BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2013 Sen. Melissa Hurtado\u2019s legislative package aiming to boost tax protections has advanced through the California State Senate and is now headed to the State Assembly for consideration.<\/p>\n
The package, dubbed the 2026 Valley Taxpayers Protection Plan, focuses on lowering tax costs for valley families, strengthening public safety, supporting economic growth in the Central Valley and \u201capproving government accountability and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch \u2018After Sunrise\u2019 on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices <\/a><\/p>\n The bill passed through the State Senate as the House of Origin deadline loomed on May 29, meaning Friday marks the final day that full State Senate or Assembly bills can pass bills from their representative chambers. Bills that fall to meet the deadline for the 2026 session are considered \u201cdead\u201d for the remainder of the legislative year.<\/p>\n In a press release on Friday, Hurtado said families in the Central Valley deserve \u201ca government that puts people before special interests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy protecting taxpayers, rooting out corruption, and eliminating waste, we can lower costs, strengthen trust in government, and make everyday life more affordable for working families,\u201d Hurtado said.<\/p>\n The Protection Plan is a legislative package<\/a>, meaning there are several bills bundled together under one agenda item.<\/p>\n Pillars of the package include \u201cCreating Jobs and Investments in the Central Valley,\u201d \u201cProtecting Central Valley Families and Communities\u201d and \u201cSafeguarding Central Valley Tax Dollars through Oversight.\u201d<\/p>\n