Back on August 29, California Governor Gavin Newsom was faced with a decision to make: approve or veto a bill that would allow certain undocumented immigrants access low-cost loans for first-time homebuyers. Newsom had a month to decide what to do with this first-of-its-kind legislation, which was labeled by some Republicans as 'a complete slap in the face'.
It took the governor little over a week to veto the bill.
In a message addressed to members of the state Assembly, the governor detailed the reasoning behind his decision:
"Given the finite funding available for CalHFA programs, expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered within the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we manage our resources effectively."
California is currently facing a $27.6-billion budget deficit for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, according to Newsweek.
In response to the veto, Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, who sponsored the bill, expressed deep disappointment, noting that the bill had garnered wide support in the legislature:
"AB 1840 simply sought to clarify language in the existing California Dream for All program, to make it clear that undocumented immigrants can apply. The fact is, right now, anyone can apply who is a first-time homebuyer who can meet the program's financial requirements that include securing a bank loan or mortgage. As I've said before, the bill is not about immigrant policies or the housing crisis. No single bill can solve those issues."
The bill, titled Assembly Bill 1840, sought to clarify that undocumented residents could access the California Dream for All program, which offers no-interest loans of up to $150,000 for down payments and fees for eligible first-time homebuyers.
The California GOP had previously criticized the bill, arguing that the state should prioritize addressing issues like crime, homelessness, public education, and the budget deficit instead of implementing what they consider extreme housing policies.
Some conservatives questioned Newsom's reasoning behind the veto, given the governor's support of Vice President Kamala Harris' bid for the White House in November and his stance on other issues regarding immigrants, one of the hottest topics this election cycle.
"Make no mistake, Gavin Newsom is okay with this program," conservative pundit and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote on X. "He knows this policy is wildly unpopular with 85% of the country. This was a Presidential Election political calculation, not some sudden burst of moderation from Newsom."
Nick Sortor, an independent journalist who regularly appears on right-wing news outlets, echoed Kirk's remarks on X:
🚨 #BREAKING: CA Gov. Gavin Newsom has just VETOED the bill that would've given $150K to illegals for down payments on homes
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 6, 2024
Newsom ABSOLUTELY supports it, but he knows it would be a massive political liability for him when he runs for President.
He'll find a way to make it... pic.twitter.com/0LSvJJXO28
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