SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to use a portion of the state's federal coronavirus aid to help small-business owners.
The Democratic governor said Thursday that he will ask state lawmakers to add $1.5 billion to a program that gives up to $25,000 grants to small businesses.
That program already has $2.5 billion to give away, so Newsom's proposal would push it to $4 billion, if approved.
California is scheduled to get $27 billion in federal coronavirus aid.
Newsom is scheduled to present his final budget proposal to lawmakers Friday.
He also announced new spending this week on homelessness and rebates for taxpayers.
