by Robert Schmad
A bill passed by the California state legislature on Wednesday that would allow some undocumented immigrants in California to receive generous cash assistance to buy homes has been sent to the desk of Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to Politico.
Under AB 1840, undocumented immigrants with a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number would qualify for a program called California Dream for All, which provides first-time homebuyers with up to $150,000 in loans, with recipients only paying interest when the property sells, Politico reported. Newsom declined to comment on whether he would sign the bill after some moderate Democrats joined Republicans in the California Senate to block the legislation.
California state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat, said Tuesday that undocumented immigrants who would qualify for assistance under the law are “exactly the kind of people you want in your community.” According to to the California Senate transcript.
“These are people who work and pay taxes, and yes, they should be able to buy a home,” Wiener said. “They should be part of this program.”
However, as Politico reports, Republican opponents of the bill argue that confined government resources should be given to American citizens who need support.
“We have Californians who are not illegal immigrants who need these services,” Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle said Tuesday. According to to the California Senate transcript. “We should address them first before we expand this.”
Economists believe that providing housing subsidies without significantly increasing the supply of housing could result in higher prices for all. he said ABC News.
During the 2017 election campaign, Newsom promised to address his state’s housing shortage by building 3.5 million novel homes by 2035, HoweverBetween California’s governor taking office in 2019 and early 2024, the state increased its net housing supply by only about 600,000 units.
“If they have $25,000 more to spend on a home, they’re going to make offers that are up to $25,000 more for a home,” University of Cincinnati economics professor Michael Jones told ABC News, speaking about a policy proposed by Vice President Kamala Harris that would provide a cash subsidy for first-time homebuyers. “This policy in particular is a bad idea because it’s not going to make the home cheaper.”
Newsom has indicated his willingness to veto some of the legislation passed by Democratic lawmakers in his state, vetoing a bill in September 2023 that would have required judges to consider a parent’s confirmation of a child’s gender identity in custody disputes, the AP reported. reportedHe also vetoed bills that would have allowed marijuana retailers to sell food and decriminalized psychedelic drugs, According to to rule.
Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the bill, AP reported.
The California governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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Robert Schmad is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation.
