The special session in California commenced with a proposed $25 million legal fund to protect the state from Trump's actions.

The special session in California commenced with a proposed $25 million legal fund to protect the state from Trump's actions.
The special session in California commenced with a proposed $25 million legal fund to protect the state from Trump's actions.
  • The special legislative session led by Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect California from potential federal interference from the incoming Trump administration commences on Monday.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is collaborating with lawmakers to establish a new litigation fund of up to $25 million to bolster the state's legal resources in preparation for potential policy proposals that could negatively impact California.
  • The previous Trump Administration was sued 122 times by the California DOJ, with a total investment of $42 million, according to Newsom's office.

The special legislative session led by Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect California from potential federal interference from the incoming Trump administration commences on Monday, setting the stage for a possible confrontation between the president-elect and the country's largest state.

The governor's office announced on Monday morning that Newsom is collaborating with lawmakers to establish a new litigation fund of up to $25 million to safeguard California's legal resources against potential harm caused by policy proposals. The fund will prioritize reproductive rights and environmental causes.

The California Department of Justice and other state agencies will receive funding for court challenges and administrative actions. Newsom announced the session after Trump's election victory last month. Hearings will occur over the next several weeks, with the aim of passing legislation before the inauguration on January 20.

Trump's social media post last month criticized Newsom's plans for a special session, but the Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

After the election, Newsom stated that the state must prepare for action as the new administration assumes power.

"California bears a significant amount of responsibility due to its size, scale, and scope, as the speaker stated. To avoid being overwhelmed, we must assert ourselves and firmly establish our position, as he advised."

Trump's presidency laid the groundwork for potential future developments.

The California DOJ filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump Administration from 2017 to 2021, spending $42 million in the process. These legal victories resulted in millions of dollars in reimbursements from the federal government and the protection of billions of dollars in federal funding, according to Newsom's office.

The governor has pledged to reintroduce the state's Zero Emission Vehicle rebate program if the federal $7,500 tax credit is abolished. According to Bloomberg News, the current plan includes restrictions on market share that would exclude Tesla's EV models. However, the governor's office stated that the specifics would be discussed with the state legislature and were subject to modification.

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and Trump supporter, wrote on X, "Although Tesla is the only company that manufactures its EVs in California, this is unacceptable."

Newsom vowed to cooperate with the Trump administration, yet cautioned in a statement that he will prioritize his state's citizens.

"California is a vital part of the country, with a strong economy, innovative solutions, and a commitment to protecting and investing in the rights and freedoms of all people," he stated. "We will collaborate with the incoming administration and hope President Trump succeeds in serving all Americans. However, when there is overreach, when lives are at risk, and rights and freedoms are threatened, we will take action. This special session is focused on preparing California for success, regardless of who is in the White House."

Despite California's efforts to remain liberal, conservative district attorneys were elected in major counties, including Nathan Hochman in Los Angeles. In Alameda County, District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao faced successful recalls. And in San Francisco, centrist Democrat Daniel Lurie, who has never held public office, won the mayoral race, defeating incumbent London Breed.

In California, voters approved a proposition that increased penalties for specific drug and theft offenses, but rejected a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $18 per hour. According to polling from the Public Policy Institute of California, the economy was given priority over social concerns across the state.

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Politics