New state budget provides funding for local projects

Last Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2019-2020 California state budget that makes historic investments in California’s future including funding for early childhood education, homelessness prevention, higher education access, largest investment in K-14 education in California’s history, expansion of Cal-EITC Working Families Tax Credit and $19.2 billion in reserves, the largest of any state in the nation.

“With the Governor’s signature California once again leads the way in fulfilling our promise to provide a beacon of hope for our children, working families, seniors and students.” Assemblymember Reyes continued, “This budget demonstrates our commitment to future generations and that the Legislature and Governor can come together to bring results that work for everyone.”

As part of the state budget process Assemblymember Reyes advocated for, and acquired funding for the following projects in the 47th Assembly district.

· $1.3 million for the Blue Mountain Trail and Wilderness Park in Grand Terrace.

· $520,000 for accessible playground equipment and park upgrades in the cities of Grand Terrace & Colton.

· $900,000 to maintain and upgrade the Colton Area Museum.

· $2 million in funding to the Inland Empire to increase civic engagement disparities for low-income youth and families.

· $2.5 million to begin rebuilding a job training facility at San Bernardino Valley College. The first of a multi-year allocation that will total $35 million in state matching funds for the campus to build a new facility.

· $14,340,000 to establish seven sickle cell disease centers across California, including a location in San Bernardino.

Assemblymember Reyes advocated for the following statewide budget proposals that will benefit communities in the 47th district:

· Established a pathway for universal access to preschool for all four-year olds and full day kindergarten students.

· A $1 billion expansion of the Cal-EITC Working Families Tax Credit.

· An investment of $143.3 million to provide new child care slots across the state, specifically for children from low-income families which will create about 10,000 new slots.

· $182 million to invest in clean freight and emission reduction demonstration projects that will directly address air pollution.