California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Signs $308 Billion Budget: Californians to Get ‘Inflation Relief’ Checks of Up to $1050

“California’s budget addresses the state’s most pressing needs and prioritizes getting dollars back into the pockets of millions of Californians who are grappling with global inflation and rising prices of everything from gas to groceries,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement.

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2022

Oakland Post

Gov. Gavin Newsom cited the hardship of inflation and high gas prices as factors in providing the relief, which will reach Californians sometime in the fall.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Around 23 million California residents will receive “inflation relief” checks of up to $1,050 soon. The aid is included in the new budget deal reached by state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

The checks are designed as tax refunds and will come from the state’s robust $97 billion budget surplus. The total state budget for the next fiscal year (2022-2023) is $308 billion.

The relief payments are based on income, tax-filing status and household size – similar to the stimulus checks sent to Americans by the federal government during the pandemic.

Single taxpayers who earn less than $75,000 a year and couples who file jointly and make less than $150,000 a year will receive $350 per taxpayer.

Those with dependents will receive an additional $350 per child. For example, a couple that earns under $125,000 and has two children qualify for $350 per adult plus $350 for each additional child, up to a total check of $1,050.

Higher income Californians will receive smaller payments. Single taxpayers who make between $75,000 and $125,000 a year and couples who earn between $150,000 and $250,000 will receive $250, plus the same payment for each dependent, up to a maximum of $750 per family.

Single people who earn between $125,000 and $250,000 and couples who earn between $250,000 and $500,000 annually would receive $200 each, plus the same amount for their dependents.

The maximum payment couples in that salary range will receive is $600 per family. Couples who earn above $500,000 and single taxpayers who earn above $250,000 aren’t eligible for the payments.

Checks will be sent via direct deposit or debit cards by late October.

“In the face of growing economic uncertainty, this budget invests in California’s values while further filling the state’s budget reserves and building in triggers for future state spending to ensure budget stability for years to come,” Newsom said.

“In addition, California is doubling down in our response to the climate crisis – securing additional power-generating capacity for the summer, accelerating our clean energy future, expanding our ability to prepare for and respond to severe wildfires, extreme heat, and the continuing drought conditions that lie ahead.”

Other hot button issues addressed in the finalized budget include a $47 billion, multi-year infrastructure and transportation package, $200 million in additional funding for reproductive health care services, and funding for education, universal preschool, children’s mental health and free school meals.

Not everyone was excited about the final negotiated version of the budget. Republicans complained about the limited time they were given to review the package for input.

“Where is the information?” Sen. Jim Nielson (R-Yuba City) asked during the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee’s brief hearing on Monday. “What are you afraid of?”

Gov. Newsom signed the budget into law on June 30.

The complete California budget can be viewed here.

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024

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California Takes Steps to Address Rising Homelessness Among Aging Adults

The lack of accessible and available housing, health-related behaviors, medical problems, social isolation, and limited resources are some of the root causes of homelessness and poverty among aging Californians. Speaking on own her behalf — not representing CCoA — Brown said more alternatives for affordable housing and services would provide a much-needed safety net for older adults in the state.

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2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

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Shutterstock. Los Angeles, CA. USA: 2024 August 01: Homeless, unhoused people living in an encampment, temporary shelters and tents on the sidewalk.

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌, California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has published a Housing Policy Brief that offers recommendations for reducing housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults in California.

The brief summarizes a more in-depth report titled “Housing Those Hardest Hit: Addressing Older Adult Homelessness.” It also includes seven actionable recommendations to mitigate older adult homelessness in three settings: permanent housing, independent housing, and assisted living.

“Expanding housing capacity across all settings in the older adult continuum of care is critical as our state confronts the pressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults,” stated CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she emphasized.

The CCoA serves as the principal advocating body for older Californians, and it administers programs that support and celebrate Californians as they age. In addition, the CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect older adults in the state.

From 2017 to 2022, the number of adults aged 55-64 who accessed homelessness services across California increased by over 90%, while the number of adults over 65 in the state, overall, increased by over 166% – exceeding any other age group, according to the report.

According to CCoa, the commission blends housing solutions within a comprehensive continuum of care, presenting policymakers with targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse housing and supportive service needs of older adults.

Efforts to address homelessness is now one of CCoA’s top priorities, says Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she added.

In 1990, 11% of the homeless population was over the age of 50 while in 2023 older adults represented nearly half of the state’s homeless population. Among this population, 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count, 38,028 adults aged 55 and older experienced homelessness in California in 2023. Furthermore, the report stated that 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who just completed a six-year term as chairperson of the CCoA, said there must be policies in place to “remedy the problem” of older adults becoming homeless in the state.

“We need to go back to square one and come up with some policies that would help older adults have options,” Brown said. “It’s a tragedy that these people have paid into the system (taxes, social security), and did it the right way, and they still need these services.”

In the policy brief, the CCoA presents seven recommendations to mitigate aging adult homelessness. They are exploring a statewide subsidy for older adults at-risk of homelessness; developing a state homeshare program; expanding ministerial approval for smaller assisted living facilities; reforming housing laws; expanding assisted living waivers; and funding community care suggestions.

Editorial Note: California Black Media will follow up this article with more investigations into the lived experiences of older adults impacted by the of homelessness and housing insecurity crisis in the state.