CLFP Insider

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the revised budget which reflects the turmoil COVID-19 is having on California’s economy. The May Revise details the funding priorities moving forward and features significant cuts to a multitude of programs. The updated budget also withdraws funding for several new initiatives and includes plans for further funding reductions in the event federal funding cannot adequately meet the state’s needs. The revised 2020-2021 budget proposal eliminates $20 million that was going to support grants for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program known as SWEEP. Now withdrawn from the California budget is $40 million in General Fund support to aid in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

To say COVID-19 has changed the landscape of the food industry would be an understatement. As organizations of all sizes navigate either increased demand or dramatic decline, business leaders are doing their best to maintain normalcy and plan quicker than ever before. While changes seem to be taking place daily, one thing that remains the same is the importance of managing and supporting your people through compassion, compliance and accountability.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact at the State Capitol, resulting in an environment where it is definitely not “business as usual.” The California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom are offering policy proposals that, while designed to help with the COVID-19 response, they may have negative repercussions for the business community. In addition, the Department of Finance is projecting a $54.3 billion deficit — a landmark shortfall due to the COVID-19 crisis that will impact the state budgets for years to come.