I’m committed to getting 100 percent universal health care, universal means everyone. Photo by www.gov.ca.gov

BY NICOLE MARTÍNEZ
EL NUEVO SOL

California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom discussed California’s budget in a Telebriefing organized by Ethic Media Services. The budget includes education, homelessness, and health care. 

Newsom’s describes his budget as a historical one and views his decisions as an investment for the future of Californians. 

The governor successfully paid the debt that was inherited from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s administration. Former governor Jerry Brown and former senator Alex Padilla paid a substantial portion of the debt. However, Newsom used $4.5 billion to pay the $34.7 billion debt. 

Additionally, the governor took matters in his own hands to prepare for a future recession in the next few years. Historically, this is the first time California has seen this on their budget. 

“We went back 15, 16 budgets and no other budget came close to setting aside more money in a prudent manner in order to prepare for the likelihood of an economic downturn,” Newsom said. 

The budget made a historical mark with a total of $81.1 billion dollars for the K through 14 educational system. This is the highest amount in California’s history. A portion of this money will go towards special education, they will see a 19.3 percent increase in their budget. 

California will provide the second year of community college tuition free for students. Those who attend a UC or CSU system don’t have to worry about paying more money for tuition. Newsom invested a total amount of $1.66 billion  just for higher education. 

“They (UC and CSU) are required to not do a tuition increase, so I don’t expect any debate on tuition increase. There’s no need with the significant amount of increase in the investment we are making,” he said. 

According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, it was estimated that 129,972 Californians experienced homelessness. This is a high priority issue to Newsom and therefore he dedicated $2.75 billion of the budget to homelessness. 

Another important issue is health care. Newsom strongly believes in expanding health care for all regardless of their immigration status. Recipients will be granted health care up to their 26th birthday. The governor’s agenda includes pushing universal health care for the state. 

“I’m committed to getting 100 percent universal health care, universal means everyone.” Newsom said.

In the recent democratic debate held on Thursday, 10 of the democratic candidates raised their hand in favor of providing health care for undocumented immigrants. Donald Trump was quick to express his thoughts on twitter and said, “How about taking care of American Citizens first!?” 

Newsom has a different mindset and discussed that everyone is taken care of in America. By providing healthcare for everyone, Californians save money, time, and keep themselves healthy. 

“If a young person gets a flu shot their not as likely to catch the flu, you may not end up in the emergency room. You save taxpayers money versus thousand of dollars for care in the emergency room.” Newsom said. 

“So for those who are concerned about this get out of your political lens and open your hearts and consider your wallet and look at all of these things from an objective not an emotional perspective and I think you’ll come to the same conclusion that we’ve come to. It’s the right thing to do and its economically something to do” he continued.

Newsom is also focused on temporary shelters for asylum seekers coming in through the San Diego Border. He is working on getting a new location for a facility and is committed to seek justice for parents who are seeking asylum. 

He will also include a substantial increase in legal assistance for documented and undocumented families. They will have pro bono legal services and the state is investing dollars for those in need of legal aid. Newsom reminded the community that if ICE does not have a warrant you do not have to answer the door. However, those who are in a different circumstance with a warrant, will be granted legal support. 

“At a time when we’re being terrorized by tweets, terrorized by threats, by ICE and by deportation we want to focus on rights,” Newsom said. 

The governor is pleased with his budget and will continue to work on next year’s budget. 

“I love this state, I love the diversity that represents the state. We are the most un-Trump state in the United States of America,” he said.