Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Response to Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal
FULLERTON, CA –Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton) is optimistic of Governor Newsom’s proposed budget plan announced today to spend $227.2 billion that provides funding for immediate COVID-19 response and relief efforts in the state’s budget to help all Californians. As the legislature returns back to the Capitol next week, the budget will be one of the top priorities for the 2021 legislative session.
Governor Newsom 2021-22 budget proposes includes the following:
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$372 Million Set Aside for COVID-19 Vaccinations to expedite the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations
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$2 billion targeted specifically to support and accelerate safe returns to in-person instruction starting in February, with priority for returning the youngest children.
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Proposing a record investment for public schools; including $4.6 Billion for extending learning time, $400 million for school-based mental health services, and $3.8 billion additional education funds above Proposition 98 guarantee funding
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$1.75 billion for homelessness programs, including purchases of additional motels, short-term community mental health facilities, and senior housing.
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$44 Million for Childcare
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$1.1 billion immediate relief for small businesses
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More than $600 million in business tax credits and sales tax exclusions
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$353 million for workforce development programs
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$1 billion to support a coordinated forest health and fire prevention strategy.
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Five percent reduction in state operations expenditures.
“As Californians, we have an obligation to provide crucial support for our residents who are struggling to stay afloat,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “As a legislature we must address the urgent concerns facing our most vulnerable communities. I believe that this Budget Proposal is a great start in our efforts to help us provide vital assistance for our working class Californians who are in need of help during this most critical time.”
The Governor’s proposal has a number of immediate action proposals as well as long range budget plans for next year. The proposal outlines a number of key items that we need to focus on in order to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Combined with providing support and funding for our state’s needs, we can begin to safely get students back to school, open businesses and get California’s economy on the road to recovery.
“I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues to work on the critical, immediate funding needs, as well as the yearly budget needs,” said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. “Making sure we have the funding mechanisms needed to assist all Californians, and in all areas, is the foundation our state needs to move forward.”