SACRAMENTO, CA –Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) today released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s January Budget proposal:
“The Governor’s January Budget proposal responsibly reflects our new uncertain economic reality. The positive news is that our fiscal prudence and preparation over the last few years will allow us to maintain existing investments both in the people of California and in critical infrastructure projects in our communities. Late last year, Moody’s identified California as one of the top-5 states most financially prepared for an economic downturn. Our prior judicious decisions will allow us to preserve our historic levels of public education funding and the progress we have made on the most important issues of our time.
“I applaud Governor Newsom’s commitment to addressing homelessness. The proposal makes it clear that we will continue to prioritize the state’s comprehensive homelessness strategy, while working to boost local accountability. This allocation includes $3 billion for Project Homekey, a program which has been successfully implemented by cities in my district. With additional funding we can continue to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness and transition them into permanent stable housing.
“I am also grateful that Governor Newsom’s budget proposal includes increased funding for levees and other flood protection efforts. These investments are timely and essential as my constituents face the reality of more devastating storms on the horizon while they are still recovering from the damage of the last ten days. Unpredictable and extreme weather is only going to become more commonplace and California must do more to protect our residents and our communities.”
Contact: Isabelle LaSalle, (916) 319-2023