California Governor Newsom vetoes firefighter pay increase due to costs

Less than a year after the costliest and most destructive wildfires in state history, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom He vetoed a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing firefighter pay in California.

Newsom He wrote in a letter On October 3, he vetoed the bill because it would cost the state too much money and interfere with the normal way of negotiating employee wages.

Maps show the extent of the devastation caused by wildfires and the destruction of homes

“While I appreciate the author’s intent, this bill would create significant cost pressures for the state and circumvent the collective bargaining process,” Newsom wrote.

He added, “Creating a legal platform for employees of one administration undermines this process, at the expense of the state and other negotiating units.”

Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Assembly Bill 1309 The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as CAL FIRE, has proposed keeping firefighter pay within 15% of average compensation for comparable ranks in 20 designated local fire agencies statewide.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, entry-level firefighters earn a starting salary of $54,122. By comparison, the Los Angeles Fire Department lists his starting salary as $85,315.

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The bill notes that in the past decade, California has faced a series of historic wildfires that have claimed more than 100 lives, caused billions of dollars in damage, wiped out entire communities and placed enormous pressure on already exhausted firefighters.

CAL FIRE employees have some of the most extensive responsibilities of any fire force. Their duties extend even further Fighting forest fires To include response to floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

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The bill also adds that firefighters work exhausting shifts under constant pressure, sometimes remaining on duty for a month straight without a single day off.

Physical risks are equally dangerous. Spending long hours on the front lines of wildfires exposes firefighters to dangerous conditions and airborne toxins, resulting in immediate injuries and long-term health risks.