On Sunday, The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom said that the approval of coronavirus relief funding for state as well as local governments is “not charity” and that his state is has been mired with budgetary challenges as a “direct result” of the crisis. 

“It’s a social responsibility at a time when states large and small (are) facing unprecedented budgetary stress. It is incumbent upon the federal government to support the states through this difficult time,” he said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

Newsom is of the opinion that lawmakers have a “moral and ethical obligation” to help Americans across the country no matter which state they live in. 

The matter of assistance with the funding for state and local governments has been one of the top points of contention as Representatives turn their attention to a possible next round of coronavirus relief, with some Republicans in the Senate as well as President Donald Trump claiming that it would amount to a bailout for Democrat-led states.

The House passed a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package last week and it was proposed by Democrats that the bill include funding for state and local governments. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky along with other Senate Republicans, however, said the bill is “dead on arrival.” 

Newsom and other governors across the country, have repeatedly said that they need the federal aid to help fund many of the frontline workers amid the coronavirus pandemic including healthcare workers and police. 

“I hope they’ll consider this next time they want to salute and celebrate our first responders … consider the fact that they will be the first ones laid off by cities and counties,” Newsom said. 

“This is not a red issue or a blue issue. This is impacting every state in America,” Newsom added.