INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Governor Newsom’s first State of the State address is drawing an assortment of reaction, some of it from Inland Empire officials.

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore:
“While I appreciate the Governor’s enthusiasm, we need to get back to basics. California is number one in poverty in the country. We don’t need a new committee or commission to show that California has become too expensive for too many. We need to undo the policies that are the cause of it.”

Assemblymember James C. Ramos, D-Highland:
“Governor Newsom’s plan to expand the California Earned Income Tax Credit to 1 million more Californians will put money back into the wallets of working people and stimulate the economy in the community. I look forward to what we can accomplish for the Inland Empire.”

Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino:
“During these polarized political times, I appreciate that the governor continues to stand up for California’s values of inclusion and uplifting others. We will never back down from a just and moral fight, but we will also do all we can to help provide the resources that our residents and local communities need.”

Senate Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins called it the “most newsworthy” State of the State speech in memory.

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron said Republicans still took issue with Newsom’s comments about immigration. “Even if we remove the debate over illegal immigration, border security is still an issue,” the Escondido assemblywoman said.

Story Date: February 15, 2019