California lawmakers in the state Senate advanced a bill Tuesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the state's first-time homebuyers program, California Dream for All. But while Democratic lawmakers want 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 in the state Senate on a 23-11 party-line vote, with some Democrats not voting. The Senate sent the measure back to the Assembly, where it will need final approval to send it to Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill, AB 1840, specifically prevents the California Housing Finance Authority's home purchase assistance program from disqualifying an applicant based on his or her immigration status. But the program ran out of funds in its first 11 days this year, an issue that was at the center of debate in the Senate on Tuesday. Facing a billion-dollar budget deficit, the Legislature and governor allocated no funds for the program this year. To replenish the fund in future years, lawmakers and the governor would have to approve new money for it in future budgets. Republicans were concerned that more applicants could make the program more crowded and take away aid from veterans and documented immigrants. Democrats criticized some of the rhetoric around the bill and said undocumented people applying for the fund should be working and paying taxes. The state's legislative session is in its final week. California lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to pass new legislation for the year. See more coverage of California's top stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
California lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill in the state Senate that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the state’s first-time homebuyers program, California Dream for All.
But while Democratic lawmakers are considering expanding eligibility for the funds, a California Department of Finance spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the program does not have the funds to provide it.
The bill passed in the state Senate on a 23-11 party-line vote, with some Democrats voting no. The Senate sent the bill back to the Assembly, where it will need a final vote to send it to Governor Gavin Newsom.
The bill, AB 1840, specifically prohibits the California Housing Finance Authority’s home purchase assistance program from disqualifying an applicant based on his or her immigration status.
In June, the California Dream for All program provided 1,700 first-time homebuyers with financial assistance of up to 20% of the home's value for down payments and closing cost assistance. But this year the program ran out of funds in its first 11 days, an issue that was at the center of Tuesday's debate in the Senate.
Facing a billion-dollar budget deficit, the Legislature and governor allocated no funds for the program this year. To replenish the funds in future years, lawmakers and the governor would have to approve new funding for it in future budgets.
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Republicans worried that more applicants could crowd the program and take away aid from veterans and documented immigrants. Democrats criticized some of the rhetoric around the bill, saying undocumented people applying for the funds would have to work and pay taxes.
The state's legislative session is in its final week. California lawmakers have until midnight Saturday to pass new laws for this year.
See more coverage of California's top stories here , Download our app , Subscribe to our morning newsletter