Newsom Slides to Right, Frustrating Progressive Politicians’ Big Hopes
By admin
Published 9 months ago on
October 17, 2023
Share
The COVID-19 pandemic had faded in the public consciousness, the state treasury seemed to be awash in cash and Gov. Gavin Newsom, arguably the most liberal governor in California history, had verbally endorsed many goals of progressive activists and won a landslide re-election.
Dan Walters
CalMatters
Opinion
However, when Newsom closed the book on the 2023 legislative session over the weekend by acting on the last of 1,046 bills legislators sent to him, those on the left could count only a handful of victories.
Among the proposed measures were those spending — by Newsom’s count — an extra $19 billion over the 2023-24 state budget he had signed in June, and he rejected dozens of them with identical veto messages saying the state faces an uncertain economic future and “it is important to remain disciplined in considering bills with significant fiscal implications, such as this measure.”
Only a handful of the left’s highest priority bills reached Newsom and only a very few were signed. He vetoed the California Labor Federation’s most important measure, Senate Bill 799, which would have allowed striking workers to collect unemployment insurance benefits.
About the Author
Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. He began his professional career in 1960, at age 16, at the Humboldt Times.CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.For more columns by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary.
Make Your Voice Heard
GV Wire encourages vigorous debate from people and organizations on local, state, and national issues. Submit your op-ed to rreed@gvwire.com for consideration.
RELATED TOPICS:
DON'T MISS
Crescent View West High Celebrates New Clovis Home
DON'T MISS
Fresno Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Sexually Assaulting Children and Dog
DON'T MISS
Bulldogs’ Two-Position Standout Tommy Hopfe Signs With Rockies
DON'T MISS
Artists, Vendors Plan to Defy City’s ArtHop Crackdown
DON'T MISS
Former Bulldog QB Jake Haener: I Have a ‘Rare Form of Skin Cancer’
DON'T MISS
The Many Names of GOP Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance
DON'T MISS
‘Fed Up’ Dyer, Councilmembers Unveil Plan to Crack Down on Street Campers
DON'T MISS
House Republicans Slam Trump’s ‘Worst Choice’ for VP Pick JD Vance
DON'T MISS
Companies Cut Prices to Boost Sales, Consumers Respond
DON'T MISS
Stay Cool, Fresno!
UP NEXT
As Millennials, We are Used to Being Numb and We Need a Nap
UP NEXT
Netanyahu: A Small Man in a Big Time?
UP NEXT
Don’t Take Trump’s Word for It. Check the Data.
UP NEXT
As Newsom Finishes His Governorship, Would-Be Successors Are Multiplying
UP NEXT
Rebuilding Fresno Unified Aquatics Programs Will Help Students, Promote Water Safety
UP NEXT
Is California Ready for Its Close-Up? Trump Will Demonize the State and Harris
UP NEXT
Trump’s Cynical Attempt to Pit Recent Immigrants Against Black Americans
UP NEXT
Fighting Wildfire With ‘Good Fire.’ California Must Return to Prescribed Burns.
UP NEXT
Pro-Lifers Helped Bring Trump to Power. Why Has He Abandoned Us?