Senator Wiener’s Statement on $41 Million State Monkeypox Emergency Budget Allocation

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) released the following statement regarding the announcement that the Legislature and Governor have agreed on an emergency budget appropriation of $41 million for public health response to the monkeypox outbreak.

In July, Senator Wiener — who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox — organized and spearheaded a letter to the Governor and legislative leadership requesting this emergency budget allocation.

“We’ve been fighting like hell to ensure California effectively responds to the monkeypox outbreak, and this emergency appropriation will be a huge help at both the state and local level. Monkeypox is a painful and isolating disease, and it’s having a major impact on the LGBTQ community. I’m deeply appreciative to Governor Newsom, Pro Tem Atkins, Speaker Rendon, and Budget Chairs Nancy Skinner and Phil Ting for their support of this critical budget allocation. We’ll continue to fight to ensure our community doesn’t get left behind and that we have the support we need to expand vaccination, testing, treatment, and outreach.”