California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed up to $25 million in additional funding to support legal battles against the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. The announcement was made on the first day of a special legislative session aimed at preparing the liberal state for Trump’s second term. If approved, the funding would bolster the California Department of Justice and state agencies in court fights over reproductive rights, environmental protection, and immigration.
In the proposal, Newsom emphasized the importance of safeguarding disaster relief, health care, and other critical services for millions of Californians. The state also aims to defend against federal actions that could harm its economy and civil rights, including reproductive health care.
The governor highlighted California’s successful litigation history during Trump’s first term, which forced the federal government to provide essential funding. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to expand his office’s capacity to respond swiftly to federal actions, including seeking restraining orders and injunctions.
From 2017 to 2022, California spent $42 million on over 120 lawsuits challenging Trump administration policies. In addition to the proposed litigation fund, the state legislature is introducing bills to protect abortion access and enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act. Newsom’s office expects the budget legislation to pass before Trump’s January 20 inauguration.
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