SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on Monday to begin a special session aimed at protecting the state's progressive policies ahead of another Trump presidency.
The Democratic governor, a fierce critic of President-elect Donald Trump, is positioning California as the center of resistance against the conservative agenda. He is asking his Democratic allies in the Legislature, who hold supermajorities in both chambers, to approve additional funding for the attorney general's office to prepare for legal challenges anticipated from federal policies.
"We’re not going to be caught flat-footed," Newsom said at a recent news conference.
Trump often depicts California as representing all he sees wrong in America. Democrats control every statewide office in California and have commanding margins in both the Legislature and congressional delegation, outnumbering registered Republicans by nearly 2-to-1 statewide.
Trump called Governor Newsom "New-scum" during a campaign stop and has criticized California over its large number of immigrants without legal status, homeless population, and regulations.
Trump also entered into a water rights battle over the endangered delta smelt and threatened federal aid withdrawal amid increasing wildfire threats. He vowed mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and prosecution of political enemies.
Before the special session begins, state lawmakers are scheduled to swear in new members and elect leaders for 2025. Hundreds plan to march around the Capitol urging action against Trump's deportation plans.
State Attorney General Rob Bonta stated his office will protect California’s immigrant population. Meanwhile, Newsom proposed reviving an electric vehicle rebate program if federal tax credits are cut under Trump’s administration. He is also considering creating a disaster relief fund following Trump's threats.
Republican lawmakers criticized Newsom's actions regarding this special session. Rep. Vince Fong suggested working with Trump's administration instead:
"Gavin Newsom´s actions are tone-deaf to Californians' concerns," Fong said on social media.
Legislators expect discussions on protecting laws targeted by Trump’s administration including sanctuary provisions for abortion seekers from restrictive states.
California was first to mandate that by 2035 all new vehicles sold be electric or hybrids; it also provides health care regardless of immigration status.
"We are positioned...to be the tip of the spear...against any unlawful or unconstitutional actions by Trump," said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel about securing funds before Trump's inauguration day on Jan. 20th