As the state’s largest city continues to burn, California Democrats have their eyes on the ball. On Tuesday, the state legislature held a special session to “Trump proof” the state, approving a $50 million initiative aimed at strengthening legal defenses against anticipated federal actions under Donald Trump’s second term.
The session is a reminder that Gavin Newsom does not believe the fires are a real problem, but more of an inconvenience caused by poor communication.
Politico writes:
The deal includes $25 million Newsom had proposed for the state Department of Justice to fight the federal government in court — plus $25 million more proposed by state Senate leaders to defend immigrants against deportation, detention and wage theft, Blake and Lindsey Holden first reported on Sunday.
“This funding agreement cements California’s readiness to serve as a bulwark against Trump’s extremist agenda,” Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener said in a statement.
The $25 million proposed by the Senate would fund grants for legal nonprofits and immigration support centers.
Floor votes could come as soon as this week. That would give Newsom time to sign the deal before Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, and shift focus away from the session’s partisan feud to how Democrats are responding to the unfolding disaster in Los Angeles.
Republicans have condemned the package as a diversion from the pressing needs of wildfire victims. He called for a special legislative session focused exclusively on recovery efforts. Meanwhile, local leaders like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have faced criticism for perceived mismanagement.
Bass, who was overseas during the fires, has been the target of public outrage, including a petition for her resignation that has gained substantial traction. Critics like businessman Rick Caruso have called attention to longstanding issues such as insufficient water reserves and poor brush management.
The state’s response to the wildfires remains under scrutiny, with nearly 70,000 residents without power and over 150,000 forced to evacuate. Authorities are investigating arson as a possible cause in some cases, with two arrests made over the weekend.
