The Office of Senator Hueso and District Families Volunteer to Clean-Up the Tijuana River Valley
The office of State Senator Ben Hueso and district families partnered up with I Love a Clean San Diego and WiLDCOAST to remove trash, tires and other debris before it reached the ocean shores. With the support of approximately 140 volunteers, they were able to collect over 8,600 pounds of trash.
"This is the essence of community service," stated Senator Ben Hueso. "Cleaning up your community is a major part of giving back. I am proud my office took the initiative to be part of such a rewarding event. Such an outpour of support definitely demonstrates the commitment our residents have for beautifying our community."
Senator Hueso Announces Signing of the
2016-17 State Budget
Senator Ben Hueso announced that the Governor signed a balanced 2016-17 state budget that appropriates record levels of K-12 per-pupil spending, invests in public higher education, increases savings in the rainy day fund and focuses on significant issues of poverty, including housing and childcare.
During the final vote Senator Hueso stated, "I appreciate all of those who worked hard to pass a responsible and financially prudent budget that includes the legislature's top priorities. Our focus continues to be reflective of our constituent's needs while investing in the protection of our resources. Today's passage demonstrates a commitment to our state's current well-being and our future."
Highlights of the 2016-17 state budget include:
- The budget includes a total general fund spending of $122 billion.
- $400 million to build more affordable housing.
- $200 million for programs to help students attend and complete college.
- The budget invests in long term cost-saving housing and support programs that address mental illness & fight chronic homelessness.
"I want to thank my senate colleagues for working with me to secure funding for the Salton Sea, in-home supportive service workers, early childhood education and affordable housing," said Senator Ben Hueso. "My district now has the opportunity to continue to invest in the protection of its natural resources, strengthen our communities' infrastructures and create a great future for my constituents."
2016 Budget Goals within the Senator's District:
- Salton Sea will receive $80 million
- Goat Canyon will receive $1.8 million for sediment clean up.
- El Centro CHP office will receive $4.3 million to fund acquisition and preliminary plans for the El Centro area office replacement project.
- The El Centro Court house will receive $39,277,000 in funding.
Senator Hueso to Commemorate the Maritime
Museum of San Diego
Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 153, a measure which would recognize the Maritime Museum of San Diego for restoring and operating the San Salvador ship replica.
"We are replicating history for our children and their families to understand the importance the San Salvador had in our region," said Senator Hueso. "It is a great honor to have been part of the construction and the process that sent this ship sailing through our coastline."
The San Salvador is a 200-ton full-scale replica of the first ship to sail into the San Diego Bay in 1542. For over four years, the Spanish Landing Park was host to almost 500 volunteers who worked on the construction of the San Salvador. Once finished, it was moved by barge to a Chula Vista shipyard for its launching. The vessel, which will sail along the California coastline as a floating classroom, matches the original in size, weighing 150 tons and measuring 92 feet long by 24 feet wide.
Both Houses Approve to Call on Congress to Approve $248 Million for the Calexico Port of Entry
The California State Assembly unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 22 (Hueso and E. Garcia) calling on the U.S. Congress to approve $248 million for the final phase of the expansion and reconfiguration project at the Calexico West Land Port of Entry.
During the final vote Senator Hueso stated, "Today's bi-partisan vote demonstrates our shared commitment for promoting economic prosperity and success for both the United States and Mexico," stated Senator Hueso. "The expansion of Calexico's Port of Entry will provide much needed relief to the long lines and congestion, broaden our travel options and make our border more secure. I would like to thank my colleagues in the assembly for supporting Senate Joint Resolution 22 which will urge congress to appropriate funding for our border."
The Calexico West Land Port of Entry is undergoing a $370 million upgrade that will provide much needed improvements to the port of entry. When complete, both drivers and pedestrians will benefit from additional and enhanced north and south inspection lanes; a southbound bridge over the New River; a new head house and administrative offices; and a new pedestrian processing facility.
"Mexico is California's top export market," said Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), who chairs the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. "Expediting the flow of traffic between the U.S. and Mexico is important to the regional, state and national economy." |