California Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing to cut $6.1 billion from a variety of programs as part of next year's budget.
He says the budget prioritizes public education, public health and public safety.
Newsom's Thursday forecast estimates unemployment will climb to nearly 25% and tax revenues will drop by about a quarter.
The budget also calls for 10% pay cuts for state employees, which the governor says includes him and his staff.
Newsom plans to tap the state’s $16 billion rainy day fund over three years.
He says the cuts break his heart after record surpluses.
“COVID-19 has caused California and economies across the country to confront a steep and unprecedented economic crisis – facing massive job losses and revenue shortfalls,” said Governor Newsom. “Our budget today reflects that emergency. We are proposing a budget to fund our most essential priorities – public health, public safety and public education – and to support workers and small businesses as we restart our economy. But difficult decisions lie ahead. With shared sacrifice and the resilient spirit that makes California great, I am confident we will emerge stronger from this crisis in the years ahead.”
Newsom has convened a Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery – a diverse group of leaders from business, labor, and the non-profit sector – to develop actionable recommendations and advise the state on how the state’s economic recovery can be expedited.
The Administration is also committed to working with colleges and universities to build on their experience with distance learning and develop a statewide educational program that will allow more students to access training and education through distance learning.
(Office of Governor Sisolak, The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
