Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal joined a delegation of state lawmakers this week who advocated for California's interests in Washington, D.C.
"It's important to keep California in everybody's mind," Lowenthal said by phone from her hotel room after meetings on Capitol Hill. "It would be unwise to stay home and hope for the best."
The delegation of about two dozen legislators led by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass had this agenda: attract federal spending to California.
The delegation is fighting for what Lowenthal termed "a wide spectrum of needs," including healthcare, transportation infrastructure, high-speed rail, drought-relief and military contracts.
On local issues, the former Long Beach councilwoman said she is arguing for funding to continue building the Boeing C-17 cargo plane here and to repair the ailing Gerald Desmond Bridge in the harbor.
"Basically, I am here to make sure that nobody talks about California infrastructure without talking about our ports," Lowenthal said. "I am very excited about letting people know it's a good time to invest in our ports."
Lawmakers also discussed California's drought and the court ruling limiting water supply from the Sacramento Delta.
The ruling is in place to protect an endangered smelt, but it, combined with dry conditions, has driven up water prices statewide.
The delegation also met with Obama administration officials and members of the House of Representatives.
"We're hoping to bring as much funding home to the people in our district as humanly possible," Lowenthal said.
