In his final State of the State address on Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom called on the state to stand against what he described as an “assault on our values” by Republican President Donald Trump. Speaking to lawmakers at the state Capitol in Sacramento, Newsom emphasized California’s role as a leader in democracy and progressive policies.
Newsom, with aspirations for a presidential run in 2028, highlighted California’s achievements during his tenure, including efforts to combat homelessness and reduce healthcare costs. He noted the state’s legal battles with the Trump administration, having sued over 50 times, and criticized the federal government for protecting the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
According to the New York Times, Newsom portrayed California as a “beacon” of democracy and innovation, contrasting it with what he sees as chaos in Washington. He urged the state to continue its progressive agenda, including reforms in education and housing.
KQED reported that Newsom’s speech also addressed California’s economic growth, with revenues exceeding expectations by $42.3 billion. However, the state faces a budget shortfall of nearly $18 billion, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Newsom’s address included a call for new laws to limit corporate homeownership and emphasized the state’s role as a model for the nation. He quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “The greatest tragedy in a moment like this one is the silence of good people.”
The Los Angeles Times noted that Newsom’s speech marked his first in-person address to the Legislature in five years. He acknowledged his struggles with dyslexia, which have made formal speeches challenging, and expressed pride in California’s achievements, including a reported 9% drop in homelessness.
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