A third of Californians live in or near poverty. Advocates say the budget must do more
“California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom are in a fierce debate over several-hundred dollar gas rebates as budget negotiations approach the June 30 deadline. But with one-third of Californians living in or near poverty and one-time pandemic relief payments largely in the past, advocates say leaders must use the state’s record surpluses to create more support for low-income residents. That was the message Tuesday at the inaugural meeting of the legislature’s new Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), who announced the panel’s formation in February, said it was meant to address ‘the growing divide in prosperity across California.'”