UP IN SMOKE: Newsom vetoes raise for state firefighters, just months after devastating LA inferno

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The sanctuary state of California has plenty of money to support illegal aliens, but when it comes to paying firefighters who put their lives on the line, suddenly the coffers are short on funds.

From the New York Post: Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bipartisan bill to raise the salaries of California firefighters nine months after the most expensive inferno in state history incinerated Los Angeles.

On Friday, Newsom formally refused to sign a bill that would have bumped wages for CAL FIRE — the state firefighting service — up closer to those of certain local fire departments, which pay their firefighters 11 to 29% more.

The base pay for state firefighters is only $54,122 per year — while Los Angeles city firefighters make at least $85,315.

The veto came after a long battle for higher pay by state firefighters, which had almost unanimous support from California lawmakers.

The report explains that the bill would have brought wages for CAL FIRE employees to within 15% of the average of 20 local departments, and would have cost the state $373 million to $609 million in its first year.

Newsom argued that the wage increase would put “significant cost pressures” on state coffers and argued it would “circumvent the collective bargaining process.

Newsom’s decision has prompted massive outrage.

Mike Netter, who led the effort to recall Newsom from the governor’s seat, blasted Newsom for vetoing the bill. He wrote:

GAVIN NEWSOM REJECTS 175 MILLION INCREASE FOR FIREFIGHTERS IN FAVOR OF SPENDING 250 MILLION ON A SPECIAL ELECTION. (This MUST BE REPOSTED).

It was very disappointing and frustrating. To learn the day before the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, where 6 CAL FIRE Firefighters were put on the wall. The Governor @CAgovernor who stood in front of news camera’s and challenged the President of the United States to pay U.S Forest Service Firefighters appropriately. Would VETOED!!! A bill that would have began to pay CAL FIRE Fighters appropriately. This was strictly the decision of the Governor, because the bill went to him with full support of both Republicans and Democrats. NOT ONE NO VOTE , from either side . Does he really care about firefighters or does he like to stand in front of fire engines and say he does? !!!

Local 2881 Cal Fire Union President Tim Edwards released a fiery statement condemning Newsom. He wrote:

The timing could not be more disheartening. Just one day before we gathered to honor our fallen brothers at the California Firefighters Memorial, the Governor chose to veto AB1309, a bill that would have taken a meaningful step toward fair pay for California’s firefighters. This is the same Governor who publicly urged the President to raise wages for U.S. Forestry Firefighters, yet refuses to extend that same commitment to the brave men and women fighting fires in his own state.

AB1309 passed through the legislature with bipartisan support. That unity speaks volumes. Unfortunately, so does the Governor’s decision. It’s clear that he’s willing to stand in front of CAL FIRE engines and helicopters when the cameras are rolling, but when it comes time to stand behind the people who operate them, he falls silent.

To our brothers and sisters, this fight is far from over. We will keep pushing. We will keep fighting. And we will keep demanding the respect and compensation we have earned. Stay strong. Stay united. Stay the course.

READ MORE from the New York Post.

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