Governor Gavin Newsom announced his plans for the 2022 state budget on Monday.
The governor said he wants to focus the more than $280 billion budget on the pandemic, climate change, homelessness, inequality, and safety. Newsom is already looking to authorize more than a billion dollars towards ramping up COVID testing, vaccinations, and healthcare staffing before the fiscal year begins on July First. According to Governor Newsom, if the plan is approved by state legislators later in the year, all low-income Californians would qualify for the state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, starting January 2024. California is looking at possibly pausing the gas tax increase as well, as Governor Newsom outlined the potential proposal.
The State of California reported a surplus tax revenue in 2021 for a ninth straight year, and looks to have a projected $45.7 billion state budget surplus beginning in July. “I’m confident that we can do that within the constraints of the budget,” Governor Newsom said. The proposal is now heading to state Legislature for voting.