SACRAMENTO, Calif --- Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) released the following statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision Budget:
"Today, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gov. Newsom released a somber budget proposal that reflects California’s $54 billion deficit as a result of the virus.
"Although the governor proposes $6.1 billion cuts from a variety of programs, he prioritized four areas: public education, public health, public safety and continued care for people hit by Covid-19. I support these priorities.
"The governor’s budget update projects California’s economic losses will fall disproportionately hard on low to middle income residents. Californians have filed more than 4.2 million unemployment claims since mid-March. At the same time, low-income households and people of color are at greater risk of contracting and dying from the virus as the number of confirmed cases reaches 60,000.
"Governor Newsom emphasized that deep cuts were contingent on the White House passing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Heroes Act. Californians need this federal funding for hazard pay for essential workers, aid to individuals and households needing assistance, virus testing and care, employer backed health coverage, increase for food benefits, Payroll Protection, aid for the U.S. Postal Service and more.
"Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there is no ‘urgency’ and they will wait to vote until after Memorial Day. People are hungry and dying now while the Senate is in session to vote on Trump’s nominees for judicial and executive branch positions. Nothing is more important that the health and welfare of Americans during this crisis. Get your priorities in order!
"As legislators, we have until June 15 to pass a balanced spending plan. No matter how we look at it, any cuts will deeply hurt our most vulnerable, disenfranchised and young populations. Wake up, Washington!"
###