California has allocated $2.5 billion to assist the Los Angeles region in recovering from recent devastating wildfires, following a relief package signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday.
The governor approved the legislation after it received bipartisan backing earlier in the day from the state Legislature. The funding covers crucial disaster response operations, including evacuations, providing shelter for survivors, and removing hazardous waste from homes. Additionally, local governments have been granted $4 million to expedite the rebuilding of homes and $1 million to assist school districts in restoring their facilities.
At a press conference held in Pasadena, a city that has experienced severe fire damage, Newsom emphasized the importance of fostering optimism amidst the crisis.
This approval of aid coincided with President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to California to assess wildfire damage. Trump has hinted that any federal disaster relief might come with stipulations, although congressional Republicans representing California have opposed this notion. Earlier this month, former President Joe Biden had already signed off on some disaster aid for the impacted areas.
In response to major wildfires around Los Angeles, Newsom adjusted the focus of a special session originally intended for legal disputes against the Trump administration, prioritizing fire relief funding instead. He broadened the agenda following pressure from Republican lawmakers who argued that concentrating on Trump was inappropriate given the ongoing emergency.
While Newsom stated that he had not discussed Trump’s upcoming visit, he expressed a willingness to collaborate with the president despite their political differences.
Republican state Senator Kelly Seyarto criticized Newsom for not independently authorizing fire relief funding; however, he ultimately supported the passed bills. Seyarto remarked that Democrats should enhance collaboration with Republicans in developing future fire response and prevention legislation, asserting the necessity of a comprehensive plan to prevent the recurrence of such disasters.
Alongside the primary funding for fire relief, the state Senate also sanctioned $25 million aimed at protecting the state from potential legal challenges from the federal government, and another $25 million for legal aid to help immigrants facing deportation risks. The measure’s approval mainly fell along party lines, pending passage by the state Assembly before reaching the governor’s desk.
The most significant blaze in Southern California began on January 7, devastating the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and resulting in 11 fatalities. Additionally, the Eaton Fire ignited the same day near Altadena, claiming 17 lives. The Hughes Fire, which erupted Wednesday north of Los Angeles, has since spread across over 15 square miles and led to evacuation orders affecting over 50,000 residents.
State Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire described the wildfires as “devastating,” reassuring affected communities of the state’s support and commitment to recovery.
The Newsom administration anticipates federal reimbursement for the disaster relief expenditures.
Additionally, the governor announced that 270 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and lenders pledged to provide mortgage relief for homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura counties impacted by the fires.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat representing Encino and chair of the special session budget committee, recounted his family’s recent evacuation during the Palisades Fire, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He noted that the funding passed is merely the “first of many steps” necessary to aid wildfire survivors and bolster community protections against future wildfires.
“No community is immune from these wildfires,” Gabriel remarked, highlighting the tragic lessons learned from the events in Los Angeles.
