As recovery efforts in the Palisades and Eaton fires begin,California’s Legislature passed a set of bills Thursday to expedite $2.5 billion in “bridge funding” intended to help state and local agencies respond to relief efforts.
The bills passed unanimously in both the Assembly and the Senate as part of an extended special session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom in response to the Los Angeles area wildfires.Newsom is expected to sign the bills quickly, releasing the money instantly.
The bills are part of “a much larger conversation that we’re going to need to have about recovery and rebuilding in these devastated communities, and also about how we protect communities across the state of California,” said Jesse Gabriel, chair of the Assembly’s budget committee and one of a few lawmakers who live in neighborhoods that were under evacuated. “This is the first of many steps that we will take on a long journey as we progress through this conversation.”
The funding is in addition to other state and federal government relief efforts, such as extending tax filing deadlines and placing a moratorium on evictions.
The money will come from the state’s reserve fund dedicated to economic uncertainties, which had about $8.3 billion as of Jan. 10, according to the H.D. Palmer, spokesperson for California’s Department of Finance.
Former President Joe Biden said on Jan.12 that the federal government would reimburse 100% of state funds that are spent within 180 days. State officials expect the $2.5 billion will be reimbursed, tho President Donald Trump repeated threats Wednesday to withhold federal aid.
“I don’t think we should give California anything until they let water flow down,” he said in a Fox News interview, repeating a false claim that the state did not permit water to flow from Northern California for the wildfires.
the funding package includes $2.5 billion for use by state and local agencies for a range of recovery efforts: shelters for those evacuated, hazardous waste removal, air quality testing and to fund safety tests for post-fire hazards, such as mudslides.
The bills also include $4 million for the Department of Housing and Community Development to help local governments expedite building permits, $1 million to school districts to facilitate rebuilding, $250,000 to the Division of the State Architect and $750,000 to the Office of Public School Construction.
Lawmakers stressed during Wednesday’s hearings that the state must require detailed tracking of how the money is spent, and that those most in need should be prioritized, including the historic black community in Altadena.
“I am deeply concerned about the vulnerable communities — those on fixed incomes, those that have lost their jobs along with losing their homes, those that are not going to be able to advocate for themselves, or wait for a massive payout because they are just renters,” said Sen. Aisha Wahab, a Democrat from Fremont.
Another wildfire broke out near Castaic Lake in Southern California as lawmakers discussed the package this week — underscoring comments from lawmakers that the Legislature must also prioritize prevention. A $10 billion bond approved by voters in November to fight climate change includes funding for some wildfire prevention programs. The bond money can’t be used for recovery efforts, department of Finance officials said during the hearing.
“Like our chair said, we have so much further to go,” said Flora.“And these are not issues that came up just in the last 10 days — we’ve known these issues literally sence 2004. It’s time that we do some things, and I think right now we have the motivation and the ability to do so.”
Nonpartisan, independent California News for All: CalMatters’ Mission to Empower and Inform
In a media landscape often clouded by bias and corporate influence, CalMatters stands as a beacon of independent, nonpartisan journalism.As a nonprofit news organization, CalMatters is dedicated to empowering Californians with trustworthy, unfiltered reporting on the issues that matter most.
“We’re CalMatters, your nonprofit and nonpartisan news guide,” the organization declares. Their mission is clear: to provide essential,unbiased journalism that is free from partisan politics and corporate influence. This commitment ensures that their reporting remains accessible to all Californians, without the barriers of paywalls or hidden agendas.
A Focus on california Issues
CalMatters’ reporting is deeply rooted in the state’s most pressing challenges. From the environment to homelessness, the economy, and beyond, their journalists uncover the unfettered truth to keep readers informed. “We are focused on California issues,” they emphasize, highlighting their dedication to shedding light on topics that directly impact the lives of Californians.
Holding Power Accountable
One of CalMatters’ core principles is accountability. “We hold people in power accountable,” they state. Through rigorous investigative journalism, they probe the actions—and inactions—of powerful individuals and institutions, revealing the consequences that follow. This commitment to openness ensures that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards.
The Need for Reader Support
Despite their critical role in the state’s media ecosystem, CalMatters cannot continue their work without the support of readers. “But we can’t keep doing this without support from readers like you,” they acknowledge. Currently, during their year-end drive, donations are tripled, offering an opportunity for readers to triple their impact.
“please give what you can today. every gift helps,” they urge, emphasizing the importance of community contributions in sustaining their mission.
Why CalMatters matters
CalMatters’ unique approach to journalism sets it apart in an era of increasing media polarization. By remaining independent and nonpartisan, they provide a vital service to Californians, ensuring that the public has access to reliable, unbiased information.
| Key Features of calmatters |
|——————————–|
| Nonpartisan Journalism | Free from partisan politics and corporate influence. |
| Focus on California | Covers critical issues like the environment, homelessness, and the economy. |
| Accountability | Holds powerful individuals and institutions accountable. |
| Reader-Supported | Relies on community donations to sustain its mission. |
As calmatters continues to empower Californians with essential journalism, their call for support resonates louder than ever. By contributing to their mission, readers can help ensure that independent, nonpartisan reporting remains a cornerstone of California’s media landscape.
Support CalMatters today and be part of a movement that champions truth, transparency, and accountability.
Nonpartisan, Independent California News for All: CalMatters’ Mission to Empower and Inform
In a media landscape often clouded by bias and corporate influence, CalMatters stands as a beacon of independent, nonpartisan journalism. As a nonprofit news organization, CalMatters is dedicated to empowering Californians with trustworthy, unfiltered reporting on the issues that matter most.
“We’re CalMatters, your nonprofit and nonpartisan news guide,” the organization declares. Their mission is clear: to provide essential, unbiased journalism that is free from partisan politics and corporate influence. This commitment ensures that their reporting remains accessible to all Californians,without the barriers of paywalls or hidden agendas.
A Focus on California Issues
CalMatters’ reporting is deeply rooted in the state’s most pressing challenges. From the environment to homelessness, the economy, and beyond, their journalists uncover the unfettered truth to keep readers informed. “We are focused on California issues,” they emphasize, highlighting their dedication to shedding light on topics that directly impact the lives of Californians.
Holding Power Accountable
One of CalMatters’ core principles is accountability. “We hold people in power accountable,” they state. Through rigorous investigative journalism, they probe the actions—and inactions—of powerful individuals and institutions, revealing the consequences that follow. This commitment to transparency ensures that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards.
The Need for Reader Support
Despite their critical role in the state’s media ecosystem,CalMatters cannot continue their work without the support of readers. “But we can’t keep doing this without support from readers like you,” they acknowledge. Currently, during their year-end drive, donations are tripled, offering an opportunity for readers to triple their impact.
“Please give what you can today. Every gift helps,” they urge, emphasizing the importance of community contributions in sustaining their mission.
Why CalMatters Matters
CalMatters’ unique approach to journalism sets it apart in an era of increasing media polarization. By remaining independent and nonpartisan, they provide a vital service to Californians, ensuring that the public has access to reliable, unbiased information.
| Key Features of CalMatters |
|——————————–|
| Nonpartisan Journalism | Free from partisan politics and corporate influence. |
| Focus on California | Covers critical issues like the environment, homelessness, and the economy. |
| Accountability | Holds powerful individuals and institutions accountable. |
| Reader-Supported | Relies on community donations to sustain its mission. |
As CalMatters continues to empower Californians with essential journalism, their call for support resonates louder than ever. By contributing to their mission, readers can definitely help ensure that independent, nonpartisan reporting remains a cornerstone of California’s media landscape.
Support calmatters today and be part of a movement that champions truth, transparency, and accountability.
Interview with CalMatters: empowering Californians Through Autonomous Journalism
Editor: CalMatters has established itself as a trusted source of nonpartisan,independent journalism in California. Can you tell us more about your mission and what sets you apart in today’s media landscape?
CalMatters: Absolutely. Our mission at calmatters is to provide Californians with essential,unbiased journalism that is free from partisan politics and corporate influence.In a media surroundings often clouded by bias, we strive to be a beacon of independent reporting. As a nonprofit news institution, we are deeply committed to empowering our readers with trustworthy, unfiltered information on the issues that matter most to them.
Editor: Your focus on California-specific issues is a key part of your work. why is this localized approach so vital?
CalMatters: California faces unique challenges—from environmental crises to homelessness and economic disparities. Our reporting is deeply rooted in these pressing issues, ensuring that we uncover the unfettered truth and keep our readers informed. By focusing on California, we aim to shed light on topics that directly impact the lives of our community members. This localized approach allows us to provide context and depth that broader national outlets often miss.
Editor: Accountability is one of your core principles. How does calmatters ensure that those in power are held to the highest standards?
CalMatters: Accountability is at the heart of what we do. Through rigorous investigative journalism, we probe the actions—and inactions—of powerful individuals and institutions. Our reporting reveals the consequences of their decisions, ensuring transparency and fostering trust between the public and those in positions of authority. By holding power accountable, we aim to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Editor: As a reader-supported organization, how crucial is community involvement to your sustainability?
CalMatters: Reader support is absolutely vital to our mission. Unlike traditional media outlets, we rely on community contributions to sustain our work. during our year-end drive,for example,donations are tripled,offering readers a chance to amplify their impact. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue providing essential journalism.We urge our readers to give what they can to ensure that independent, nonpartisan reporting remains accessible to all.
Editor: In an era of increasing media polarization, why does CalMatters’ approach to journalism matter more than ever?
CalMatters: Our independent, nonpartisan approach sets us apart in a polarized media landscape. By remaining free from partisan politics and corporate influence, we provide a vital service to Californians. Reliable,unbiased information is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,and we are committed to ensuring that the public has access to it.In a time when misinformation is rampant, our work is more important than ever.
Editor: What are some of the key features that define CalMatters’ journalism?
CalMatters: Our journalism is defined by several key features:
- Nonpartisan Reporting: Free from partisan politics and corporate influence.
- Focus on California: Covering critical issues like the environment,homelessness,and the economy.
- Accountability: Holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable.
- reader-Supported: Sustained by community donations to ensure accessibility and independence.
Editor: How can readers support CalMatters and contribute to your mission?
CalMatters: Readers can support us by visiting CalMatters.org and making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue our work. By supporting CalMatters, readers become part of a movement that champions truth, transparency, and accountability in journalism.
Conclusion
CalMatters stands as a vital source of independent, nonpartisan journalism in California. By focusing on local issues, holding power accountable, and relying on reader support, they empower Californians with the information they need to make informed decisions.In a polarized media landscape, their commitment to unbiased reporting is more critically important than ever. Support CalMatters today and help ensure that independent journalism remains a cornerstone of California’s media ecosystem.
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