(SACRAMENTO)- Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his 2019-20 California State Budget proposals in Sacramento. Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, D-Pomona, Chair of the Public Employment and Retirement responded with the following comments:
“Governor Newsom has presented a budget which reflects the values of California while continuing Democrats commitment to protecting the Rainy Day Fund and making smart investment in our future. I look forward to engaging with him and my colleagues to ensure the Inland Empire receive necessary investment in its people and communities. “
“This budget will take historic strides to pay down state pension unfunded liability obligations while simultaneously providing assistance to K-12 education to ensure CalPERS and CalSTRS are on firm financial footing to continue thriving in the future. Governor Newsom understands the importance of continuing to clean up California’s finances from the 2008 financial crisis, while taking steps to protect pensions and health care for thousands of Californians who have served its residents.”
“Emergency preparedness and public safety remains as a top priority for my district. This budget will ensure the completion of the California Earthquake Early System, and put a fast-track on critical upgrades to our outdated 911 analog system. These systems are crucial to the safety and protection of communities all throughout the State.”
“Having a career in the healthcare field, I know how important effective and affordable care is to my community. Investments in mental health services, access for kids and families, and controlling rising costs will all benefit Californians.”
“The $750 million dedicated to local governments to spur housing production and the $500 million dedicated to further address homelessness will be a turning point for cities who are experiencing severe housing shortages. I am committed to continuing to build upon this progress, and to continue assisting and empowering local governments.”
“Every day in the Inland Empire I see and talk with people who struggle to make ends meet. Increasing the $400 million “Working Families Tax Credit” to nearly $1 billion dollars will significantly boost the incomes of low-earning workers and their families to assist them in affording basic and essential expenses.”
“We need a commitment from the State to build investments in career technical education and apprenticeship programs. This budget will help areas like the Inland Empire to grow programs and provide new opportunities and career options to people.”
“While improvements have been made at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, more must be done to reduce wait times on traditional and commercial drivers. I support the Governors moves to reform the Department and ensure it gets back to serving residents of California.”
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Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana. He is Chair of The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement.