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Cervantes Statement on the 2020-2021 State Budget

For immediate release:

(SACRAMENTO) – The following is a statement by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) regarding the enactment of the 2020-2021 State Budget by Governor Gavin Newsom:

“California’s 2020-21 state budget is responsible, prudent, and lays the foundation for a stronger economy as we continue to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last decade, California has accumulated record reserves, which allow us to protect and preserve the state’s core services like education, health care, social safety net programs, and emergency preparedness and response efforts, for the next fiscal year. These public services are more important than ever due to the economic and societal changes caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, I voted to support a state budget package that includes:

  • $1.3 billion in CARES Act funding for cities and counties to address homelessness, public health, public safety, and other service needs related to the pandemic.
  • $300 million to support the K-12 career tech programs, including $150 million to the California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program and $150 million to the Strong Workforce Program.
  • $300 million in additional state funding for local governments to address homelessness.
  • $20 million for the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), including $17 million for the Small Business Technical Assistance Expansion Program and $3 million for the Capital Infusion Program.
  • Expansion of the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) for working families, including tax filers using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • No cuts to Medi-Cal, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), or Disability Services.
  • No cuts to After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs.
  • Over $11 billion of General Fund reserves at the end of the 2020-21 fiscal year, including $8.3 billion in the Proposition 2 rainy day fund.

Delivering for Riverside County

“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 Riverside County:

  • $25 million for expanded enrollment and operational costs at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
  • $5.5 million for the continued mitigation and restoration efforts for the Stringfellow Superfund Site in Jurupa Valley.

“As Chair of the Assembly Jobs Committee, I am pleased that this budget supports California’s small businesses through targeted investments. I have always believed that our small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy, and this pandemic makes that all the more clear. If we are to recover from our current economic situation, and restore the safety net programs that we all believe are important in the midst of this pandemic, we must ensure that our small business community is prepared to reinvigorate our state's economy, create more jobs, all while doing so in a manner that is driven by science and protects the health of Californians.

“Furthermore, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) and Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside), to secure funding for expanded enrollment and operational costs at 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.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that western Riverside County continues to take part in determining the future of our state. The enactment of this state budget makes significant strides towards achieving that goal.”

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Sabrina Cervantes is a mother who 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.