California lawmakers want to employ 3,000 firefighters year-round to tackle wildfires
Briefly

California's Senate has proposed a range of 13 plans to address increasingly dire wildfire conditions, including making approximately 3,000 seasonal firefighters full-time, costing $175 million annually. Following devastating wildfire damage and fatalities, Senate President Mike McGuire emphasizes the need for immediate and effective action rather than talk. The proposed plans also address issues like insurance crises, looting, and rebuilding challenges post-fires, with bipartisan support on certain aspects, yet showing division on the overall strategy as Republicans feel out of the loop.
The proposal to transition 3,000 seasonal firefighters to year-round employment aims to combat intensifying wildfires, backed by a $175 million annual cost, highlighting urgency.
Senate President Mike McGuire emphasized that this is the year of action and expressed frustration with the ongoing fire crises, signaling a broad call for effective measures.
Despite bipartisan support for year-round firefighters, the other proposed legislation left Republicans surprised, emphasizing the need for collaboration and thorough evaluation of the wildfire response plans.
The legislative package offers not just funding, but reforms including property tax relief for victims, penalties for looting, and new fire risk landscaping requirements, showcasing a comprehensive approach.
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