Some public health officials and state lawmakers are pushing for more money to go toward boosting public health departments across California.
They're critical of Governor Newsom's plan because they say it doesn't invest enough in these departments.
Monterey County Health Director Elsa Jimenez says neglecting public health over the years has led to things like lab closures, the elimination of programs meant to fight diseases and worker shortages.
"Underfunding public health prevented local public health agencies from doing more to reduce the very kinds of health disparities that left people of color more likely to get sick from COVID-19 and die," she says.
Jimenez and the others say the budget money will help make sure California can be ready for the next public health threat.
They're asking for a $200 million annual investment to rebuild the public health workforce and infrastructure.