application materials, eligibility requirements, and submission guidelines are available on the CCSWG Women's Recovery Response Grant application page.
• Applications are due February 4, 2022 by no later than 4:00 p.m. 

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

• The Biden Administration has begun distributing one billion free at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests to Americans. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free.
• The only information needed to order tests are full name, shipping address and an email address to get updates on orders. Each household is limited to four test kits per residential address. Orders will ship beginning in late January, the White House expects that tests will take anywhere from 7 to 12 days to reach households via First Class Mail.
• Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.

Reminder: Save the Date for Our State Budget Teach-In Virtual Event

• The Governor recently released his 2022-23 budget proposal. Are you interested in learning how the state budget process works? Do you want to learn about this year’s budget priorities and how you can make your voice heard along this process? If that’s you, join me and the California Budget Policy Center for an informative Budget Teach-In, where you will have the opportunity to ask me and our guests any questions you may have. Click here to RSVP and submit your questions in advance!  

• January is National Blood Donor Month. While the need for blood is constant, California, along with the rest of the nation, is experiencing the most severe blood shortage in the last ten years. If you are eligible, please consider donating to MemorialCare’s Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital to help save the life of a neighbor, friend or family member in your local community.
• To make an appointment visit the Blood Donor Center website or call (562) 933-0808.

Woman of the Year Nominations Are Open for 2022!

• March is Women's History Month and each year the California State Legislature encourages legislators to highlight and honor deserving women for service to their community.
• If you know of inspiring women of distinction and service in your community, I want to know about them! Please submit your nominees by Friday, February 4, 2022.
• Submit a nomination for Woman of the Year 2022 here.

Top Social Media Posts

Check out my top social media posts below! Remember to follow me @SenGonzalez33 on Facebook 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.

Sincerely,

Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District