Gov. Newsom Proposes Budget That Would Send $600 Stimulus Checks To Two-Thirds Of Californians
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A new stimulus check could be on the way for Californians.
As part of the $100 billion budget proposal on Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a big expansion of the Golden State Stimulus checks that have already gone out to lower-income residents.
NEW: CA will be expanding the Golden State Stimulus to middle class families -- creating the biggest state tax rebate in US history.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 10, 2021
2 out of every 3 Californians will now benefit from a stimulus check of at least $600. And families with kids will now get an additional $500.
The plan would give a $600 payment to individuals and households making between $30,000 and $75,000 a year.
Further, all households making up to $75,000 with at least one child - including immigrants in the country illegally who file taxes - would get an extra $500 payment.
"Direct stimulus checks going into people's pockets - that direct relief, that's meaningful," Newsom said during an event in Oakland to announce the plan.
Previously, the Golden State Stimulus sent out $600 checks to households earning less than $30,000 a year.
With a recall election later in the year all but likely, Republican rivals were quick to criticize Newsom's expanded stimulus plan.
"Gavin Newsom is making one-time payments to Californians to avoid being recalled - and only because the law requires him to," tweeted John Cox, a Republican running to unseat Newsom. "But, Californians can't be bought."
In total, the governor's office says the new plan would send out $11.9 billion in direct cash payments.
The budget and expansion of the Golden State Stimulus comes as California has generated more tax revenue despite the pandemic, leading to a bigger surplus.