Lawmaker pleads for state to fix canals and avoid a global food crisis

State Senator Melissa Hurtado of Sanger has spent three years refining her arguments for financing critical repairs to water conveyance infrastructure in the San Joaquin Valley. During a committee hearing last week, Hurtado stood ready to refute the longstanding argument that the beneficiaries should cover the entire cost—a critique that played a part in the demise of her previous measure to fix the Friant-Kern Canal.



Hurtado Releases Statement About Increasing Food Crisis Risk

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement about California’s drought, and the increasing risk of a food crisis:

“Urgent Action is needed in California to avert a global food crisis,” said Senator Hurtado. “The U.S. experienced a food crisis in 1974 when the drought, oil shortages and lack of crop yields created the perfect storm. History is repeating itself, only this time it could be much worse. California is responsible for over 400 commodities in Americas food supply chain, providing two-thirds of our nation’s fruits and nuts and one-third of its vegetables. Urgent actions include: investing in water infrastructure, identifying hunger spots across our state, and a closer look at our land use.”



Hurtado Bill to Bring Transparency to the State's Orphan and Abandoned Gas and Oil Well Program Approved by Senate

SACRAMENTO, CA –Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) today issued the following statement after her legislation, Senate Bill 84 –the Orphan Wells Equity and Remediation Act – was approved by the Senate by a 31-3 vote:



Hurtado Maternal Outcome Measures "M.O.M" Act passes Senate Health Committee 11-0

SACRAMENTO, CA –Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) issued the following statement today after her bill, SB 492—the Maternal Outcome Measures “M.O.M.” Act—was approved by the Senate Health Committee on a bipartisan 11-0 vote:



Hurtado Responds to President's State of The Union Address

SACRAMENTO, CA – Tonight, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement regarding President Joseph Biden’s State of the Union Address:



Hurtado Bill to Repair and Restore State Water Project and Central Valley Project Infrastructure Passes Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee 6-0

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement after her bill, SB 559—the State Water Resiliency Act of 2021—was approved by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee by a 6-0 vote:



Hurtado releases statement to stand in solidarity with the Armenian Community

SANGER, CA – Today, on the annual Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement:

“Today we remember the over one million ethnic Armenians who were brutally and systemically murdered during the First World War,” said Senator Hurtado. “In order for justice and healing to occur, there must be truth and accountability. I call on others to join me in solidarity with members of the Armenian community, who mourn in remembrance today..”



Hurtado Issues Statement on Governor's Fracking Executive Order

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) released the following statement today, after Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order banning hydraulic fracturing:

“The Governor’s actions could not come at a worse time for the Central Valley, which is already reeling from a drought that – together with this decision – may cause a national food crisis. Energy makes up 19 percent of the American food supply chain. Make no doubt the cost of food will increase and severely impact the health of vulnerable communities who are already struggling. We cannot repeat the food crisis of 1974. The potential consequences of a food crisis extend beyond the Central Valley and California. We can all do better and be part of the solution.”