San Bernardino – The following is a statement made by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes regarding passage of the state’s budget package.
“Together, the Legislature and the Governor have negotiated a responsible budget that continues our shared commitment to provide opportunities to all Californians while establishing a $16 billion reserve to protect against the potential for a future recession. Budgets are a reflection of priorities and this budget clearly demonstrates our commitment to address the most pressing issues facing our state. While our national politics continue to be dominated by divisive rhetoric and inaction, California is moving forward.
This budget expands investment in infrastructure, expands educational opportunities and addresses the growing homelessness emergency. I’m very pleased that the budget also includes key funding for which I advocated including the following:
-An expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit which I first proposed in AB 2387 that will extend the credit to an additional 700,000 people.
-Ongoing funding for the Long Term Care Ombudsman program which I proposed in AB 550. This funding will ensure that seniors are protected in long term care facilities.
-Investment of $1 million in San Bernardino Valley College for career technical education programs expansion.
-Funding an additional 13,400 child care and 2,947 preschool slots, increasing provider rates, and new quality investments.
-Over a million dollars to support enforcement of freight regulations to protect disadvantaged communities.
-Increase of $12 million for the Electric Program Invest Charge (EPIC) program which assists with deployment and demonstration of clean energy technologies. AB 525 (Reyes) of 2017 requires at least 25% of EPIC funds benefit disadvantaged communities.
-Additional local funding in the 47th Assembly district including a Wildland fire engine for San Bernardino County and over $1 million dollars in emergency equipment for the city of Rialto.
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
###
Contact: Mark Farouk, mark.farouk@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2047