Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ Statement on the Governor’s 2022 Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), member of the Assembly Budget Committee and Budget Subcommittee No. 3, has issued the following statement on Governor Newsom’s budget release: 

“California’s resiliency is unwavering after two years of living with a pandemic, and today’s budget proposal shows that the Golden State stands strong in its commitment to tackling the existential threats confronting our state,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “I want to commend Governor Newsom for his leadership throughout this pandemic and for recognizing the critical need for an additional COVID response package. Additionally, California will lead the nation yet again by including funds to establish the nation’s first universal healthcare system to cover all Californians, regardless of immigration status. This budget proposal also acknowledges the various crises our state faces and proposes significant funding for our state to confront homelessness, wildfires, and our ongoing drought. And while I am encouraged by the Governor’s proposed $175 million in investments to combat extreme heat, I look forward to learning more about how this funding will address a climate policy issue I have worked on since I joined the Legislature.

The Governor’s proposed 2022 budget addresses several key issues affecting California, including:

• A new $2.7 billion COVID response package to expand testing services, bolster vaccine distribution, and increase our medical and healthcare workforce.
• $2 billion to address our ongoing homelessness crisis, including funds to create 55,000 new homes and treatment beds.
• Initial funds to establish the first universal healthcare system in the nation by expanding Medi-Cal access to all California residents, regardless of immigration status.
• An additional $1.2 billion to confront our wildfire crisis, aimed specifically at improving our forest health and bolstering fire protection.
• $750 million to supplement last year’s $5.2 billion water package to tackle the state’s ongoing drought.
• $1 billion in funding to begin implementation of universal Pre-K, California’s new school grade.
• Hundreds of millions in tax breaks and grants to help support small businesses still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.
• Ten tax incentives for economic growth, including an expansion to the Earned Income Tax Credit for foster youth.

I look forward to working with the Governor, Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, and my colleagues to develop a state budget that exemplifies the values of all Californians.”

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and the City of San Fernando.

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