California Gov. Gavin Newsom appeared in the East Bay Wednesday to sign into law the latest round of COVID-19 relief, as well as an extension of paid sick leave in the state.
The governor was joined by state and county legislative leaders at Nido's Backyard restaurant in Oakland to announce the extension of paid sick leave.
The more than $6 billion COVID relief package includes the restoration of more than $5 billion in tax cuts, as well as $500 million for venues and restaurants. The extension of paid six leave covers workers for 80 hours and is retroactive till the first of the year.
"Business cannot thrive in a world that's failing. And that's why sick leave is foundational, keeping people healthy, keeping patrons safe is so important and that’s why I'm proud these two things came together in this early action," Newsom said.
His latest round of relief comes just months after approving four billion dollars in COVID relief. He said the relief is working and more will be on the way if needed.
"There is no convincing or coercing this legislature quite the contrary on helping out small businesses and I would expect as needs present themselves we will indeed do more," he stated.
Newsom added that $3.56 billion has already been distributed to 311,000 businesses throughout the state through the grant program.
The governor announced plans to release his endemic plan for what happens after the pandemic, sometime next week.
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