Senator Bradford Comments on Governor’s 2021-2022 Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) released the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal for 2021-2022.

“Governor Newsom’s 2021-2022 budget proposal reflects what we are all hoping, that things are getting back on track and in a better way. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate California, but thanks to the swift actions taken last year by the Legislature and the Governor, we are in a strong position to combat this crisis and rebuild our economy. I am pleased to see the Governor’s budget include investments in equity, which are critical to not only to lead our state out of the pandemic, but to come away where every Californian is stronger. We do not want to go back to where we were, we want a more just economy moving forward. 

As Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, I am also pleased to see funding for the maintenance of California State Prison, Los Angeles County, use of force investigations by the Department of Justice, and rehabilitation and educational programs for our inmate population. Following the work I began in 2018 with the California Cannabis Equity Act, I am delighted to see the permanent funding of the state’s local equity grant program, which is a momentous step toward a fair and equitable cannabis market.

While I commend the Governor for his commitment to supporting our small businesses, I look forward to working with the administration to ensure these assistance programs are equitable for all, especially minority-owned businesses. I will work with the Governor, as I did in 2020, to ensure the Legislature continues to expand and improve these programs.”

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Senator Bradford is Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety and represents the Los Angeles County communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington.