Skip to main content

Adrienne Lawrence

Legal analyst, law professor & award-winning author

View Video Library
Share
Opinion

Ron DeSantis could learn a thing or two from Gavin Newsom

Oct 25, 2023

Share

Fox News has scheduled a Nov. 30 debate between Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, who secured his re-election with ease in 2022, is actively campaigning for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Newsom, who also comfortably won a second term last year, has dismissed speculations regarding his potential White House candidacy.

Straight Arrow News contributor Adrienne Lawrence is impressed by the job Newsom is doing in California. She’s also excited to see Newsom lay down some wisdom on policymaking and maybe even give DeSantis a few pointers during the debate.

Now those paying attention clearly see that what he’s doing is what leaders should do — make wise and difficult decisions in furtherance of our state’s future. All said, red state leaders like Ron DeSantis should be taking a page out of Gavin Newsom’s book because the man shows that progress and putting the people first is profitable.

For instance, in this latest round of bills passed by California’s assembly, Newsom opted to veto a bill that would have stopped insurance companies from charging more than $35 for insulin. And that’s kind of something that the Inflation Reduction Act does for people on Medicare. But vetoing the bill in California doesn’t sound very progressive, right? Well, Newsom’s rationale for doing so is on point. If he had signed that bill into law, it would have done nothing more than make him look good in the eyes of liberals. All the while healthcare companies would have found a way to ensure that consumers cover their lost profits through higher premiums. And that’s not good in the long run.

California Governor Gavin Newsom will face off in a debate against Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis. Now this gubernatorial showdown should be epically entertaining. And that’s particularly in light of how Newsom has been dog walking right wing leaders on social media for months. Now those paying attention clearly see that what he’s doing is what leaders should do make wise and difficult decisions in furtherance of our state’s future. All said red state leaders like Ron DeSantis, should be taking a page out of Gavin Newsom his book, because the man shows that progress and putting the the people first is profitable. For instance, in this latest round of bills passed by California’s assembly, Newsom opted to veto a bill that would have stopped insurance companies from charging more than $35 for insulin. And that’s kind of something that the inflation reduction act as for people on Medicare. But vetoing the bill in California doesn’t sound very progressive. Right. Well, Newsom has rationale for doing so it’s on point. If he had signed that bill into law, it would have done nothing more than make him look good in the eyes of liberals, all the while health care companies would have found a way to ensure that consumers cover their lost profits through higher premiums. And that’s not good in the long run. And even in the moment, it’s unwise as the largest insulin manufacturers have already agreed to reduce their prices following a lawsuit from California’s Attorney General. Even if nuisance decision appeared right wing on its face, he made the right call. He clearly isn’t liberal cloud chasing here by signing off on all measures that facially aligned with left wing politics. Rather, he’s actually investing in making good policy by vetoing the insulin Bill Knudsen also made California more economically viable. The state is on track to put out its own brand of insulin next year, and it’ll be capped at $30. With the introduction of a low cost option on the market, other insurance companies will have to reduce their insulin costs to remain competitive in the California insulin game. Leaders of states in the Diabetes Belt which Yeah, it includes Florida should be paying attention because its moves like this that position California to have arguably the fourth largest economy in the world. While it’ll still be costly, yes to buy insulin between now and when California’s brand hits the shelves. It’ll be worth it in the long run for all Californians and for our state economy.

 

What’s also incredible for our economy is raising the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 an hour. And for healthcare workers to 25. Newsom just signed two bills to such an effect. Given that women and people of color are more likely to rely on minimum wage jobs, the pay increases will uplift their lives, thus boosting our collective economy here in California, conservative governors need to get it through their heads that giving the most marginalized among us access to greater economic resources translates to a win for all. While Cali isn’t perfect, no, it is thriving in many regards, including in the GDP department, and it’s far ahead of other states when it comes to contributing to the national economy. Progress is profitable. That being said, if Ron De Santos wants to lead this nation, perhaps he should sit back on Monday do a little more listening than speaking because Gavin Newsom knows what it’s like to lead this nation’s leading state

Video Library

Latest Commentary

We know it is important to hear from a diverse range of observers on the complex topics we face and believe our commentary partners will help you reach your own conclusions.

The commentaries published in this section are solely those of the contributors and do not reflect the views of Straight Arrow News.


Latest Opinions

In addition to the facts, we believe it’s vital to hear perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum. We hope these different voices will help you reach your own conclusions.

The opinions published in this section are solely those of the contributors and do not reflect the views of Straight Arrow News.

Weekly Voices

Left Opinion Right Opinion

Wednesday

Left Opinion Right Opinion

Thursday

Left Opinion Right Opinion

Friday

Left Opinion Right Opinion