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SACRAMENTO — As global inflation and war in Europe drive up costs across the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a $300.7 billion budget to tackle rising inflation, ensuring public safety, fighting homelessness, transforming public education and fighting climate change. The governor’s action plan for California includes an $18.1 billion inflation-fighting program to put money back in the pockets of Californians and cut costs for families. “Building on a strong surplus and rooted in our unshakeable values, we are leading California’s path to prosperity and progress for all. With historic investments, we’re doubling down on our formula for success and ensuring no one is left behind – supporting working families and businesses, fighting climate change, expanding access to healthcare, making our communities safer, and more,” Governor Newsom said. . “While gridlock persists in Congress and right-wing zealots turn state houses across the country into laboratories of hate and oppression, here in California, we are working to grow our economy and implement real and inclusive policy change to create a better future for all.”
- $18.1 billion in inflation relief in direct payments to fight inflation, help people pay utility bills and rent, and reduce costs such as health care and child care.
- $47.1 billion climate pledge – an increase of $32 billion this year – to fight pollution, build climate-resilient water supplies, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, ensure grid reliability and accelerate clean energy solutions, and protect communities from extreme heat.
- $660 million to ensure public safety with funding for new officers and mental health support for law enforcement, support for victims of sex trafficking, cracking down on internet crimes against children, and tackling the opioid crisis.
- $14.7 million to address homelessness and the mental health crisis with investments to help people get off our streets and access the services and care they need, with a particular focus on Californians who suffer from mental health and addiction disorders.
- $37 billion to rebuild California with money for infrastructure, including broadband and new housing, as well as a historic $128.3 billion investment to transform public education.
- Billions of dollars to invest in Californians and the governor’s pro-life agenda, including funding for:
- Improve our education systems with universal pre-school, after-school and school meals; and expanded and more affordable child care
- Making health care more accessible and affordable through Medi-Cal expansion and grants, increased access to reproductive health care, home visits, and support for Black infant health, mental health youth and suicide prevention, and addressing negative childhood experiences.
- Clean up our environment by fighting pollution, especially in disadvantaged communities that bear the brunt of its impacts.
- Make sure our communities are safe through violence prevention programs, extensive gun buy-back programs, and the removal of fentanyl and other opioids from our streets.
Led by 7.8% GDP growth, the Blueprint includes a $97.5 billion surplus. The Governor’s proposal ensures that spending this year will not impede future budgets, calling for $37.1 billion in reserves, including $23.3 billion for the state’s Rainy Day Fund, and dedicating $94 % of excess income over one-time expenses. For more information on these and other elements of the California Blueprint, visit www.ebudget.ca.gov.
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