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California boosts wildfire funding amid concerns over federal disaster aid

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has expanded a special legislative session to include $2.5 billion in wildfire aid as Los Angeles County faces devastating fires and potential federal relief delays under the incoming Trump administration.

Blake Jones reports for POLITICO.

In short:

  • Newsom’s wildfire package includes $1 billion in emergency aid and $1.5 billion for wildfire preparedness, with the potential for FEMA reimbursement.
  • Democrats criticized Trump’s threats to withhold federal disaster relief, while Republicans opposed tying wildfire aid to legal defenses against the White House.
  • The proposal also allocates $50 million to fund legal defenses for immigrants and support local legal services ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

Key quote:

“California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger.”

— Gavin Newsom, California governor

Why this matters:

Intense wildfires and political tensions over disaster aid could leave vulnerable communities in California without essential recovery funds. The situation also reflects broader conflicts over federal-state cooperation on climate-related disasters and immigration policies.

Related: California faces fresh battle over environmental policies as Trump returns to office

www.politico.com
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