Controversy over California Gov. Gavin Newsom's Fire Budget Cuts

SOURCE www.factcheck.org
President-elect Donald Trump claimed California Gov. Gavin Newsom slashed the state's fire budget by $100 million, which Newsom refuted, stating the overall fire protection budget has nearly doubled. Both claims are partially true. Newsom proposed cuts to some wildfire-related programs due to a budget shortfall, but the overall budget and number of fire personnel have increased under his leadership.

Key Points

  • Newsom proposed cuts to some wildfire-related programs due to a budget shortfall.
  • The overall budget and number of fire personnel have increased under Newsom's leadership.

Pros

  • California's firefighting budget and workforce have increased under Gov. Newsom's leadership.
  • Newsom has implemented a multiyear plan to phase in significant increases in the number of new firefighters at CalFire.

Cons

  • Facing a budget shortfall, Newsom proposed cuts to some wildfire-related programs.