California’s $50 million plan aims to bolster legal defenses against Trump policies
This is a pretty big deal because it’s the first time a state is gearing up like this against a president. But, of course, Republicans are not happy. They’re saying that while the state is dealing with serious wildfires, Democrats are focused on this partisan issue instead.
The deal includes $25 million for the state’s Department of Justice to take on the federal government in court. The other $25 million is meant to help immigrants facing deportation and other legal troubles. This part will fund grants for legal aid groups and support centers.
Scott Wiener, a Senate Budget Chair, said this funding shows California is ready to stand up against Trump’s agenda. They’re hoping to get this deal voted on soon, ideally before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This way, they can shift the focus back to the wildfires in Los Angeles.
Interestingly, the governor’s office hasn’t commented yet, but they’re expected to announce this deal soon. Republicans are pushing for a special session just to deal with the wildfires, and Newsom mentioned he’s open to that idea.
While Newsom and other lawmakers have been in Southern California addressing the fires, the GOP is still criticizing them. They argue that instead of focusing on the wildfires, Democrats are creating a fund to hire lawyers for potential battles with the federal government.
The urgency of this deal has ramped up since Trump has promised mass deportations. Even under Biden, there have been significant enforcement actions recently. Wiener emphasized that Senate Democrats are proud to support legal aid services that understand community needs and can help those affected by the incoming administration’s policies.
