As global inflation and war in Europe drive up costs across the country, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a $300.7 billion budget to provide relief from rising inflation, ensure public safety, address homelessness, transform public education and combat climate change.

The governor’s California Blueprint includes an $18.1 billion inflation relief package to get money back into the pockets of Californians and bring down costs for families.

“Backed by a robust surplus and grounded in our unshakable values, we’re paving the California Way forward to prosperity and progress for all,” Newsom said. “With historic investments, we’re doubling down on our formula for success and making sure no one is left behind – supporting working families and businesses, tackling climate change, expanding health care access, making our communities safer and more. While gridlock persists in Congress and right-wing fanatics turn statehouses across the country into laboratories of hate and oppression, here in California, we’re putting in the work to grow our economy and implement real, inclusive policy change to create a brighter future for all.”

The proposal also includes a climate commitment of $47.1 billion – an increase of $32 billion – to tackle pollution, build climate resilient water supplies, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, ensure grid reliability and accelerate clean energy solutions, and protect communities from extreme heat.

Newsom proposed $660 million to ensure public safety with funding for new officers and mental health support for law enforcement, as well as support for victims of sex trafficking. It provides funding to crack down on internet crimes against children and tackle the opioid crisis as well.

If approved, approximately $15 million would be use to confront homelessness and the mental health crisis. with investments to help get people off the streets and into the services and care they need, focusing particularly on Californians who suffer from mental health and substance use disorders.

Newsom also proposed $37 billion to rebuild California with money for infrastructure, including broadband and new housing, as well as an investment of $128.3 billion to transform public education.

The proposal includes a $97.5 billion surplus and would ensure that this year’s spending will not hamstring future budgets, calling for $37.1 billion in reserves.

The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California praised the proposal, as it contains four “major victories” for the committee that total $93.2 million, including funding for JPAC’s two biggest requests.

The proposal includes $50 million to fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, an annual initiative led by JPAC and the California Legislative Jewish Caucus to provide funding to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence to help with their security infrastructure.

Newsom proposed $40 million to rebuild six Jewish and non-Jewish summer camps that were destroyed in recent wildfires. The URJ Camp Newman and Wilshire Boulevard Temple camps are each set to receive $11.83 million, and the Shalom Institute would receive $9.47 million. Other summer camps included in the funding proposal are Camp Krem, Camp Skylark and Camp Jack Hazard.

Two recent initiatives sponsored by JPAC also received funding. The Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education was established by executive action from Newsom in 2021. The proposal includes $1.4 million to staff the council and ensure the proper educational goals are being achieved.

Assembly Bill 1126 by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) was a JPAC-sponsored bill signed into law in 2021, establishing the Commission on the State of Hate. The proposal includes $1.8 million to further its mission of analyzing and proposing policy solutions to root out hate.

The Legislature must still put together their own budget proposal and reconcile it with the governor by June 15.

For information, visit ebudget.ca.gov.