As your state senator, I am proud to receive the trust and enthusiastic support of residents, organizations, associations, and local governments across the 34th District. You are all great resources for me as I continue to be your voice in Sacramento.2021 was a remarkable year full of many achievements, including the invention and widespread provision of COVID-19 vaccines and tests to the entire population. I am grateful for the combined effort of everyone in driving these impressive numbers and health outcomes. Collectively, we have endured an incomprehensible amount of stress in the past two years, between school closures, work stoppages, quarantines, and an enduring pandemic. Through all of this, Asian Americans in Orange County and across California have worked tirelessly to secure the safety of our diverse communities and neighborhoods. This includes specific efforts to preserve and develop the Vietnamese language, history, and culture in California, in particular.I am pleased to share with you that –through the COVID pandemic, natural disasters, and many of 2021’s other obstacles –I worked to bring nearly $50 million in state funding to Orange County and Long Beach communities in the 34th Senate District… Of this, $10 million in funding for the support and establishment of Dual Language Immersion Programs in Anaheim, Westminster, and Garden Grove school districts, and $1.5 million for the completion of the Mendez Freedom Trail project in the City of Westminster. Last year, I also authored three Senate Concurrent Resolutions (SCRs) reflecting the work and history of our Vietnamese communities and residents. SCR 2 commemorates Black April; SCR3 recognizes the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Vietnam, and SCR4 recognizes King Hung Vuong Commemoration Day as a traditional holiday of the Vietnamese communities of California.I welcome the Lunar New Year 2022 – the Year of the Tiger. On behalf of my family and all my staff, we wish you a New Year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity! Respectfully, |
THOMAS J. UMBERG Senator, 34th District |