(Sacramento, CA) – Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has issued the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom’s initial 2023-24 California budget proposal:
“I thank Governor Newsom for working to uphold and fortify funding commitments for our state’s most urgent priorities and programs in this initial budget proposal. Thanks to our state’s responsible financial planning, we are hopeful to be able to safeguard vital funding for k-12 education, universal school meals, special education, after school programs, financial and housing aid for college students, as well as sustaining significant support for our public safety agencies with new investments to address the fentanyl crisis. Given these uncertain economic times, my attention remains focused on opening up tools for local economic development, small business relief grants, and job creation, including optimizing regional lithium, geothermal, and other green energy workforce opportunities.”
“We fully support Governor Newsom’s leadership and call for increased climate change resources, especially the possibility of a bond. I had previously authored legislation proposing a climate change bond that can secure the big investments California needs now more than ever to protect ourselves and our future. This must be a priority in the Legislature. We cannot back down on climate change actions and investments. The harmful consequences of climate change and extreme weather impact our daily lives threatening the health, safety, and economic well-being of our communities.”
Highlights from the Initial 2023-24 CA Budget Proposal:
Education
- $1.4 Billion Universal School Meals
- $3.6 Billion Special Education
- $4 Billion Ongoing Before/After School and Summer School Programs
- $4.7 Billion Children and Youth Behavioral Health
Higher Education
- $4 Billion Student Housing
- $2.3 Billion Ongoing CalGrant Program
- $859 Million Middle Class Scholarships
- $293 Million College Corps Program
Economic Development
- $4.2 Billion Small Business Relief Grants
- $2 Billion Child Care Expansion
- $120 Million CalCompetes
Sustains $564.4 Million Public Safety Support including to address retail theft and other crimes
$97 Million New Investments to Address Fentanyl Crisis and Opioids
$100 Million Agricultural Business Grants
$2.7 Billion Wildfire and Forest Resilience
$4.8 Billion Universal Access to Health Care For All Californians Regardless of Immigration Status
More information can be found at https://ebudget.ca.gov/.
