SACRAMENTO – The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) commends Governor Newsom for putting forth a comprehensive, thoughtful and achievable set of investments to help California’s most vulnerable in his 2019-20 budget proposal released today.

 “The fact that our Governor has put forth such a bold and well-reasoned set of proposals is refreshing and gives our members hope that we will make significant progress against poverty in the coming years,” said Frank Mecca, Executive Director of CWDA. “The budget reflects the values of our state, as well as the values of our county human services directors, in its approach to ending deep poverty and addressing the growing problem of homelessness.”

Proposals contained in the budget would significantly increase CalWORKs grants to ensure no child is living below 50 percent of the federal poverty level, boost the state’s investment in its earned income tax credit, address the effects of trauma on children and adults, and fund various efforts to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness across the state. Child care, early education and home visiting efforts are also slated for increases. Under the package, children and adults receiving services under Medi-Cal also would be screened for trauma.

“The Governor spoke during his campaign about the need to be bold and innovate, and this budget does just that” Mecca said. “Taken together, these proposals reflect a nuanced and realistic understanding of what it takes to fight poverty and homelessness, and the trauma that they inflict. We are excited to see the Governor’s sincere and passionate commitment to these issues and look forward to working with him to make a real difference for the communities we serve.”