Jewish Caucus Applauds Additional Funding to Protect Vulnerable Communities Amid Surge in Mideast Violence

Jewish Caucus Applauds Additional Funding to Protect Vulnerable Communities Amid Surge in Mideast Violence

Governor Newsom Announces $30 Million in Additional State Funds to Support Communities Threatened by Hate-Motivated Violence

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, following terrorist attacks against Israel and heightened concerns in the United States, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will provide an additional $30 million in funding to protect communities at risk of hate-motivated violence. This includes an additional $20 million for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) as well as $10 million to reimburse local law enforcement agencies providing enhanced protection to houses of worship and other potential targets.

“These critical security resources will make a huge difference and send a powerful message when so many in our community are feeling on edge,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Co-Chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for his long standing solidarity with the Jewish community and for standing with us in word and in deed during these challenging times. California cannot stand idly by while the Jewish community or any other vulnerable community is threatened by hate and extremism.”

Background on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Today’s announcement builds on longstanding work by the Jewish Caucus to establish and fund the NSGP, which has provided critical security funding to nonprofits at risk of hate-motivated violence – including $120 million over the last three state budget cycles. Since the program was first established in 2019 pursuant to AB 1548 (Gabriel), it has become the most popular grant administered by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and has been a critical lifeline for diverse faith communities, LGBTQ community centers, reproductive health facilities, and other organizations threatened by violent extremism. Earlier this month, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 1185 (Gabriel), which will broaden the reach of the NSGP and help to ensure that funding is directed to applicants who are most likely to be targeted by hate-motivated violence.

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