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Cervantes Statement on the 2019-2020 State Budget

For immediate release:

(SACRAMENTO) – The following is a statement by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) regarding the enactment of the 2019-2020 State Budget by Governor Gavin Newsom:

“This state budget is responsible, prudent, and strengthens the foundation for California’s future. It makes significant investments in expanding access to education from pre-school to college; supporting California’s working families; and continuing efforts to combat homelessness. This is achieved all while securing strong reserves to protect these resources against economic uncertainties.

“I want to thank Governor Gavin Newsom, Speaker Anthony Rendon, and President Pro Tem Toni Atkins for working with me to deliver the following funding for the 60th Assembly District:

  • $750,000 in one-time funding to expand the Norco College Veterans Resource Center.
  • $750,000 in one-time funding to enhance workforce development programs at Norco College.
  • $10 million in ongoing funding for veteran resource centers throughout the California Community College System.
  • $15 million in one-time funding for conservation of Jurupa Mountain in the City of Jurupa Valley.

“Working with Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) and Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside), I am proud to have secured funding for the expansion of the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine. Recognizing our region’s growth, public health needs, and the need to address the physician shortage will positively impact all constituents.

“Moreover, the essential superior court judgeship funding is a significant step for our region’s future. Riverside County has lacked judges and in desperate need of increased judicial access for far too long. We will all benefit from a county court system that improves access to our courts, restores access to justice, and creates well-paying jobs in our region.

“Each of these victories is critical to ensuring that our region continues to get its fair share of resources from Sacramento.”

Overall, the 2019-2020 Budget includes:

Education

  • Record levels of funding to K-14 education, with increased funding for special education; in addition to new slots for childcare, state preschool and historic investments in pre-kindergarten.
  • Two years of free community college tuition for first-time, full-time students.
  • Funding for higher education, facilitating increased enrollment slots at both the University of California and California State University systems for the 2019-20 academic year.
  • No tuition hikes for University of California and California State University students.

Cal-EITC

  • Expands the Cal-EITC Working Families Tax Credit, increasing the number of eligible households.

Homelessness

  • $1 billion in funding to support the fight against homelessness, including homelessness emergency aid for local governments, and added mental health support.

Social Services

  • $5.4 million to Riverside County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) to provide financial and emotional stability to families, and in return, aid the local economy.

Budget Resiliency

  • Builds budget resiliency for economic uncertainties by paying down outstanding debt, funding long term liabilities, and honoring the will of the voters by building reserves.

“I remain committed to ensuring that Western Riverside County continues to take part in determining the future of our state. The passage of this state budget makes significant strides towards achieving that goal.”

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Sabrina Cervantes proudly represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the cities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, a portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated communities of Coronita, El Cerrito, and Home Gardens. Cervantes serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.