California Governor Convenes Special Session to Protect State’s Policies Against Expected Trump Agenda
Governor’s Preemptive Strike
Less than 36 hours after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called a special session of the state Legislature to protect California’s policies on civil rights, climate change, abortion access, and disaster funding from an anticipated conservative federal agenda.
A Symbolic Move
While the special session is largely symbolic, it allows Newsom to draw attention to himself and California in the national culture wars and focus the state Legislature’s attention on defending against Trump. Republicans have criticized the move, calling it a "shameless political stunt."
Preparations for a Trump Presidency
Newsom’s administration has been preparing for a Trump presidency, analyzing Project 2025, a playbook for a new GOP administration that includes plans for replacing thousands of career federal workers with Trump supporters who will carry out a far-right agenda. The administration has also reviewed over 100 lawsuits California filed against the federal government during Trump’s first term to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities for the state and map out the president-elect’s agenda.
California’s Plan to Defend Against Trump’s Agenda
The special session will provide additional funding to the California Department of Justice and other agencies to immediately file lawsuits and defend against litigation from the Trump administration. The funding will be paid for with income tax revenues that have exceeded projections in the current fiscal year.
Conclusion
California is preparing to face a new challenge with the impending Trump presidency, and Governor Newsom is leading the charge to protect the state’s values and policies. The special session is a symbolic move, but it demonstrates the state’s commitment to defending against an expected conservative federal agenda.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the special session?
A: The special session is to protect California’s policies on civil rights, climate change, abortion access, and disaster funding from an anticipated conservative federal agenda.
Q: What is Project 2025?
A: Project 2025 is a playbook for a new GOP administration that includes plans for replacing thousands of career federal workers with Trump supporters who will carry out a far-right agenda.
Q: How will the state fund the additional legal defense?
A: The funding will be paid for with income tax revenues that have exceeded projections in the current fiscal year.
Q: When will the special session begin?
A: The special session is set to begin on December 2, the day newly elected lawmakers are scheduled to gather in the Senate and Assembly chambers to be sworn in.
