LA fires: Newsom signs $2.5 billion relief package to aid with recovery efforts

In the wake of the deadly and destructive wildfires, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $2.5 billion relief package to help aid Los Angeles in its recovery efforts. 

The proposals include $2.5 billion for the state’s emergency disaster response efforts, such as evacuations, sheltering survivors and removing household hazardous waste. Lawmakers also approved $4 million for local governments to streamline approvals for rebuilding homes, and $1 million to support school districts and help them rebuild facilities.

In a press conference Thursday, Newsom said the money would be made available immediately.

"We want to get these dollars out in real time, so there's no anxiety and stress associated with that. We'll be talking a lot more in the upcoming days about next level philanthropic efforts. We'll continue to do more to raise the bar of expectation and excellence as it relates to the work that FEMA and the SBA are doing," Newsom said. 

"We need to be able to move with urgency, put aside our differences and be laser-focused on delivering the financial resources, delivering the boots on the ground that are needed and the policy relief that is needed to get neighborhoods cleaned up and communities rebuilt," said Mike McGuire, a Democrat and president pro tempore of the state Senate.

The package, which was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, was approved Thursday, a day before President Donald Trump is set to visit California.

RELATED: Trump threatens to withhold federal aid for Los Angeles over state's water policies – what to know

He’s suggested any federal wildfire relief should come with conditions, though congressional Republicans who represent the state have pushed back on that idea. Former President Joe Biden already approved some disaster aid for the region earlier this month.

Newsom called lawmakers into a special session in November to prepare for legal battles against Trump’s administration. But after major fires broke out around Los Angeles, Newsom shifted gears to focus on proposing fire relief funding. He expanded the focus of the special session to pass the recovery funding under pressure from Republican state lawmakers who said the focus on Trump was misplaced while the state dealt with the disaster.

Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto criticized Newsom for not issuing the fire relief funding on his own, but ultimately Seyarto supported the proposals.

He said in the future, Democrats should do a better job of working with Republicans on crafting legislation for fire response and prevention funding.

"We need a plan from all of us to make sure this doesn’t happen again," he said.

Gavin NewsomWildfires