The proposed $222 billion budget submitted Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom follows through on his pledge to elevate issues affecting farmers, ranchers and rural communities, according to the California Farm Bureau Federation.

“The governor’s budget reinforces his commitment to rural California,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said.

“In his inaugural address last year, Governor Newsom promised not to leave rural California behind, and he reiterated that commitment in a meeting with our Board of Directors last summer. The proposals contained in his draft budget reflect his concerns for the future of farmers, ranchers and the rural areas they support,” Johansson said.

“Farm Bureau will work with the administration and the Legislature to assure that programs addressing the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural California receive the budget investments required to enhance the quality of life and economy throughout the state,” he said.

The proposal, which must be approved by the Legislature, is 2.3 percent higher than last year. Still, the budget won mostly praise from legislative leaders, including Senate President pro Tempore Tom Atkins, D-San Diego, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood. 

'A thoughtful budget'

State Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Tehama, a rancher and vice chairman of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, issued the following statement:

Governor Newsom presented a thoughtful budget to the Legislature.

“His proposal to maintain forest management will reduce fuel to help prevent wildfires. Funding to harden homes will help secure houses and potentially save lives.

“I agree with the Governor that money is not the solution to every problem. Providing shelter is only a small part of the solution to homelessness.

“We must address health care, substance abuse prevention, mental health and job training. It is important to encourage opportunities with benchmarks for success.

“Teens are quickly becoming addicted to nicotine. His support to ban flavored nicotine products will bring much relief to parents, teachers and administrators as they help students kick nicotine addiction.

“The use of taxpayer monies to give full health benefits to more adults living in the country illegally is concerning. This permanent spending is costly and will compete with funding for other critical services when the economy shrinks.

“I caution the Governor and lawmakers to ensure we achieve results for Californians, and not just spend.”

Source: California Farm Bureau Federation, Office of Sen. Jim Nielsen, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.