Jan 17, 2019

CPF President Praises Emergency Response Commitment in Gov. Newsom's New Budget

On Jan 10, Governor Gavin Newsom today unveiled his 2019-2020 California State Budget

The new spending plan includes a substantial new commitment to emergency preparedness and response, and also boosts funding for CAL FIRE for equipment and personnel. It also includes a new budget commitment to efforts to combat post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) among firefighters.

California Professional Firefighters President Brian K. Rice praised the new spending plan.

“As the men and women on the front lines protecting our state, we are grateful to see Gov. Newsom put emergency preparedness and response at the top of the priority list, where it belongs. The governor’s budget takes important steps forward in California’s fight against catastrophic wildfire, so we can all be better prepared to save lives and property and better prevent future devastation.

“We also appreciate the governor’s commitment to fund efforts to combat firefighter post-traumatic stress injury, which has become a growing health and safety threat to our profession.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Newsom in the effort to protect our state and the men and women on the front lines.”

California Professional Firefighters represents some 30,000 frontline local, state and federal firefighters in nearly 180 local affiliates. CPF is the state council of the International Association of Fire Fighters.