Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has issued a statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s initial 2024 California Budget proposal, which was released on Wednesday.
Garcia expressed his intention to thoroughly review the budget proposal within the Legislature. He said, “We will be thoroughly reviewing the Governor’s budget proposal in the Legislature and look forward to collaborating with his administration to ensure we safeguard funding for essential programs and defend resources for district priorities.” He also highlighted the need for equitable distribution of resources, stating, “Over the years, we have been able to direct aid to address longstanding district disparities, and we want to make certain that the final budget distributes resources equitably and continues to reflect these urgent regional concerns.”
According to a press release issued by Newsom, the proposed budget includes investments in priority areas such as a $15.3 billion plan for homelessness; $1.1 billion over four years for public safety and security; Proposition 98 funding for K-12 schools and community colleges estimated at approximately $109.1 billion in 2024-25; and $48.3 billion aimed at the state’s multi-year commitment towards climate change.
In a press release from Garcia’s office, it was revealed that he is closely monitoring the state’s commitment to climate change, specifically the $65.2 million allocated for the Salton Sea Management Program.
A previous press release from June 2023 reported that Garcia and other assemblymembers supported AB 1567, known as the California Climate Resilience Bond. The bill proposes more than $15.9 billion to implement proven strategies and equity-focused investments. Garcia said that this legislation provides a balanced portfolio addressing urgent climate issues in California such as safe drinking water and wildfire prevention. The bill is scheduled for voting during the statewide primary election in March.
Garcia referred back to AB 1567 when commenting on Newsom’s proposed budget: “We believe our climate bond legislation becomes all the more important as a potential funding mechanism in the face of the current economic landscape.”
