Senator Pérez issues statement on Governor Newsom’s State Budget proposal

SACRAMENTO – Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued the following statement on Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-2027 State Budget: 

“The Governor’s proposed 2026-2027 Budget is a sobering starting point for the Legislature to begin its work of crafting a balanced budget. While the overall economic environment will limit some of our goals, we will maintain strong commitments to the most vulnerable people in California including fire survivors and students. Part of his spending plan includes a proposed Rebuilding Fund intended to close the gap between insurance payouts and the actual costs for fire survivors to get back into their homes. This fund can address the very real and critical shortage that many fire survivors are facing. I am pleased to hear our Governor continue to speak forcefully about the need to honor our state’s commitment to an equitable recovery following the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

“I support the record funding levels proposed for California’s TK-12 schools, along with strong higher education commitments. As the chair of the Senate Education Committee, I know investing in students is investing in California’s future. Additionally, I look forward to reviewing in greater detail the Governor’s proposal to alter our education governance structure by moving the California Department of Education under the Executive Branch. Without a doubt, it is an ambitious goal to improve coordination across our education system, but we must ensure that any changes translate into better outcomes for students, families and our education community at large, all without compromising public accountability. Working closely with education stakeholders will be key in weighing both the advantages and unintended consequences of this proposal as it is debated through the legislative process.” 

###

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez is the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, a Member of the Senate Budget Committee, Budget Subcommittee 1 on Education, and represents the 25th Senate District that includes the communities of Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.