SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s governor and legislative leaders sought $16.7 million in state funds on Friday to assist Afghan refugees in the state’s resettlement.
The financial proposal made by Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is anticipated to be debated during the legislative session that begins next week.
The request is unlikely to encounter substantial pushback in the Democrat-controlled Legislature, given the backing of both chambers’ leaders.
Some refugees may be eligible for Medi-Cal and other state-funded help, but CalWORKs, the state-funded public assistance program, is only available to individuals who arrive with children.
To fill those help shortages, Newsom proposes temporarily expanding the Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance Program.