Sacramento, California - Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has released the following statements on Governor Newsom’s initial 2020-2021 state budget proposal:

“This new budget marks unprecedented investments and momentous headway for the Salton Sea, New River, and climate resiliency. Importantly, this budget reflects that our concerted advocacy efforts over the years are being recognized by this Administration.”

“Since day one, Governor Newsom has been operating in good faith on the commitment he made to our community to uphold California’s obligation to the Salton Sea. This newly proposed $220 million compliments what we secured in Proposition 68. We have gained successful results and are now fully focused on implementation mode.”

“We are excited to see an additional $18 million allocated for the New River, which along with our Proposition 68 money will bring our total to $28 million for the New River Improvement Project to begin clean-up in Calexico. We remain in active coordination with the California Secretary for Environmental Protection to ensure that we can deliver these funds, which are critical to the environmental and public health of our border region.”

“This year, we will be championing climate resiliency and adaptation efforts via a legislative bond measure. The climate financing outlined in this budget is a step in the right direction. California has experienced first-hand the devastating impacts of wildfires and other natural disasters and it is imperative that while we tackle climate change and build-out our green economic infrastructure that we also create a funding mechanism that will allow us to prevent and prepare for future catastrophes. With the Governor’s continued support, I am confident that we will be able to put forth a comprehensive, sustainable, and equitable solution.”