AFTERNOON NEWS FLASH … Governor Newsom submits May revision budget proposal to Legislature

From the Office of the Governor:

In the face of a global health crisis that has triggered a global financial crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom today submitted his 2020-21 May Revision budget proposal to the Legislature – a balanced plan to close a budget gap of more than $54 billion brought on swiftly by the COVID-19 recession.

“COVID-19 has caused California and economies across the country to confront a steep and unprecedented economic crisis – facing massive job losses and revenue shortfalls,” said Governor Newsom. “Our budget today reflects that emergency. We are proposing a budget to fund our most essential priorities – public health, public safety and public education – and to support workers and small businesses as we restart our economy. But difficult decisions lie ahead. With shared sacrifice and the resilient spirit that makes California great, I am confident we will emerge stronger from this crisis in the years ahead.”

The May Revision proposes to cancel new initiatives proposed in the Governor’s Budget, cancel and reduce spending included in the 2019 Budget Act, draw down reserves, borrow from special funds, temporarily increase revenues and make government more efficient. Due to the size of the challenge, there is no responsible way to avoid reductions. The budget will show that the most painful cuts will only be triggered if the federal government does not pass an aid package that helps states and local governments.

SOME BUDGET DETAILS

Environmental Protection

The California Environmental Protection Agency’s programs promote the state’s economic vitality in a sustainable manner by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing environmental quality, and protecting public health. The Secretary coordinates the state’s regulatory programs and provides fair and consistent enforcement of environmental law.

The May Revision includes $3.9 billion ($42 million General Fund, $3.8 billion special funds, and $18.3 million bond funds) for programs included in this Agency.

The impacts of climate change and environmental pollution continue to be an urgent threat to the environment and vulnerable populations. For these reasons, the May Revision continues to prioritize the state’s limited resources on emergency preparedness and protecting vulnerable populations.

Natural Resources Budget

The Natural Resources Agency consists of 26 departments, boards, commissions and conservancies responsible for administering programs to conserve, restore, and enhance the natural, historical, and cultural resources of California.

The May Revision includes $6.7 billion ($3.5 billion General Fund, $1.8 billion special funds, and $1.4 billion bond funds) for programs included in this Agency.

The impacts of climate change and environmental pollution continue to be an urgent threat to the environment and vulnerable populations. The Agency’s departments are on the frontlines of battling wildfires, navigating droughts and floods, and preparing for sea-level rise. For these reasons, the May Revision continues to prioritize the state’s limited resources on emergency preparedness and protecting the public from climate risks.

View/download revised budget below or visit www.ebudget.ca.gov.

Note: The Table of Contents is on the third page and is clickable.

FullBudgetSummary