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California’s Assembly Democrats convened a special legislative session Thursday, focusing on preparations to challenge the incoming Trump administration rather than addressing the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles, where thousands of structures have been destroyed by fires due to non-functioning hydrants under Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass’s leadership.
The session centered on allocating $25 million to the California Department of Justice, with a budget hearing scheduled for Monday to finalize the funding details.
This legislative action follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s November call for a special session, initiated after Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris. Newsom expressed concerns about potential threats to California’s existing policies on climate change, immigration, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ protections, based on Trump’s previous term in office.
Californians faced home insurance cancellations before the fires. Meanwhile LA's mayor is overseas while tax dollars fund Ukraine's fire departments. Ironically, there's no water to fight the flames despite being next to an ocean. #CaliforniaCrisis #FireSafety #LeadershipMatters pic.twitter.com/snER2XpJQt
— Emily Johnson (@robeson80476) January 8, 2025
“California is ready to fight,” Newsom said. “I just called an emergency special session to help bolster our legal resources and protect our state against any unlawful actions by the incoming Trump Administration.”
“Whether it be our fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, or climate action — we refuse to turn back the clock and allow our values and laws to be attacked,” Newsom said.
According to Newsom’s office, the special session addresses concerns stemming from the President-elect’s public statements, proposals, and previous administrative actions. The statement emphasized that this expedited process aims to safeguard California’s values from potential challenges, with the session officially beginning December 2.
Trump warned California just 4 months ago.
Gavin Newsom purposely ignored him.
The world now watches as Los Angeles burns to ashes. pic.twitter.com/QPdiWHlE56
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) January 8, 2025
The Governor’s office further detailed their strategy, explaining that the proposed legislation would strengthen the state’s legal position by providing additional resources to the California Department of Justice and other state entities. This funding would enable immediate legal responses to federal actions perceived as unlawful and help defend California’s existing laws and policies against federal challenges.
“The Governor’s proclamation calls for legislation to provide additional resources to 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. The funding will support the ability to immediately file litigation and seek injunctive relief against unlawful federal actions,” Newsom’s office said.
