Budget Update

On May 14th, Governor Jerry Brown offered revisions to his proposed 2012-2013 budget. The revised spending plan estimates that the state has a $15.7 billion budget gap - an amount that is $6.5 billion greater than the amount the Governor identified in his budget proposal in January.

According to the Governor, the state's budget problem has increased primarily because of lower than projected tax revenues, higher costs for schools and decisions by the courts and federal government to block previously approved budget cuts. To close the gap, the Governor has suggested $8.3 billion in state spending cuts and increased revenue from a tax initiative to be placed before the voters in November.

The Governor also offered some detail on trigger cuts that will take place if voters do not pass his revenue measure on the November ballot. Schools and Universities will bear the majority of cuts if the initiative fails.

"We made significant progress in reducing the state's structural budget deficit last year," said Senator Negrete McLeod. "Cutting the remaining deficit will be difficult, but necessary to get the state's fiscal house in order."

The Senate will continue to review the Governor's Budget proposal in the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and will bring the proposal to a vote of the full Senate prior to the state's June 15th constitutional deadline.

Senator Negrete McLeod Honors 2012 Small Businesses of the Year

Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod named twelve local businesses as 2012 Small Business of the Year. The twelve local businesses were honored at a special awards luncheon in Ontario on Friday, May 18, 2012.

"I'm proud to honor the accomplishments and community involvement of small businesses within the 32nd Senate district that provide much needed jobs and services in our community," stated Negrete McLeod. "In these difficult economic times when many businesses are laying off workers and closing doors, I use this opportunity to recognize these deserving small business owners," added Senator Negrete McLeod.

This year's list of honorees for the 2012 Small Business of the Year Award are:

Local College Receives Job Training Grant to Remain Competitive

Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod is pleased to announce the award of job-training funding for Westech College in Ontario. Westech College was awarded $301,436 for updating the skills of 145 employees. The training programs are designed to keep the California labor force competitive and address out-of-state competition.

The training funds were awarded by the Employment Training Panel (ETP), a public private partnership between business, labor, and government. Created in 1982, ETP is a statewide economic development program to support the overall economy in California by ensuring that employers have the trained workers they need to compete in a global economy. The ETP primarily funds re-training of employees of businesses who are threatened by out-of-state competition.

June 11 is Abused Women and Children Awareness Day

One of every four women in America is injured or assaulted by her spouse or partner, and more than 1400 women will lose their lives to domestic violence this year. The children of these women, many of whom are also directly abused but all of whom are indirectly and traumatically affected by witnessing the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of their mothers, step-mothers, aunts, older sisters, grandmothers.

Abusive partners can often be very attentive or charming, or otherwise "nice" people from every socioeconomic and racial sector, but they usually have an unhealthy need for control. If you or someone you care about may be suffering from an abusive or controlling relationship or are in a family where domestic violence occurs, there are many people out here who have walked this path and can offer support, guidance, and provide information to help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for more information.

Public Service Announcement- Sober Graduation

Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod "Out and About" in the Community

Senator Negrete McLeod meets with Boy Scout Troop 309 from Chino, who came to earn the "Citizens in the Community" Merit Badge.

Senator Negrete McLeod and local officials from Ontario break ground for construction of the South Bon View Park.

Senator Negrete McLeod at the Montclair Memorial Day Event with Councilwoman Raft.

Senator Negrete McLeod with veterans at the Ontario Memorial Day Event.

Senator Negrete McLeod with Daniel Cervantes of Rialto and members of the Rialto High School JROTC at the Memorial Day Event at VFW Post 8737 in San Bernardino to honor the family of WWII Veteran PFC Duane Walter Payne.

Senator Negrete McLeod at the Ontario Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Luis Rojas and Gerardo Greene.

Senator Negrete McLeod with Rialto Mayor Grace Vargas and Councilmembers at the Grand Opening of Fire Station 202.