Senator Cortese Hails 2026 Budget Jr. Bill Package Delivering Billions for Schools, Infrastructure, and Working Families, Including $6.5 Million Secured for Silicon Valley Projects

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) joined the California Legislature in passing a comprehensive package of budget and trailer bills: 14 trailer bills and two budget junior bills that make technical changes to the June budget, as well as investments agreed to by leadership. 

The Legislature reached a three-party deal with the Governor on these bills, including Senate Bill 193, which outlines the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) expenditure plan. As Senate Transportation Committee Chair, Senator Cortese worked over summer recess to engage stakeholders in a proposal to protect transit and housing funding. By returning interest earned from GGRF into the overall fund, and restoring some SB 125 funding through AB 193, the budget adopts key aspects of Senator Cortese’s community-driven proposal. Senator Cortese remains committed to safeguarding transit and housing projects into the next budget cycle. 

“This budget package is about more than balancing numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about investing in the people, communities and infrastructure that keep California moving forward,” said Senator Cortese. “At a time when families are facing rising costs, communities are rebuilding from devastating wildfires, and our state is confronting uncertainty from Washington, the Legislature chose to invest in California’s future. We are protecting education and health care, strengthening our transportation and energy infrastructure, supporting workers and businesses, and giving communities the tools they need to build a safer, more resilient California.”

$6.5 Million Secured for Silicon Valley

As part of the budget, Senator Cortese secured funding for community investments in Senate District 15. These investments devote resources to local public recreation, housing projects, immigration support, environmental programs, and more community-oriented programs.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

Contact:

Sunshine Borelli

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-391-8834 | Email: Sunshine.Borelli@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Interviews:

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Email: natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

###