Newsom proposes $600 state stimulus checks for low-income Californians

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday proposed providing $600 stimulus checks for low-income residents on top of the boost provided by the federal coronavirus relief package. 

Newsom said in a statement that roughly 4 million Californians could receive the extra check, which, combined with the $600 they’d get from the federal stimulus package, would end up netting them $1,200 in relief. In the same announcement, the governor also proposed extending California’s eviction moratorium, which is set to expire on Jan. 31. 

With the extension, renters who are facing financial difficulties stemming from the pandemic would not be forced out of their homes so long as they have paid at least 25 percent of their unpaid rent.

“Through the Golden State Stimulus, Californians who have been impacted by this pandemic will get help to provide for their families and keep a roof over their heads,” said Newsom. “This plan will provide relief for Californians in need by distributing $600 rapid cash support — for some, at least $1,200 when coupled with federal relief — and extend the eviction moratorium.” 

The remarks come as federal stimulus checks make their way to Americans across the country. Individuals making $75,000 or under or couples making $150,000 or under will receive $600 under the recent $900 billion relief package passed by Congress.

Democrats, led by President-elect Joe Biden, have maintained that that package is a “down payment” on another round of relief that they hope to pass in the next Congress. The party is more hopeful than ever it can muscle through another stimulus package later this year after Democrats flipped control of the Senate with upset victories in two Georgia Senate runoffs, easing Biden’s path to pushing his legislative agenda through Congress.