Senator Roth’s Statement about Signing of the School Facility Bond

(SACRAMENTO) –  Today, Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) joined Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), and students at Ethel I. Baker Elementary School to witness the signing of AB 48. Senator Roth issued the following statement:

“I applaud Governor Newsom’s signing of this remarkable investment in our educational system. AB48 signifies a major shift in how public school facility construction grants are awarded in California. First, the new bond will emphasize equity and need, rather than “first-in-time, first-in-right” approvals, thus ensuring schools that have been historically underserved will have a priority in receiving funding. Second, the bill will allow utilization of bond funding for new facilities aimed at improving mental and public health resources on campuses, including school nurses and mental health counselors, water safety, and seismic improvements. AB48 is the right investment at the right time and, as chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education, I was honored to stand with Governor Newsom in signing it.”
 
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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.