California lawmakers in the state Senate advanced a bill Tuesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the state’s homeownership program, California Dream for All. But while Democratic lawmakers are seeking to expand eligibility for the funds, a spokesperson for the California Department of Finance confirmed Tuesday that the program has no money to provide. The measure passed on a 23-11 vote in the state Senate, with some Democrats not voting. The Senate sent the measure back to the Assembly, where it will need a final vote of approval to send it to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The bill, AB 1840, specifically prohibits the California Housing Finance Authority’s homeownership assistance program from disqualifying an applicant based on their immigration status. The California Dream for All program in June provided 1,700 first-time homebuyers with financial assistance of up to 20% of a home’s value for down payments and closing costs. But the program ran out of funds in its first 11 days this year, an issue that was at the center of debate Tuesday in the Senate. Facing a budget deficit in the tens of billions of dollars, the Legislature and governor have not allocated any money to the program this year. To replenish the funds in future years, lawmakers and the governor will have to approve new money for the program in future budgets. Republicans worry that more applicants could further overburden the program and cut off aid to veterans and legal immigrants. Democrats criticized some of the rhetoric around the bill, noting that undocumented people who apply for the funds must work and pay taxes. The state legislative session is in its final week. California lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to pass new laws for the year. See more coverage of California’s top stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
California lawmakers in the state Senate moved forward Tuesday with a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the state’s first-time homeownership program, California Dream for All.
But as Democratic lawmakers seek to expand eligibility for the funds, a California Department of Finance spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the program has no money to provide.
The measure passed the state Senate by a vote of 23-11, with some Democrats not voting. The Senate sent the measure back to the Assembly, where it will need a final vote of approval to send it to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The bill, AB 1840, specifically prohibits the California Housing Finance Authority’s Home Purchase Assistance Program from disqualifying an applicant based on their immigration status.
In June, the California Dream for All program gave 1,700 new homebuyers financial assistance of up to 20% of the value of their home for down payments and closing costs. But the program ran out of funds in its first 11 days this year, an issue that was at the center of Tuesday’s Senate debate.
Facing a budget deficit of tens of billions of dollars, the Legislature and the governor have not allocated any funds for the program this year. In order to replenish the funds in future years, lawmakers and the governor will have to approve new funding for the program in future budgets.
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This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Republicans worry that more applicants will clog up the program and cut off aid for veterans and legal immigrants. Democrats have criticized some of the rhetoric surrounding the bill and have pointed out that undocumented people applying for funds must work and pay taxes.
The state legislative session is entering its final week. California lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to pass new laws for the year.
Check out more coverage of major California events here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
