Adrienne Lawrence Legal analyst, law professor & award-winning author
Share
Opinion

How Gov. Gavin Newsom is ‘Trump-proofing’ his state

Adrienne Lawrence Legal analyst, law professor & award-winning author
Share

Democratic leaders in blue states are gearing up to push back against controversial elements of President-elect Trump’s proposed agenda. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has called a special legislative session to “Trump-proof” the state and has lobbied President Biden for funding ahead of the January inauguration.

Watch the video above as Straight Arrow News contributor Adrienne Lawrence examines Gov. Newsom’s progressive strategies to shield her home state from Trump’s “overreaching” policies.


Be the first to know when Adrienne Lawrence publishes a new opinion! Download the Straight Arrow News app and enable push notifications today!


The following is an excerpt from the above video:

Now with Donald Trump heading back to the White House, it’s fair to say that much of America is bracing for impact, but some are doing even more. Namely, one Gavin Newsom. Once it became evident that Trump took the win, California’s governor took swift action, calling for a legislative special session to help protect the state’s policies ahead of the impending administration, and specifically, it’s the policies on climate change, immigration policy and even reproductive rights.

Newsom’s actions to protect California from Trump’s Project 2025 agenda are not just political posturing. They’re wise and statistically supported decisions that confirm how critical this leadership style is. More governors who wish to protect their constituents should be making moves like Newsom is right now.

Let’s look at the facts. First, California has a long, long history of being a leader in progressive policies, especially on issues like climate change, healthcare and immigration. Under Trump’s first administration, California’s efforts to lead in these areas were consistently challenged and undermined. For instance, in 2019 Trump revoked California’s authority to set auto emission rules that were stricter than the federal rules, even though California standards were proven to be extraordinarily successful. In fact, according to the California Legislative Analyst Office, California had reduced carbon emissions by 13% between 2004 and 2017; the national average during that time increased by 1% — the numbers do not lie. Tailpipe pollution is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In California, maintaining a strict policy is a form of action. Those standards were critical to reducing harm to the climate, yet Trump sought to roll them on back. Why? So he could benefit big companies by taking action.

Now Newsom is helping California maintain the forward momentum it has built on climate leadership. Also, the California governor is wisely looking to shore up immigration protections, given Trump’s promise to deport undocumented individuals and even to try to boot out denaturalized citizens.

Now with Donald Trump heading back to the White House, it’s fair to say that much of America is bracing for impact, but some are doing even more. Namely, one gavid Newsom, once it became evident that Trump took the win, California’s governor took swift action, calling for a legislative special session to help protect the state’s policies ahead of the impending administration, and specifically, it’s the policies on climate change, immigration policy and even reproductive rights. Newsom’s actions to protect California from Trump’s project 2025 agenda are not just political posturing. They’re wise and statistically supported decisions that confirm how critical this leadership style is. More governors who wish to protect their constituents should be making moves like Newsom is right now, let’s look at the facts. First, California has a long, long history of being a leader in progressive policies, especially on issues like climate change, healthcare and immigration. Under Trump’s first administration, California, efforts to lead in these areas were consistently challenged and undermined. For instance, in 2019 Trump revoked California’s authority to set auto emission rules that were stricter than the federal rules, even though California standards were proven to be extraordinarily successful. In fact, according to the California Legislative Analyst Office, California had reduced carbon emissions by 13% 13% between 2004 and 2017, the national average during that time increased by 1% the numbers do not lie. Tail pipe pollution is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In California, maintaining a strict policy is a form of action. Those standards were critical to reducing harm to the climate, yet Trump sought to roll them on back. Why? So he could benefit big companies by taking action now, Newsom is helping California maintain the forward momentum it has built on climate leadership. Also, the California governor is wisely looking to shore up immigration protections, given Trump’s promise to deport undocumented individuals and even to try to boot out denaturalized citizens. California is home to more than 10 million immigrants, and the state has long been a safe haven for those seeking a better life. According to a 2020 Pew Research Study, 73% of Californians said that they supported creating a path for citizenship for undocumented immigrants. This shows a strong consensus that the state values and protects its immigrant population. Newsom’s push to maintain California as a sanctuary state is not just a moral imperative, but also a practical one. Immigrants are the backbone of California’s economy. It also happens to be what the fifth largest economy in the world. So we’re doing something right. The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that immigrants account for approximately 27% of California’s workforce, contributing more than 400 billion to the state’s GDP. So by ensuring that these contributions are not undermined by hostile and racist federal policies. Well, Newsom is protecting California’s economy. You know, those of us who’ve been paying attention, we know that Trump’s impending policies will do far more harm than good for the American people, and that includes the people in California. So nuisance proactive steps here. They’re not just political strategy. They’re backed by solid, good reason and also the will of the people protecting California from the anticipated overreach of a Trump administration and its project 2025, mission is crucial for maintaining the state’s democratic values, environmental leadership and our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities. And research shows that a majority of Californians support Newsom stances on these issues, from everything from climate change to immigrant rights. He is fighting to ensure that these values continue to define our great state and our governor’s leadership. Well, I would say it’s all about defend defending Californians and what we care about, freedom, opportunity, fairness. What is your governor doing? Hopefully it’s more than just bracing for impact

More from Adrienne Lawrence