BAKERSFIELD, CA — Senator Melissa Hurtado has been appointed by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and selected to serve as Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4.

Senator Hurtado is the only Democrat from the Central Valley serving on the Joint Budget Committee this year, placing Valley communities in a key leadership position during negotiations over California’s budget priorities, fiscal oversight, and government accountability.

“I’m honored and thankful to be appointed by Pro Tem Limón to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and to chair Budget Subcommittee #4,” said Senator Hurtado. “This role carries serious responsibility, and I intend to meet it with relentless, unflinching oversight.”

Budget Subcommittee 4 oversees state administration, public employment, government operations, technology systems, procurement, and accountability—areas that directly affect the efficiency of government and the cost burden placed on California families.

“Every dollar in the budget comes from working families, small businesses, and communities that already feel stretched thin,” Hurtado added. “I will guard the budget line by line and protect every hard-earned dollar like it belongs to the families who paid it—because it does.”

As Chair, Senator Hurtado will focus on:

•           Rigorous fiscal oversight and transparency

•           Scrutiny of contracts, vendors, and procurement practices

•           Ensuring government programs deliver results—not excuses

•           Preventing waste, abuse, and cost-shifting onto taxpayers

Senator Hurtado’s appointment reflects her growing leadership role in the California Senate and her long-standing commitment to holding powerful interests accountable while putting people first—especially in regions that have historically paid more and received less from state government.

“The Central Valley deserves a seat at the table when budget decisions are made,” Hurtado said. “This is about restoring trust, enforcing accountability, and making sure the budget works for the people who fund it.”

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4, and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. Website of Senator Melissa Hurtado https://sd16.senate.ca.gov/

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