Governor Signs COVID-19 Emergency Funding Legislation

Sacramento, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation today providing $1.1 billion in funding to be used to increase hospital capacity, clean schools and protect those most vulnerable to the disease.

“In just one day’s time, members of the California Legislature came together across party lines to unanimously pass emergency legislation authorizing over $1 billion to fight COVID-19. This money will provide more hospital beds and medical equipment to help hospitals deal with the coming surge and it will help protect those who are most at risk. I am grateful to the Legislature for their quick action,” said Governor Newsom.

The governor’s office provided these details regarding the emergency legislative package, which provides a $500 million General Fund to help California fight COVID-19 and authorizes increases up to $1 billion. The funding will:

• Increase hospital bed capacity and purchase medical equipment to combat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients;
• Protect hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities most vulnerable to COVID-19 spread;
• Provide lifesaving services to Californians isolating at home;
• Support local government to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in homeless populations and provide safe beds for people experiencing homelessness; and
• Provide funding to clean childcare facilities that remain open.

The package also provides $100 million Proposition 98 General Fund for personal protective equipment and cleaning for schools that remain open. It also allows schools to maintain funding despite service disruptions.