Beverly Press Park Labrea News: Friedman gives legislative update
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) gave her first legislative update in West Hollywood since taking office at the Aug. 4 West Hollywood City Council meeting.
Friedman said she has personally requested federal funding for West Hollywood infrastructure improvements including the Hart Park Improvement Project, which would renovate the parking lot and walkways to increase accessibility, and the Los Angeles County Fire Station Replacement Project, which would reconstruct the more than 75-year-old Fire Station 8 in West Hollywood. Friedman, who as a state assemblywoman authored a law passed in 2023 that helps California cities implement speed cameras, said she has continued advocacy in Congress by supporting the Safe Streets for All and Safe Routes for School programs, both of which are under threat from the Trump administration. She also highlighted her advocacy in restoring $19.7 million in federal HIV prevention funding to L.A. County after the Trump administration canceled the allocation.
“I remain committed to fighting for our democracy. We are worth fighting for,” she said. “I have been pushing back everyday against the Trump administration’s attacks on our communities. That is my paramount job and it means upholding the law and our roles in congress.”
Friedman highlighted her office’s work in aiding wildfire relief, protecting medicaid and working on economic and housing development. She also spoke about her office’s work in helping local communities impacted by recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raids as well as tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Recently, Friedman introduced legislation to fully restore medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood, identify and unmask ICE agents, ensure that natural disaster victims receive the full amount of aid they are entitled to from Federal Emergency Management Agency and create a national film tax credit. She also condemned the Trump administration’s cuts to health care, adding that the cuts have reduced hospital staff and insurance coverage.
Friedman thanked members of the West Hollywood City Council for advocacy on behalf of the community and collaboration with her office.
“Out of all the communities I represent, I think that this City Council is at the very, very top for your level of engagement and communication with me and my office,” she said. “This is a community that shows up for people who need someone else to show up for them.”
Council members took turns thanking Friedman for her work.
“We hear so often the bad news coming out of D.C. and for you to be here and deliver all the good news that you’re creating, we really appreciate you so much and for delivering for the residents of West Hollywood,” Mayor Chelsea Byers said.
Councilwoman Lauren Meister thanked Friedman for her work in aiding wildfire survivors as well as speaking at the West Hollywood “No Kings” rally on June 14.
“We know that you are busy and could be anywhere and you chose to come and speak at our rally,” Meister said. “We appreciate it.”