Governor Gavin Newsom proposes more stimulus checks and rent relief for Californians

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed more stimulus checks that would reach an estimated two-thirds of California residents and more rent relief.

On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his $100 billion financial "come back" plan. It includes $600 dollars stimulus checks, additional rent relief, including help with utilities like gas. According to the governor, his immediate relief would cover 80% of tax filers in California, those who make up to 75,000 or less.

"Two thirds of all Californians will benefit from this stimulus, that's roughly $12 billion," said Newsom.

In addition to the stimulus checks, he announced that he would double the state's rental assistance, covering 100% of back rent that has mounted since April of last year. According to United Way Monterey County, who has their own rental assistance program for Monterey County residents, rental assistance has been a need but is greater due to the pandemic.

"People have lost jobs, they've had a reduction in their hours, they've had to give up work because they've had childcare responsibilities so there's been many impacts from COVID-19 on people's ability to pay their rent," said Katy Castagna, CEO of United Way Monterey County.

 The CEO of United Way Monterey County says providing assistance for Monterey County residents is essential to our economic recovery.

"As we recover as an economy, we want to make sure that people aren't saddled by unbearable debt," said Castagna.

Still, many are criticizing this move as an attempt to buy Californians, like Republican governor hopeful, Kevin Faulconer, who issued a statement:

"Californians need permanent, real tax relief, not just one-time stimulus checks."

This is a proposal that has yet to be approved by the legislature.