SAN FRANCISCO — Today, Golden State Opportunity President Amy Everitt released the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers announced a deal on a COVID-relief package:

“Every additional dollar in people’s pockets will help working families afford the things they need most. And including people who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is the right thing to do for those who are putting their lives on the line as essential workers. We applaud the Legislature and the Governor for including $5 million to support outreach so that everyone who qualifies for these payments gets them. This stimulus will provide some urgently-needed relief to about 250,000 ITIN holders, but we can and must do more to provide long-term relief.

“This Golden State Stimulus needs to be the start of a conversation about how we can support and uplift California’s struggling families who face rising costs and crippling debt every day. With a record number of jobs lost and millions of Californians who remain un- and underemployed, we need a solution that will match the severity of people’s needs. Today’s announcement should be just the start.”