Newsom’s $40 billion fire aid request masks weak CA finances, primes NGO windfall

(The Center Square) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $40 billion fire aid request to Congress masks pre-fire budget woes and primes billions for nongovernmental organizations — largely government-funded groups providing government-type services. Going into the new year, California’s largest cities, including Los Angeles, were already in weak fiscal shape. Los Angeles City Controller Kevin Mejia said the city is “broke” and may soon be required to declare a fiscal emergency to make withdrawals from protected reserves after spending half of its reserves in the past year.