FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — State Sen. Melissa Hurtado is calling for more funding to protect Central Valley infrastructure after cybersecurity leaders warned of increasingly sophisticated AI-powered attacks.
The open letter, signed by companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services, warns of a “limited window to strengthen cyber defenses” as artificial intelligence makes some cyberattacks faster and easier to carry out.
Hurtado is seeking dedicated state funding for emergency services offices in Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties.
“I don’t want the Central Valley to be left behind,” Hurtado told FOX26. “I am calling for additional funding for the Central Valley … to make sure that we are not left behind when it comes to these threats and challenges that are ahead of us.”
Hurtado said she wants the region to eventually consider creating its own cyber command center.
“I would love for the Central Valley to have a cyber command center,” Hurtado said. “That’s something that Los Angeles, for example, has. It’s something that we haven’t even talked about here in the Valley.”
The senator said funding could help counties protect critical infrastructure, including water systems, schools and other essential services, while improving communication between local governments about potential threats.
Hurtado did not provide a specific dollar amount when FOX26 asked how much state funding she is seeking.
“I will take anything that we can make happen for the Central Valley, and anything is going to be a start,” she said.
The open letter calls for governments and private companies to expand access to defensive AI tools, security testing and technical assistance, particularly for hospitals, water utilities and local governments with limited cybersecurity resources.
Hurtado is also calling for Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties to better coordinate and share information about cyber threats.
“There has to be buy-in,” Hurtado said. “There has to be work towards common goals, because this is going to require a whole-of-government approach.”
Hurtado said she has already made a request for state funding and plans to continue pushing for greater investment in Central Valley cybersecurity.
