As millions of Californians struggle to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom Wednesday announced during a virtual conversation on economic hardship a modification to his 2021-22 state budget proposal to help low-income Californians with what he's calling the Golden State Stimulus.
The plan is to a $600 cash payment directly to about four-million low-income Californians making less than $30,000 per year and who, coupled with federal stimulus, could receive at least $1,200 of direct relief. The state's stimulus will also reach low-income Californians who are excluded from the federal stimulus, like undocumented immigrant households where taxes are filed with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, including parents who are in the U-S illegally but have citizen children.
"Through the Golden State Stimulus, Californians who have been impacted by this pandemic will get help to provide for their families and keep a roof over their heads," said Governor Newsom. "This plan will provide relief for Californians in need by distributing $600 rapid cash support – for some, at least $1,200 when coupled with federal relief – and extend the eviction moratorium."
The Governor is also calling for immediate action to protect more Californians from eviction by extending critical eviction protections enacted by AB 3088 and ensuring that California’s $2.6 billion share of federal rental assistance is distributed according to greatest need and with accountability.