What Californians Need From 2020-21 Budget

Governor Newsom’s revised 2020-21 budget plan is out and now state leaders will make policy choices and fiscal decisions that affect every Californian. But many of those policy decisions have the greatest effect on people who have lost their jobs, incomes, and face a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Our team is out with a new video on how state policymakers can move California forward even in the face of an alarming budget shortfall. We share why our leaders must do everything possible – from pushing for more federal relief to using state reserves, from borrowing appropriately to raising additional revenue – not only for our 2020-21 budget agreement but to build an economy that is inclusive of all Californians.

See our First Look of the Governor’s May Revision to learn more.

Millions of Californians have no idea if or when they will be able to return to their jobs. Paying for food and rent is a constant worry as the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis bears down. For Black and Latinx Californians, low-income households, and undocumented Californians the health and financial strains are even greater. What targeted federal and state policies are needed from policymakers to help Californians as the economic crisis lingers on?

This Q&A video provides answers to this question and many more, including:

• How is the COVID-19 economic crisis and recession different than previous ones California has weathered?
• Who are the Californians most affected by the COVID-19 economic crisis?
• What immediate and ongoing support should state leaders prioritize for Californians left out of federal relief?
• How can the state’s rainy day fund be used to help now?
• Can California expect more federal support?
• Where do the state and Californians go from here?