Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to double spending on homelessness -- to $1 billion
Insisting that a fiscally responsible state government can also aid those in need, Gov. Gavin Newsom sent California lawmakers a revised budget Thursday that builds on his efforts to address poverty and homelessness while forecasting the largest tax revenue windfall in state history.
That windfall, Newsom said, will trigger the first-ever payment into a special cash reserve fund for schools and community colleges — a $389-million deposit stashed away specifically for education needs during a future recession. He also proposed an increase in spending on helping the homeless, raising the total state investment in the upcoming budget year to $1 billion.
“This homeless issue is, rightfully, top of mind for people all across the state that are outraged by it,” Newsom told reporters during a news conference at the state Capitol. “They’re disgusted by it and they’re wondering what the hell is going on in Sacramento. And they should.”
The governor’s overall spending plan, a $213.5-billion blueprint for the fiscal year that begins in July, offers a sprinkling of new ideas and cash to the budget he initially proposed just after taking office in January. Legislators now have until June 15 to send Newsom a final budget or forfeit their paychecks.
Read more: https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-budget-gavin-newsom-20190509-story.html