Women’s Caucus Releases Statement on Governor Newsom’s Proposed Budget

SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Vice Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 budget proposal:

“The Legislative Women’s Caucus looks forward to fully examining the funding priorities noted by Governor Newsom in the 2021-2022 proposed budget he released on January 8. We are pleased to see that the proposed budget provides for significant new investments in education and health. As we move through the budget process, the Women’s Caucus will be paying particular attention to ensure that every aspect of the budget addresses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women, especially women of color. While many throughout the state are facing unprecedented challenges, the economic impact of the pandemic has not been felt equally, but rather fell most heavily on women who have lost jobs or left the workforce at far higher rates. The COVID-19 crisis has battered sectors in which women’s employment is more concentrated – child care, hospitality, restaurants, and retail establishments. Additionally, the COVID-19 shutdowns have closed daycare centers and schools, keeping children at home and making it even more difficult for parents – especially mothers who tend to be the primary caregiver – to keep working.”

“The burdens cited above have, as noted, disproportionately impacted low-income women of color. During the first three months of the downturn, employment for Black and Latina women fell by over 20% – more than two times the decline in employment for white women and more than three times the decline for white men. The unemployment rate for women in California is at 9.9%, which is higher than the statewide average unemployment rate of 8.2%. Nationally, there were 140,000 jobs cut in the month of December alone— all of those were lost by women, while 16,000 jobs went to men. In 2020, women ended the year with 5.4 million jobs lost nationally, almost 1 million more lost than men, who lost 4.4 million in that same period. Women are much more likely than men to work in low-paying jobs, exacerbating income inequality and placing it squarely as one of the most immediate challenges of this downturn to date. The Women’s Caucus will be reviewing the proposed budget through this lens to ensure that the budget in its final form adequately addresses the unique challenges COVID-19 has placed on women, especially caregivers and essential workers.”

“We look forward to working with the Governor and his Administration, as well as our Assembly and Senate Leadership to achieve a final product that prioritizes women’s needs, especially women of color.”

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