With days to go before extended federal unemployment benefits expire, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday his plan to extend protections for workers.
As White House and Senate Republicans struggle to devise a solution just days before the $ 600 weekly federal payment runs out, California lawmakers are working to expand worker protections beyond the executive order. current.
“We always take responsibility, we try to do a little bit more, a little bit better to help support people who are vulnerable in this environment,” Newsom said at a press conference, adding that he “expects good news” from the Capitol when take a decision. It will have to be done early next week.
Those expiring benefits will be particularly distressing for frontline and essential workers. Noting that the majority of essential workers are people of color, a group also disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, Newsom announced efforts to help sick workers isolate themselves.
It also announced a possible program to expand temporary housing for agricultural workers.
The governor did not provide details of these actions, which will reach the state legislature next week, and the governor expects a rapid change.
“We are working hand in hand with the leadership of the legislature,” Newsom said. “With a laser-like focus on timelines.”
According to the governor’s office, $ 4.8 billion was distributed this week through EDD and 7 million people since March 12 have received unemployment benefits.
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