The state announced a pandemic stimulus plan yesterday (February 17). California lawmakers reached a spending deal on stimulus checks for individuals, small business grants, and housing for farmworkers. The deal covers a proposed stimulus plan to give a $600 one-time payment to low-income Californians. It includes money for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural centers. Farm and food processing workers will be housed in hotels if they contract coronavirus. The stimulus package includes two years of fee relief for restaurants and bars and more fee relief for barbering and cosmetology individuals and businesses. New federal funds will provide stipends of $525 per enrolled child for state-subsidized childcare and preschools. The funding extends care for children of essential workers through June 2022. Agricultural workers will receive financial assistance and services; qualifying low-income community college students carrying six or more units, and community college students who have left school—or are at risk of leaving school because of the pandemic—will receive financial aid. And supplemental food assistance will be given students at the University of California, California State University and California community colleges.
