(SACRAMENTO) – The following is a statement by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) regarding today’s passage of the state budget by both houses of the Legislature:
“This state budget is both balanced and prudent. It embodies our commitment to a better California through significant investments in K-12 and higher education; child care; support for California’s small businesses; and measures to combat homelessness. I would like to thank Governor Jerry Brown, Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Pro Tem Toni Atkins for working with me to secure the following funding for the 60th Assembly District to continue to rebuild Western Riverside County:
- $2.9 million in ongoing funding for 2 newly created judgeships for the Riverside County Superior Court, intended for the Corona Courthouse.
- Since the Great Recession, the Corona Courthouse has only been open 1 day a week to hear traffic cases.
- These provisions of this year’s state budget will allow the Corona Courthouse to re-open as a full-time judicial facility, with 2 trial court judges hearing cases 5 days a week.
“I am proud to have worked with my friend and colleague Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) to restore two judgeships to the Corona Courthouse. Allowing the Corona Courthouse to once again be open full-time will improve essential access to our courts, restore access to justice, and create well-paying jobs in our region.
“This budget also makes critically needed advances toward increasing access to childcare and furthering our higher education and workforce development. Specifically, it provides the following funding for Norco College located in the 60th Assembly District:
- $5 million in one-time funding for a new early childhood education center at Norco College, which will be the only new early childhood education center along the I-15 corridor.
- $1 million in one-time funding for a new workforce development center at Norco College.
“I am also proud to have worked with Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) to secure the following significant resources in the budget to support small businesses, and grow our advanced manufacturing sector:
- $20 million in ongoing funding for 5 years, and an additional $3 million in one-time funding, to provide for a competitive grant program to establish small business technical assistance centers to support small businesses owned by veterans, women, and minorities.
- Allocates $180 million to extend the California Competes tax credit program for 5 years to support advanced manufacturing in California.
“There have been various attempts throughout recent years to secure these dollars for small businesses. The money allocated in this budget is a milestone achievement, and will provide much needed support for the small business community in our state.
“I was sent to Sacramento to ensure that Western Riverside County finally receives its fair share, and a seat at the table in determining the future of our state. The passage of this state budget makes significant strides towards achieving that goal.”
# # #
Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and a portion of the City of Riverside.