California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, is set to visit Washington, DC, this week to engage with members of President Joe Biden's administration and the California congressional delegation. This visit is significant as California braces for the policy changes expected under the incoming Trump administration, which has indicated plans to reverse many of the initiatives put forth by the Biden administration, such as mass deportations and climate change regulations.
During the scheduled meetings, Governor Newsom will be advocating for various priorities aimed at enhancing the health and overall well-being of Californians. These priorities include securing disaster funding, obtaining approval for state healthcare programs designed to enhance access to health and mental healthcare services for Californians, and seeking crucial climate waivers.
Last week, Governor Newsom took proactive steps by convening state lawmakers for a special session later this year. The objective of this session is to safeguard California's progressive policies on critical issues like abortion rights and climate change from potential challenges posed by the incoming administration and the Republican-controlled US Senate and possibly the US House.
In a statement, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of defending California's cherished freedoms in the face of perceived threats, stating, 'The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle.'