Napa, CA — In a move to shield the state’s progressive policies from challenges by the Trump administration, the California Assembly on Monday endorsed a proposal to allocate up to $50 million for legal defense efforts. The legislation, passed along party lines, includes $25 million designated for the California Department of Justice to engage in legal battles against federal government actions, with an additional $25 million set aside for legal groups working to protect immigrants facing potential deportation.
The funding proposal now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval, following a delay in voting last week. Democratic lawmakers voiced strong support for the initiative, emphasizing their desire to safeguard California’s values amid what they consider an increasingly hostile federal government.
“We do not trust President Donald Trump,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said before the vote, describing the Trump administration as “out of control” and a direct threat to constitutional rights. The funding, according to Rivas, would allow the state to continue to defend its policies on issues such as immigration, environmental protection, and healthcare that are at risk under the federal administration.
Republicans, however, quickly condemned the plan, calling it a political stunt. Assembly Republican leader James Gallagher argued that the state should focus on more pressing matters, such as the growing wildfire threat and the rising cost of living. “Instead of preparing for a fight with Trump, we could be talking about how we could make things more affordable for Californians,” Gallagher said.
The debate around the funding proposal underscores the ongoing tension between California and the federal government under the Trump administration, particularly over issues like immigration, environmental policy, and healthcare.
During a recent hearing on the proposal, Democratic Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur reinforced the notion that the state’s government must act to protect its residents. “We don’t know what will happen at the federal level, but we need to make sure our government is standing up for the rights of California families,” Zbur said.
With legal battles anticipated to escalate, the state’s decision to allocate significant resources toward legal defense signals California’s commitment to its progressive values, even as the state faces opposition from the federal government.