California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrapped up a week’s worth of policy rollout events to unveil his complete May Revise budget.
The massive $267 billion spending plan includes a sweeping recovery package aimed at jumpstarting the California economy.
The governor said he looked to the investment boom of the 50's and 60's for inspiration on how to get the California economy going again as it still emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
Bob Shrum, Professor of Political Political Science & Director of the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California, joined KCBS Radio’s "The State of California" on Friday and unequivocally believed the expansive proposal will pass through the legislature.
"I think he will deliver. I think the republicans will object. The democratic majorities in the legislature will pass this. The governor will sign it into law," Shrum said. "It may not be exactly what he asked for, but it will be substantially the same as the package he submitted today."
Newsom’s has an array of funds at his disposal due to both increased tax revenue, and an influx of federal stimulus money.
"He’d be in a very difficult position without (the federal funds). He could not do some of the things he’s doing without it," Shrum noted.
The proposal includes an expansion to the state’s stimulus check program, big renters assistance money for public education, broadband for all, wildfire prevention, and assistance for traffic fines and fees for low income Californians.
Which of these will be the most difficult to pass?
"I don’t think anything in particular is going to be tough. I think there’s going to be some argument about how much should be put away for a rainy day. But the truth is, we have not a fiscal rainy day right now, but we have a rainy day in terms of health, we have a rainy day in terms of the condition of the economy, so it’s right to be spending a lot of this money," Shrum said. "I don’t think he’s going to have serious trouble getting through any of the major initiatives he proposed."
While Gov. Newsom has rarely even acknowledged the looming recall vote, Shrum said this proposal, paired with the other policy events from the week, are an indirect campaign against the movement.
"He may not recognize (the recall) and he may not talk about it, but he’s responding to it."
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