Western state leaders request $1 trillion from federal government

Watch Gov. Newsom's news conference here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION and CBS SF) Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that California and other western states are joining to request a $1 trillion lifeline from the federal government.

The money would help fund first responders, health care needs and educational systems.

Newsom- along with the governors of Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Colorado and state legislative leaders- signed a letter asking congressional leaders for the emergency funding.

“These are challenging times and they require a collaborative spirit. They require a level of cooperation that led to a conversation with our western governors and our western pact. We decided it would be best if we go together and advance our needs and put to light — and put into writing — our hope and expectation of support from the federal government,” Newsom said.