SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to use a portion of the state’s federal coronavirus aid to help small-business owners.
The Democratic governor said Thursday that he will ask state lawmakers to add $1.5 billion to a program that gives up to $25,000 grants to small businesses.
That program already has $2.5 billion to give away, so Newsom’s proposal would push it to $4 billion if approved.
California is scheduled to get $27 billion in federal coronavirus aid.
Newsom is scheduled to present his final budget proposal to lawmakers Friday.
He also announced new spending this week on homelessness and rebates for taxpayers.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
