January 13, 2025 at 5:16 PM MST
California Governor Gavin Newsom wants state lawmakers to approve $2.5 billion in funding to assist emergency response efforts and help fund vast recovery plans from devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The proposal, which would need to be approved by the Democratic-controlled state legislature, includes $1 billion in emergency aid and another $1.5 billion for recovery and wildfire preparedness. The fires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger – including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for the thousands who’ve lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms,” Newsom said in a statement. “To the people of Los Angeles: We have your back.”
Newsom is looking to ramp up aid as California expects a narrow budget surplus with little wiggle room for additional expenses. Newsom’s office said $1 billion in funding will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
On Sunday, the governor issued an executive order suspending certain state environmental and permitting regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act and California Coastal Act, to expedite the rebuilding of homes and businesses in affected areas.
At a White House briefing, President Joe Biden estimated that Congress would need to provide tens of billions of dollars to help rebuild, urging lawmakers to step up emergency funding.
President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the disaster response of officials in Los Angeles and California, and Newsom has raised concerns that the incoming administration will try to withhold aid.
Comment by Truth Uncensored Afrika: The Marshall Plan was in Europe to rebuild what was destroyed during World War ll. How did Governor Newsom know about all these planned fires ahead of time in order to prepare the plans for the Smart Cities? See article on Smart Cities on this website.
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