Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim) releases Statement on Assembly Bill 1303

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim) released the following statement on Assembly Bill 1303:

“Let’s be clear, referring to individuals as ‘illegal aliens’ is deeply offensive and dehumanizing. It has no place in discussions about public services. California’s Lifeline Program has existed for decades to help low-income residents, including seniors, students, and working families, afford basic phone service. It is a communications safety net, not a giveaway.

AB 1303 updates California’s Lifeline Program and does not affect the separate federal Lifeline Program. The law does not rely on state taxpayer dollars and ensures that low-income residents, including survivors of domestic violence, can access essential phone service. AB 1303 also reiterates fundamental legal principles requiring state entities to obtain a warrant before releasing private customer data to any law enforcement agency.

Senator Cruz’s statement this morning, along with his letters to the F.C.C. and U.S. Attorney General, are flatly false and irresponsible. AB 1303 fully complies with federal law, and Californians deserve better than political stunts designed to distort state policy for headlines.

My focus remains on keeping Californians connected, not on fearmongering. Access to communication is not a partisan issue. It is a public safety issue, an education issue, and an economic issue. People need to be able to call 9-1-1 and reach critical services regardless of shifting federal immigration rules.

California will continue leading by ensuring Lifeline and other critical services remain accessible and uninterrupted for all residents, even in the face of federal inaction.”

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Assemblymember Valencia proudly represents the 68th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana. Valencia chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.