Dear Neighbor,

We’re heading into the final stretch before the June 6 House of Origin deadline, when Senate bills must pass the Senate. I’m excited to share that several of my bills are advancing and will now be moving on to the Assembly!

Budget deliberations are underway, and as Chair of the Latino Caucus, I stood alongside labor, health, and immigrant rights advocates at the Capitol to oppose proposed cuts to Medi-Cal for immigrant families.

We also recently held the 23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards, celebrating Latino leaders in business, entertainment, public service, and human rights. 

Bills Advance to Assembly 

I am proud to share updates on some of the bills in my legislative package that passed the Senate and are now advancing to the Assembly: 

• Senate Bill 48 - The Safe Access to Schools Act: This bill will keep schools safe amid federal deportation threats. In April, immigration enforcement officials attempted to enter two L.A. County elementary schools, underscoring the need to ensure our schools are safe for students, families, and staff. Targeting minors on school campuses for immigration enforcement has a chilling effect on our communities -families live in fear of being torn apart, students stay home out of anxiety and threat of deportation, and schools suffer as attendance drops and funding declines. Every child deserves a safe place to learn, and every family deserves dignity and respect.
• Senate Bill 263 - The PRICE ACT: This bill directs the California Transportation Agency to study the impact of federal tariffs on affordability, jobs, businesses and other economic factors in California. In recent months, new tariffs have been implemented, paused, delayed, retracted, and reinstated, creating economic uncertainty for consumers and businesses, threatening the supply chain, and increasing prices. Recent estimates show that new tariffs could lead to price increases amounting to nearly $5,000 per household.
• Senate Bill 572 - Driver Assistance Technology Safety: This bill will ensure that if the federal government stops requiring collision reporting for vehicles with driver assistance technology, California consumers and regulators won’t lose access to this important public safety data.

In addition, as Senate Majority Leader, I am pleased to report that the Senate passed an action-driven legislative package of 13 bills for a more fire-safe California, and a strong recovery from the LA wildfires. Read all about ‘The Golden State Commitment’ Wildfire Package here.

Senator Lena Gonzalez Presents SB 48 the Safe Access to Schools Act on the Senate Floor.

Latino Caucus Press Conference, Save Medi-Cal

As Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I am troubled by the proposed Medi-Cal rollbacks targeting immigrant families.These cuts would unfairly penalize hardworking Californians who contribute significantly to our economy and deserve equitable access to healthcare. You can read the Latino Caucus statement on the Governor’s May Revise here and view our press conference here. 

Senator Lena Gonzalez speaks at California Latino Legislative Caucus Press Conference.

23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards

I was proud to honor a remarkable group of Latino trailblazers at our 23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards. These honorees are leaders in business, public service, environmental justice, the arts, and more. They embody the resilience, excellence, and vibrant spirit that define our community. Their stories inspire us all and reaffirm the powerful role Latinos play in shaping California’s future.

Senator Lena Gonzalez celebrates the 23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards in Sacramento with fellow legislators and honorees.

Upcoming Events, Resources & More

Visit our resource corner to get all the details on the resources below and more!

• REAL ID is now required: As of May 7, 2025, your driver’s license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or to access federal facilities. Californians who still want to upgrade to a REAL ID, but already possess a federally approved document, such as a current U.S. passport, can comfortably wait to upgrade to a REAL ID when their driver’s license or ID is due for renewal. To help those customers who need a REAL ID, the DMV is offering extended hours at select offices.
• SUN Bucks: California’s Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks, is returning in 2025. This food program provides families $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals. Many children are automatically enrolled, but if not, you can still apply until September 2, 2025.
• Juneteenth Events: Celebrate freedom and community—check out Juneteenth events happening across Senate District 33!

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. 

Sincerely,
Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District