Baja Boosts Key Sector Funds

**Excerpt:** Baja California urged to boost budget for infrastructure, education, & security in 2025. The need for improved crime prevention, complete infrastructure projects, & strategic investments emphasized for growth and stability.

**Primary Article**

**Baja California Urged to Strengthen Budget for Infrastructure, Education, and Security**

In the upcoming 2025 fiscal year, Baja California’s government is being urged to bolster its budget allocations for crucial sectors such as infrastructure, education, and security. Carlos Jaramillo Silva, the President of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) in Tijuana, emphasized the necessity of addressing these areas to support the region’s growth and stability.

Jaramillo Silva noted that security remains a significant issue at the state level, necessitating enhanced efforts and increased budget for crime prevention initiatives. Investing in education and infrastructure also requires more attention as they are vital for the state’s development.

He highlighted the need for the government to implement short to medium-term infrastructure projects to ensure their completion within the current administration’s term. This approach will prevent any unfinished work from being left for future administrations to handle.

As various state departments, municipalities, and other entities prepare to present their 2025 budget proposals to the local Congress, Jaramillo Silva pointed out that at the municipal level, services like paving, waste collection, public lighting, and mobility must receive increased funding.

In addition, he suggested prioritizing federal investments in border ports and the construction of a desalination plant alongside hydraulic projects to ensure water supply sustainability. Improving infrastructure at border crossings, including pedestrian access, is also crucial due to the region’s geographical significance.

**Secondary Article**

**Baja California Faces Pressure for Adequate School Infrastructure as Population Grows**

As Baja California’s population grows, the need for expanded educational facilities becomes increasingly pressing. Recent reports indicate a shortage of schools, particularly those equipped to cater to students with disabilities. This shortfall challenges the state’s ability to provide inclusive education for all its residents.

In parallel, issues of corruption continue to be a concern for the municipality, with calls for more robust measures to curb unethical practices. Furthermore, attention is turning towards the handling of historical investigations, such as the unsolved disappearance of Erick Ortiz, where family members claim little progress has been made despite offering evidence.

Additionally, infrastructural projects like the rehabilitation of Tijuana’s coastal boardwalk face scrutiny due to delays and potential irregularities in the contracting process. With the deadline initially set for the end of September 2024, the halted work underscores the need for transparent and efficient project management.

With these concerns in mind, stakeholders are looking to the upcoming nominations for the new head of the National Human Rights Commission, urging for leadership that will facilitate collaboration with state organizations to address human rights concerns effectively.