‘The Freedoms We Hold Dear in California are Under Attack’: State Prepares To Act Ahead of Trump
Gov Gavin Newsom calls special session following the results of Tuesday's election
California’s Democratic governor is calling a special session of the state legislature to take preemptive actions before Donald Trump returns to White House to enact his far-right agenda.
Gov Gavin Newsom Thursday issued a proclamation convening a special session of the California legislature to take actions to bolster California legal resources to protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families.
These are all areas Trump and his allies on the right have promised to roll back once in office.
The special session is the first of several actions by the Newsom administration, in partnership with the legislature, as the governor begins shoring up California’s defenses against an incoming presidential administration that has threatened the state on multiple fronts, according to a statement from Newsom’s office.
“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle. California has faced this challenge before, and we know how to respond,” Newsom said. “We are prepared, and we will do everything necessary to ensure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
The special session will begin December 2, when the legislature convenes, and will respond to the public statements and proposals put forward by Trump and his advisors, including women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. A special session allows for expedited action, according to Newsom and others in the California state government.
The resources enacted during the special session will enable the California Department of Justice and other state entities to pursue robust affirmative litigation against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump administration, as well as defend against federal lawsuits aimed at undermining California’s laws and policies, according to the governor’s office.
The funding will support the ability to immediately file litigation and seek injunctive relief against unlawful federal actions, it added.
“No matter what the incoming Administration has in store, California will keep moving forward,” said state Attorney General Rob Bonta (D). “We’ve been through this before, and we stand ready to defend your rights and protect California values. We’re working closely with the Governor and the Legislature to shore up our defenses and ensure we have the resources we need to take on each fight as it comes.”
Newsom and Bonta were joined by one of those leading the state legislature.
“We learned a lot about former President Trump in his first term — he’s petty, vindictive, and will do what it takes to get his way no matter how dangerous the policy may be,” said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “California has come too far and accomplished too much to simply surrender and accept his dystopian vision for America. This is why we’re moving with speed and investing in our legal defense. This is an important first step in protecting our progress and the values that make this state great. We’ll be working with the Assembly and the Governor in the months ahead to ensure the rights of all Californians are safeguarded.”
Please support our work…
Please subscribe…