Policy Center statement on Newsom’s proposed 2021-22 budget

SACRAMENTO >> The California Budget & Policy Center, a nonpartisan, data- driven organization with a focus on evaluating public policies and their effect on Californians with low and middle incomes, released the following statement from Executive Director Chris Hoene following the release of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2021-22 state budget:

“Providing emergency cash relief and housing support, and prioritizing the safe reopening of schools are wise investments for the state, our economy, and to meet the urgent needs of Californians in low and middle-income households who have been hard hit by the pandemic.

“Still, Governor Newsom and state leaders need to consider the many urgent and ongoing health and economic needs of children, families, workers, and seniors in low-income households. Every day, Californians are losing jobs and income, health care and food assistance, child care and educational opportunities.

“Ongoing investments are especially critical for Black and brown Californians who are blocked from the opportunity to be safe, healthy, and provide for their families in this pandemic due to our history of racist policies and budget decisions. Black and brown children and their families will continue to be harmed if state leaders do not boldly act and raise revenue to match the health, economic, and educational needs of every Californian.

“State leaders must also prudently plan for the ongoing needs of local governments and economies suffering from the effects of the pandemic. It’s clear the effects of this recession will last well beyond when immediate threats of the pandemic are mitigated. State leaders must consider how they will support local governments to avoid severe austerity measures that cause further harm, such as layoffs and cuts to programs at a time of unprecedented need.

“California is a state with great wealth and can afford to make the investments needed for an equitable recovery. State leaders can build a healthy and vibrant democracy and economy, and better California, by centering the needs of Californians in low- and middle-income households, as well as the needs of Latinx Californians, Black Californians, A merican Indians, Pacific Islander Californians, Asian Californians, and other Californians of color in every policy decision and budget investment.”