Sacramento, Calif. (May 22, 2026)—Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) stood alongside aviation officials, labor representatives and community partners at Meadows Field Airport today to announce a $1 million state investment aimed at expanding and modernizing regional air infrastructure, while also rallying support for Senate Bill 661, the AERO Act — legislation designed to strengthen regional airports, increase air service access and unlock new economic opportunities across the Central Valley and California.

Sacramento, Calif. (May 20, 2026)—Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) today recognized The Open Door Network as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 16, honoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families across the Central Valley through housing assistance, support services, and community-based care.

Sacramento, Calif. (May 14, 2026)—As lawmakers navigate one of the Legislature’s most consequential weeks with the release of the Governor’s May Revise and action on fiscal legislation, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) highlighted the need for responsible budgeting that prioritizes affordability, accountability and the needs of working families.

Sacramento, Calif.

Bakersfield, Calif. (May 8, 2026)–Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) issued the following statement regarding yesterday’s action by the U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on market manipulation and anti-competitive behavior in the meat market:

Sacramento, Calif. (May 5, 2026)—Following a month of federal and state law enforcement crackdowns on anti-competitive behavior, State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) today said that recent legal actions confirm long-standing concerns raised by Central Valley farmers and consumers that markets are uncompetitive — and pushed back against misleading claims that antitrust enforcement harms agriculture.

Sacramento, Calif. (April 30, 2026)—Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) today convened a hearing of the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government, bringing together the public and state leaders to examine key issues shaping California’s housing future, including a budget proposal to raise fees on mobilehome residents.

Woodlake, Calif. (April 24, 2026) — Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), joined by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, local leaders, and firefighters on Friday celebrated the arrival of a new Type 3 fire engine for the Woodlake Fire District, marking a significant investment in public safety for the Central Valley.