Gov. Newsom budget to assist with multiple challenges the state is facing

CBS 13's Cody Lee speaks with Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia who represents the Imperial Valley

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - This week Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) released his new plan to get California back on the right track following the pandemic. It's called the ‘California Comeback Plan.’ It's the biggest economic recovery package in state history and it's heading to the legislature for a vote.

Among the challenges to address, helping Californians bounce back with stimulus checks and other financial assistance. The proposed 100-billion dollar budget will provide nearly two-thirds of residents with the checks.

“Everyone who is contributing to California's economy is living in California and qualifies under certain criteria in that 80% of families low and middle class.”

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, representing district 56, says residents could also receive money to catch up on past-due bills.

“This is a partnership that needs to happen the renter is behind, the owner is behind, and we want to address those issues we also are putting forward a billion dollars for utility. Back bay, water, sewer, and other utility costs that they have also fallen behind.”

Other items listed on the budget, Gov. Newsom's plans to work toward universal broadband with a seven-billion dollar investment to expand broadband infrastructure.

Access to healthcare for undocumented seniors over 60 and continual COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at the southern border. It also calls for funding organizations assisting with the border crisis.

“Given that much of the responsibilities have been delegated to these organizations to help with this crisis that's taking place with this large influx of asylum seekers.”

The plan will assist with the homeless population, a problem during the pandemic and years prior. It's a big issue that the Asm. Garcia is advocating for.

“$12 billion being proposed for a variety of programs that will benefit regions like Imperial county that we represent last Friday we broke ground and opened up, you know, the doors to the tiny home project there will be significant opportunities for us in the region to go after additional funds to build additional phases to that type of program.”

Small businesses are also included in the California comeback plan.

“We want to make sure that they get back on their feet get caught up with their, you know rental utility, you know payments, and then at the same time continue to keep people employed. That's one of the most important things about our small businesses.”

The legislature has until June 15th to pass the governor’s plan. If passed, it heads back to Newsom's desk to be signed into law.