State senator witnesses Biden sign “an investment in California”

State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, was among the 500 invited guests who braved chilly weather on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday to witness President Joe Biden sign the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill she calls “a major investment in California” and the San Joaquín Valley.

“Obviously, water is very important to me, but I think that the entire package is really good,” said Hurtado, who has pushed for repairs to the Friant-Kern Canal, the Delta-Mendota Canal and portions of the California Aqueduct since she was elected in 2018.

Hurtado expects the region to get a piece of the $45.5 billion that is targeted for California.

“I think the entire package is really good,” said Hurtado, an early supporter of Biden. “We need money to repair bridges. We need money to repair our roads. All we have to do is look at (Highways) 99 and 41.”

Of California’s chunk of money under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $25.3 billion will go for federal-aid highway programs, and $4.2 billion will be used to repair the state’s bridges.

The state has about 14,220 highway miles and 1,536 bridges in need of repair.

Hurtado pointed out that broadband and cybersecurity are important items. “It’s something that we should have prioritized at least a year ago,” she said.

Hurtado’s invitation to the infrastructure bill signing came via telephone call last Thursday, after she missed seeing an email invite.

She has followed the plight of Biden’s infrastructure legislation.

“I know there’s been a lot of debate back and forth whether or not the president can get it done,” said Hurtado. “I supported the president before he became president because I knew he’s the type of individual that gets things done.”

The bill, said Hurtado, represents “much more than the desperate need to modernize our aging infrastructure.”

“The passage of this bill also symbolizes Americans coming together for the betterment of this nation and its people,” she said. “When the community of Teviston went without water during this year’s heatwave, the last thing on their minds was party politics. They needed water no matter, plain and simple.”

In his signing remarks, Biden praised the bipartisan support for the bill.

“Here in Washington, we’ve heard countless speeches and promises and white papers from experts. But today we’re finally getting this done,” he said. “So my message to the American people is this: America’s moving again, and your life is going to change for the better.”

Hurtado did not have a chance to meet the president, but did spend some time with members of his staff.

Esta historia fue publicada originalmente el 15 de noviembre de 2021, 6:38 p. m..