Governor Gavin Newsom expanded his special session on Monday to provide funding for wildfire recovery in Los Angeles.
Newsom proposed spending at least $2.5 billion for recovery efforts, rebuilding schools, and wildfire preparedness.
“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger – including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for the thousands who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms,” Newsom said in a statement. “To the people of Los Angeles: We have your back.”
Senate President Pro Tempore and Democrat Mike McGuire said he anticipates more funding beyond this initial investment.
“I look at these dollars as a down payment,” McGuire said. “There is more help on the way.”
Newsom originally called the special session in November to allocate money for potential lawsuits against President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The state sued Trump’s first administration 123 times during his first term.
Republican lawmakers said the special session ahead of Trump’s second presidency was premature. Over the weekend, they called on Newsom to instead hold a special session to fund wildfire response and recovery.
“There is so much that is before us right now, big issues that require our attention and we should not be distracted by a special session to pay more government lawyers to sue Donald Trump,” said Republican Assembly member James Gallagher of Yuba City.
But Democratic Senator and Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener says the state doesn’t have to choose one or the other, and should instead fund both as the incoming administration and Republican leaders have threatened to withhold federal disaster relief.
“We need to defend California against the attacks from this administration including its attempts to sabotage, undermine disaster relief for Los Angeles,” Wiener said.
Legislators are expected to vote on the funding agreement before the end of the week.
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