Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas Releases Statement on Her Commitment to Advancing Revenue Solutions and Protecting Essential Services for All Californians

In light of California’s ongoing budget challenges, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement about her commitment to advancing responsible revenue solutions that protect essential services and promote long-term fiscal stability:

“As state legislators, we are closely examining the growing discrepancy between the Governor’s budget outlook and projections from the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). While the Newsom Administration projects a narrower shortfall, the LAO warns of deeper and more sustained deficits – ranging from $20 billion to $35 billion in the years ahead. That gap matters because it shapes the critical choices Californians will face.

“Families are already under pressure, and deficits at this scale would suddenly make daily life harder – from fewer classroom resources and longer waits for healthcare, to reduced housing and food support. Shortfalls of this size strain schools, health systems, and safety net programs that people rely on right now. Even small cuts would mean real losses for communities already stretched thin.

“At the same time, continued federal cuts are adding new pressure to California’s economy. Reductions to education, healthcare, clean energy, government jobs, and state contracts – combined with tariffs and increased spending on enforcement – are making it harder for working families to stay afloat, and harder for the state to meet rising needs.

“Californians understand this moment. Hundreds of thousands of families are living close to the edge, and budget decisions directly affect our classrooms, medical clinics, jobs, and community stability.

“I believe that cutting services cannot be the default response. Our State Legislature must be grounded in fiscal responsibility, fairness and shared responsibility – with a clear focus on protecting working people and preserving the social safety net. No options should be off the table as state legislators find solutions to address these challenges.

“I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to fight for a values-based budget that directly confronts fiscal realities while charting a responsible path forward for all Californians.”