State bill could provide money to California kids who lost parent to COVID

Senate Bill 854 would create a savings account for kids who’ve lost a parent or permanent caregiver to COVID-19. Youth in long-term foster care also would be eligible.

Kids under 9 would receive $4,000 in an account. Kids 10 to 17 years old would receive $8,000 that they could access when they turn 18.

State Sen. Nancy Skinner, who introduced the bill, said 67% of kids who’ve lost a parent or primary caregiver to COVID were kids of color and kids of low-wage workers.

“A child is dependent on their family, and so if they have lost their family, who do they turn to?” Skinner said. “If we have the ability to offer some children some hope for the future, then I think it is time that we do it.”

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