California signs $2.5 billion emergency package to speed Los Angeles-area cleanup and rebuilding

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders on the Los Angeles area stage signed two bills providing $2,500,000,000 in immediate funding to accelerate cleanup, debris removal, inspections and permitting after recent wildfires that displaced thousands of residents.

Assembly Speaker Rivas, speaking at a Pasadena news conference, described the package as “urgent action. $2,500,000,000 to help the people of LA immediately.” Rivas said the appropriation was passed with strong bipartisan support and called on the federal government to move quickly to reimburse the state.

The funding is intended to be flexible, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, allowing the state and local governments to preposition resources and address urgent operational needs such as debris removal, traffic management and logistical support. “This 2,500,000,000 is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back, LA,” Newsom said, adding that the state expects federal reimbursement and anticipates returning to the legislature for additional supplemental relief.

Newsom…