Historic investment given to Treepeople for their Green School and Protect Children initiative

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The temperatures are reaching a historical record, the fires are devouring the forests and the sequina is the order of the day.

A local organization, Treepeople.org, is trying to combat this and help children plant trees in their environment to set an example and have a better living space.

The California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom this week agreed to a historic investment of $150 million over two years to green schools across the state–a 200 percent increase from the $50 million the Administration proposed in May.

The move comes as six million school children attend asphalt-covered schoolyards at the beginning of what is projected to be the longest and hottest heat wave to sweep across California this year.

“I applaud our state leaders, and especially Sen. Bob Hetrzberg for his steadfast leadership to protect our kids and school communities from extreme heat,” said TreePeople CEO Cindy Montañez. “As we speak, children across the state are attending schools on campuses covered in concrete where temperatures can reach 145 degrees on the asphalt.

This is a dangerous situation that we can no longer ignore. The health and safety of our children and teachers are at stake, and I thank our state leaders for making their wellbeing a priority. Luckily, the solution is relatively simple: plant more trees and create green spaces in order to provide more shade and cool our schools.”

Gov. Newsom is expected to approve the additional funding later this week, which contains $117 for school greening in underserved areas, plus another $20 million for urban forestry to complement the $30 million for urban forestry passed in June.