Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim) Criticizes Today's FCC Decision Impacting Vulnerable Californians

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

“The FCC’s decision is a retaliatory attack on AB 1303 that shows no respect for privacy and fails to help California’s most vulnerable residents. California Lifeline is funded by fees from telecom providers, not taxpayer dollars. Saying otherwise is false and misleading.

For years, California has run a reliable, independent verification system. The FCC is stripping that authority not because of any failure on our part, but because California supports residents who depend on this program, including survivors of domestic violence, low-income families, seniors, students, immigrants, and others. People rely on Lifeline to call 9-1-1, contact their schools, schedule medical care, and maintain basic communication. That is what this is really about.

California will continue defending the privacy and dignity of our residents. We will not back down as the federal government attempts to take these essential services away from the people who need them most.”

###

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.