Press Release
May 7, 2020
CONTACT:
Jennifer Molina | [email protected] | 213.537.6324
SACRAMENTO – Today, Mary Creasman Chief Executive Officer of the California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) issued the following statement addressing the analysis by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration determining a $54.3-billion budget deficit:
“California’s financial reality is a reflection of what families across the state are facing and feeling. Low-income and middle-income families, and low-wage workers have been on the front line and have felt the worst effects of this pandemic. These same families and workers will be disproportionately impacted by budget cuts to core services and will continue to be on the front lines of the climate crisis if we do not move forward in a way that continues to fund critical programs. That is why the state needs to prioritize and invest in integrated programs that create new, union, family-sustaining jobs, but also protect us against the climate crisis and advance public health as well. These projects improve the efficiency of public dollars and help us prepare for things like wildfire season while recovering from this pandemic. These are the tried and true solutions that move us forward on rebuilding an economy with public health, safety, and welfare in mind. Investments in transforming our transportation infrastructure, expanding clean energy, and building resilience in cities and across landscapes do just that. Budget cuts are not the solution to move us forward. In times of crisis we not only see true leadership rise, we also see creativity and innovation at an all-time high. And that is what we need right now, a federal and state government focused on addressing this moment with an eye towards the growing reality of the climate crisis, catalyzing innovation, and integration across the state. That is not only the potential, it is also what is necessary to save lives and livelihoods down the road. We are eager to partner with the Legislature, the Newsom administration, and California’s powerful federal delegation to make this a reality.”
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
