Don’t be fooled, they only chickened out because the election is around the corner and this would look terrible for Kamala.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently vetoed Assembly Bill 1840, a bill that would have made California the first state to offer down payment assistance to illegal immigrants seeking to buy homes. This bill, which received approval from both chambers of the Democrat-majority California Legislature last month, sought to expand the state’s home loan program, which is funded by taxpayers and provides up to $150,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
In his veto, Governor Newsom, 56, expressed concerns about the potential fiscal impact of expanding the program’s eligibility. He noted in his announcement, “With the finite funds available for California Housing Finance Agency programs, it is important to evaluate any expansion of eligibility within the broader context of our state budget to manage resources effectively.” Newsom concluded that the financial implications made it necessary for him to reject the bill.
This decision follows a significant $46 billion budget deficit faced by California in the last fiscal year, a challenge that was only addressed with the new spending plan approved in June. The bill had been heavily criticized by Republicans, who argued that it represented a “handout” to illegal immigrants and would undermine taxpayer interests. They claimed the legislation would exacerbate financial pressures on the state and encourage illegal immigration.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond condemned the bill as an excessive overreach, stating that it unfairly shifts financial responsibilities onto law-abiding taxpayers. Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) also voiced her objections, highlighting the state’s pressing issues of poverty and homelessness and arguing that the bill failed to address the needs of California’s most vulnerable residents.
Former President Donald Trump also criticized the bill during a speech at the Economic Club of New York, asserting that, if elected again, he would “ban mortgages for illegal aliens.” He contrasted the proposed California legislation with the plight of veterans and the homeless, arguing that it was an ill-conceived priority.
Governor Newsom denied that his veto was influenced by political considerations. He explained that the bill sought to broaden a program already facing funding constraints, making it both impractical and consistent with his previous vetoes of similar legislation.