SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) – Governor Gavin Newsom released his January budget proposal, the opening framework for negotiations with the Legislature. Amid a challenging fiscal environment, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) welcomed two key commitments in the proposal, marking the first time a January budget has explicitly advanced two major Jewish community priorities championed by JPAC.
The proposal commits to continuing the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and to funding the Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program, created last year by Senate Bill 472 (Stern), which JPAC sponsored. While neither item is fully funded in the January proposal, the Governor commits to working with the Legislature to include funding for both in the May Revision. In prior years, these priorities typically emerged much later in the budget process.
JPAC has championed the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program since its inception, and advocating for continued funding remains our top annual budget request. The proposal highlights the Governor’s year-over-year investments in nonprofit security – totaling more than $300 million during his tenure – and affirms his intent to work with the Legislature to continue funding the program in the May Revision. The proposal also commits to allocating up to $10 million for Holocaust and genocide education grants, following SB 472, which established the program but did not include initial funding.
“Given the state’s fiscal uncertainty, we are particularly encouraged by the Governor’s clear commitment to advancing these priorities,” said David Bocarsly, Executive Director of JPAC. “Together, these two programs bookend the security infrastructure that Jewish and all vulnerable communities need: educating students to prevent antisemitism and hate, while also ensuring synagogues, JCCs, and other communal spaces have the resources necessary to protect against hate-motivated violence.”
“Governor Newsom has been a steadfast champion of JPAC and Jewish California’s priorities throughout his time in office,” Bocarsly added. “This commitment continues his legacy of leadership on community security and Holocaust and genocide education. We are deeply grateful to the Governor and his team for hearing our requests and acting on them.”
JPAC also emphasized that it remains committed to advocating for continued funding for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program – which is set to expire in June – and to protecting critical social service programs that support vulnerable Californians.
“We look forward to working with the Administration and the Legislature on these funding commitments and our remaining priorities in the months ahead,” Bocarsly said.
The California budget process will continue through the spring, with a revised proposal expected in May and a final budget due by June 15.
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Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)
Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)