INDIO, CA — Today, Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) was named Legislator of the Year by the California Disability Services Association (CDSA) Inland Empire Caucus during the Caucus’ 22nd Annual Legislative Breakfast in Ontario.
The award recognizes Assemblyman Gonzalez’s continued advocacy and partnership with disability service providers, advocates, and families to strengthen community-based supports, protect consumer choice, and ensure California’s disability services system works for the people it was built to serve.
“I am honored to be recognized by the CDSA Inland Empire Caucus, and I accept this award on behalf of every advocate, provider, and family who shows up every day for Californians with disabilities,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez. “This work is always about people. It is about dignity, independence, and making sure support is there when it is needed.”
“As a father, this is deeply personal,” Gonzalez said. “I came to Sacramento to be a voice for my son, RJ, and for families like ours. RJ lives with cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia and a seizure disorder. He cannot walk. He cannot speak. He cannot eat without a feeding tube. Every moment of his life requires full-time care and attention. My wife Christine and I do everything we can to give him a life filled with love, dignity, and safety. This is not just legislation. It is real change for families like mine and for every California family touched by disability.”
Gonzalez added, “whether it is advocating against IHSS cuts, highlighting the Lanterman’s Act and so much more — I will continue to fight for the disability community every day while in office, and I am grateful to the CDSA Inland Empire Caucus for this honor.”
Background
The CDSA Inland Empire Caucus hosts an annual Legislative Breakfast that convenes disability service providers, advocates, families, and community leaders to highlight priorities impacting Californians with disabilities and to strengthen partnerships that support community-based services.
###