Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
The recent budget plan announced Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom will allow for "wise investments and safeguarding of the social safety net," said California Assemblyman David Chiu.
"Today is a clear reminder of how different life was just a year ago. Despite a pandemic and difficult economic circumstances, Governor Newsom has used this budget to make wise investments and safeguard our social safety net," he said.
In his statement following Governor Newsom's announcement of the budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, the Assemblyman for the 17th District, which covers East San Francisco, said it was important for the official to address the state's housing crisis.
"I appreciate the governor's continued commitment to addressing our housing crisis. With continued funding for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the new housing accountability unit within the Department of Housing and Community Development, California will be able to continue to build affordable housing and work to reduce our overall housing shortage," he noted.
In that regard, he noted that Newsom's proposal to spend $1.75 billion on housing for people experiencing homelessness is significant, so the increased funding, he said, is "broadly welcome" from previous years.
In addition, he said, Chiu's office will be working closely with the administration to ensure that California extends protections against eviction beyond January 31, allowing tenants to keep their homes.
"Through this budget, California is working to support our residents during the pandemic with $4.4 billion for COVID-19 testing, vaccine distribution, direct stimulus payments, a robust small business grant and fee waivers for the hardest hit sectors of our economy," he said.
At the same time, he said, the unprecedented investment in K12 education - primary and secondary - and emergency grants for California's college students, will go a long way to supporting students during this "incredibly challenging" time.
"While no budget is perfect, this proposal is good news for California. I look forward to working with colleagues to get emergency support immediately and pass a final budget in June," he concluded.
Gavin Newsom on Friday presented the legislature with the proposed 2021-2022 state budget, a $227.2 billion fiscal plan that will provide funds for the immediate response to COVID-19 and help Californians who need it most.
