(KGTV) -- More Californians will be receiving money from the state as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed economic recovery plan.
In a tweet Monday morning, the governor announced an expansion of the state's Golden State Stimulus, saying: “CA will be expanding the Golden State Stimulus to middle class families -- creating the biggest state tax rebate in US history. 2 out of every 3 Californians will now benefit from a stimulus check of at least $600. And families with kids will now get an additional $500.”
At a news conference, Newsom unveiled details of his economic recovery plan for the state, referred to as the $100 billion "California Comeback Plan.”
Newsom said of the plan, “California’s recovery is well underway, but we can’t be satisfied with simply going back to the way things were. We are tripling the Golden State Stimulus to get money in the hands of more middle-class Californians who have been hit hard by this pandemic. Two in three Californians will receive a check from the state and more than $5 billion in aid will be made available to those who need help paying their rent or utility bills.”
Under the plan:
- $600 direct payments to all taxpayers who make up to $75,000 a year and did not receive a first payment
- Additional $500 in direct payments to families with dependents
- Additional $500 in direct payments to undocumented families
Also, renters would also receive help in the form of “the largest renter assistance package of any state in America,” and the governor's office stated it includes “$5.2 billion for low-income renters to cover their back-rent and their rent for several months into the future. Newsom’s plan also includes $2 billion to help Californians pay their overdue water and utility bills. Additionally, the CA Comeback Plan includes more money than ever for tenant legal services."
The payments are being proposed in response to what Newsom called a $75.7 billion state budget surplus. California's Legislature would have to approve the governor's proposal.
The Golden State Stimulus, signed into law earlier this year by Newsom, distributes $600 or $1,200 checks to Californians dealing with hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Breakdown of the Golden State Stimulus
Residents may receive the payment if they receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit or file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. According to the state, most people who qualify won't need to do anything to receive their payment.
For those who filed their taxes between Jan. 1 and March 1, they can expect their payments starting on April 15. For those who filed their return between March 2 and April 23, they can expect their payments starting May 1.
Direct deposit can take up to two weeks while paper checks can take between four to six weeks, according to the state.
Those who file after April 23 may have to wait up to 45 days after filing to receive the payment by direct deposit and up to 60 days by mail.
To qualify, residents must:
- Have filed their 2020 taxes
- Live in California for more than half of the 2020 tax year
- Be a state resident on the date payment is issued
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent
- And be either a CalEITC recipient or file under an ITIN making $75,000 or less
More information on the Golden State Stimulus program is available online.
City News Service contributed to this report
