Newsom Facing Criticism As He Meets With President Biden To Talk Wildfire Prevention Efforts, Higher Pay For Firefighters
Description
US President Joe Biden holds a briefing on wildfires ahead of the wildfire season with cabinet members, government officials, as well as governors of several western states including California Governor Gavin Newsom (on screen), in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC, June 30, 2021. ; Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
AirTalk
President Joe Biden wants to boost firefighter pay to $15 an hour. It’s one of the things he and his administration are discussing with west coast state leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom. According to the LA Times, the governor is also pushing the administration for additional resources for wildfire prevention.
The Wednesday meeting comes as Newsom removed more than half a billion dollars in promised fuel reduction spending. That’s according to an investigation from CapRadio and NPR. The investigation finds that Newsom’s plan rolls back a more ambitious plan and target goal from his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, in 2018. Newsom’s plan calls for treating 500,000 acres by 2025, whereas Brown’s plan mandated the state hit that target by 2023. Today on AirTalk, we discuss the president’s meeting with state leaders, where wildfire prevention efforts stand and the financial implications. Do you have thoughts or questions? Call 866-893-5722.
President Biden met with the governors of Western states today to discuss wildfire prevention
Guest:
Scott Rodd, state government reporter for CapRadio and author of the piece, “Gov. Gavin Newsom Retreats On $1 Billion Wildfire Prevention Plan Ahead Of Meeting With President Biden;” he tweets @SRodd_CPR
This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.
United States
