Newsom says federal government has ‘ethical obligation’ to send states funding amid coronavirus

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sunday said approving coronavirus relief funding for state and local governments is “not charity” and that his state is facing budgetary concerns as a “direct result” of the crisis. 

“It’s a social responsibility at a time when states large and small [ are] facing unprecedented budgetary stress. It is incumbent upon the federal government to support the states through this difficult time,” he said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

Newsom said lawmakers have a “moral and ethical obligation” to help Americans across the country. 

CA Gov. @GavinNewsom says his state’s budget deficit is directly related to the coronavirus pandemic and federal funding should not be looked at as charity, “when it’s fundamental purpose of government is to protect people’s safety and to protect their well-being.” #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/9XpDngudxV

— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) May 17, 2020

The issue of funding for state and local governments has been one of the main points of contention as lawmakers turn their attention to a possible next round of coronavirus relief, with some Senate Republicans and President Trump claiming it would amount to a bailout for Democrat-led states.

The House last week passed a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package proposed by Democrats that includes funding for state and local governments. 

{mosads}Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Republicans, however, said the bill is “dead on arrival.” 

Newsom, along with governors across the country, have said they need the federal aid to help fund many of the frontline workers amid the coronavirus pandemic including healthcare workers and police. 

“I hope they’ll consider this next time they want to salute and celebrate our first responders … consider the fact that they will be the first ones laid off by cities and counties,” Newsom said. 

“This is not a red issue or a blue issue. This is impacting every state in America,” Newsom added.