The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network
For Immediate Release
March 24, 2021
Contact: Monika Lee (858) 353-7271
Sacramento, CA – The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network released the following statement following Governor Newsom’s nomination of Assemblymember Rob Bonta as California’s new Attorney General.
“We congratulate Rob Bonta on his historic nomination to Attorney General, the first Filipino Attorney General of California. His nomination comes on the heels of an increase in violence and racism against Asian American and Pacific Islanders.
“As an Assemblymember and former Assembly Health chair, he worked to codify many of the protections in the ACA and address racial and ethnic health disparities. Bonta has been clear and consistent in advocating for health equity, sits on the COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force, and has been a steadfast champion for expanding Medi-Cal to undocumented people. He has made it his focus to ensure health care is a right and not a privilege.
“Bonta shares many of our priorities in ensuring an equitable COVID-19 response, in meeting the needs of the hardest hit communities and uplifting those communities through resources. He understands the diverse needs of BIPOC Californians, and how social determinants of health like housing and profession impact overall health.
“Bonta has also been a vocal criminal justice advocate, fighting against the death penalty and for bail reform. He has also been a strong advocate for immigrants, in defending their rights and fighting unjust detention. And he was instrumental in passing the state’s strongest eviction protections and protecting renters.
“We looking forward to continuing the fight for health and justice alongside Bonta, who knows all too well the racism our communities face and who has worked hard to develop policy solutions in partnership with advocates.”
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