(LOS ANGELES, CA – 1/13/2020) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2020 state budget, with more than $100 million earmarked for services to immigrants across the state of California.
Gov. Newsom unveiled his proposed $222 billion budget on Jan. 10. Proposed services benefitting immigrant communities include:
- $65 million for legal services for immigrants
- $10 million in funding for legal services at community colleges
- $5.8 million to hire DREAM resource liaisons at public colleges and universities
- $15 million over three years for the CalNEW Project, which helps improve English-language proficiency/academic performance and offsets damage from the federal government’s new public charge rule
- 10 million for the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development initiative (SEED), which fosters entrepreneurship among immigrants.
SEE: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget envisions an activist agenda but limits on higher spending
In a statement, CAIR-LA Immigrants’ Rights Center Managing Attorney Farida Chehata said:
“At a time when the Trump administration is advancing immigration policies that are predatory and bigoted, we’re proud to live in California, and encouraged by Governor Newsom’s proposed state budget, which was released last week. By expanding much-needed services to immigrant communities, Governor Newsom recognizes the importance of immigrants to this state, and this state’s commitment to the well-being of immigrants.”
The state legislators will review Gov. Newsom’s proposed budget later this month. By law, the Legislature must send a completed fiscal plan to Gov. Newsom no later than June 15.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Eugene W. Fields, 714-851-4851 or efields@cair.com