Press Release

Senator Dave Min Releases Statement on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO, CA —Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) released the following statement upon Governor Gavin Newsom’s unveiling of his 2021-2022 budget:

“I am pleased to see that the Governor’s budget proposal recognizes the grave economic emergency that has resulted from the pandemic, and the immense challenges that we are facing as a state. While there are aspects of this proposal I may not agree with, overall I believe this is a big step in the right direction as we continue to ensure help is on the way for ALL Californians — particularly those who are most vulnerable and impacted by COVID-19.

“I am particularly supportive of the Governor’s emphasis on economic recovery and job creation. Too many workers and small businesses are struggling to stay afloat right now, and they need temporary lifelines of the kind suggested in this budget proposal.

“But I remain concerned about a rush to in-person learning, particularly as teachers and school employees would continue to shoulder most of the burden. Ensuring a safe reopening of schools — one that is driven by the determinations of public health professionals at the local level, and accompanied by the necessary resources to ensure appropriate social distancing and best practices — will be my chief concern as a member of the Education subcommittee.

“When I was elected a few months ago, I understood that I would be taking office during unprecedented and difficult times. I don’t take this responsibility lightly — with economic recovery on the horizon, I look forward to working with the Governor and members of both houses to advocate for Senate District 37.”

Important provisions from the Budget Proposal include:

  • $2.4 billion for the Golden State Stimulus – a $600 state payment to low-income workers who were eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2019.
  • $575 million in small business grants to aid small businesses and small non-profit cultural institutions disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
  • $71 million in immediate and targeted fee waivers for businesses.
  • An increase of $1,994 per-pupil spending over last year’s budget.
  • Investments in early childhood education and special education.
  • An increase of $786 million in California State University, University of California funding.
  • $372 million to speed vaccine distribution and $1.7 billion for testing and tracing.

                                                                        ####

Dave Min represents California State Senate District 37, which is located in Orange County and includes the communities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park.

Dave was a University of California Irvine law professor and a former economic policy staffer in the United States Senate and for the Center for American Progress. He began his legal career at the Securities and Exchange Commission to protect the retirement security of seniors, turning down high paying jobs to serve the public interest. Dave and his wife Jane live and work in Irvine, where they are raising their three young children.