PRESS STATEMENT: Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision Is a Once in a Generation Opportunity to Invest in Advancing Racial Equity

05.15.21

Organizational

Press Contacts:
Ronald Simms Jr., Communications Manager, 202-270-0936

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom submitted his revised 2021-22 budget proposal to the California State Legislature. We applaud the Governor’s $100 billion “California Comeback Plan” for making big, bold, innovative investments in education with comprehensive services, housing, infrastructure, and the economy as the state recovers from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address long-standing systemic racism and inequities, and we must ensure these investments are made equitably so that every Californian – regardless of race or zip code – can thrive.

“We are witnessing a historic budget surplus amid the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed the fragility and racial inequities in childcare, education, health, and economic opportunity,” said Khydeeja Alam, Director of Government Relations at Advancement Project California. “Governor Newsom’s revised budget meets the moment by proposing bold and historic investments in building a stronger, more just California. We look forward to seeing details on each proposal and being a thoughtful partner in ensuring equity is front and center as intended.”

With a $75.7 billion operating surplus coupled with $27 billion from federal stimulus aid, the Governor’s revised budget includes substantial funding for California’s essential priorities: $20 billion for transitional kindergarten to high school, $12 billion to address homelessness, $60 million for legal aid for renters, $3.5 billion for affordable housing – as well as support for workers and small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are even investments for those who were left behind in the last round of stimulus checks and recovery efforts. These critical investments will provide a lifeline to Californians as we recover from the pandemic.

“Budgets are a reflection of our ambitions and aspirations, and the Governor’s revised budget will help shape the legacy of the pandemic,” said Michael Russo, Managing Director of Policy and Programs at Advancement Project California. “We cannot have a repeat of the slow, inequitable, and incomplete recovery from the Great Recession. Now, more than ever, California needs to make bold choices and be a model for an equitable recovery so that all Californians can thrive.”

However, we cannot just recover from this pandemic. Our most vulnerable communities – low-income and communities of color – must come out of this better, stronger, and more resilient than before. The Governor’s revised COVID-19 budget can go further by targeting funds to counties and community-based organizations working as trusted messengers in COVID-19 hotspots and to highly impacted communities. And while we welcome funding earmarked for an Office of Equity and Chief Equity Officer, these functions cannot be siloed. Our state must take a comprehensive approach to tackle systemic racism. We urge the Administration and the Legislature to adopt and fully fund SB 17(Pan), which establishes an Office and Council on Racial Equity and provides a robust framework, vision, and stakeholder engagement in addressing racial inequity across state government.

“While California is the world’s fifth-largest economy, our rising tide has not lifted all boats,” said John Kim, Executive Director of Advancement Project California. “The Governor’s revised budget represents a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine education, housing, healthcare, and economic development. Only by making equitably robust investments can we come out of this pandemic renewed and resilient. We thank the Governor for his bold thinking and for proposing a budget accordingly. Now, we must make sure every community sees themselves reflected in this people’s budget.”

Our policy experts are available for comment.

#

Advancement Project California is a multi-racial, multi-generational racial justice organization with expertise in research, advocacy, and policy. We work with partners and communities to expand educational opportunities for California’s children, create healthy and safe neighborhoods, ensure communities of color have a voice in our democracy, strengthen movement-building, and shift public investments toward programs that benefit all Californians—not just the privileged few.

For more information, visit www.advancementprojectca.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.