California makes Native American Day a paid holiday for state workers

California is giving state workers another paid day off — and taxpayers could be on the hook for up to $20 million a year to make it happen.Gov.Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1841 this week, making Native American Day California’s 12th paid holiday for state employees.The annual price tag is estimated at $16 million to $20 million, including payroll costs and lost productivity, according to a state analysis.

The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The move also leaves California with more paid state holidays than Florida, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Florida has nine, while the other three each have 11.Among the nation’s most populous states, only Texas and Illinois have more.In other words, California is already handing state workers more paid holidays than most of its biggest-state counterparts — and now taxpayers are being asked to finance one more.The new day off also comes as part of a broader effort to reckon with California’s treatment of Native American tribes.Newsom separately signed legislation formalizing an apology from the state and making the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs permanent.“Today’s legislation reflects the many facets of the relationship between California and Native American tribes,” Newsom said, citing “great remorse over the violent beginnings of this state.”California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!California first designated the fourth Friday of September as California Native American Day in 1998.According to the holiday’s website, the designat...