Politico Pro California webinar review - Trump2.0 vs california values

Written By Erika Sessions

Politico Pro California: California vs. Trump: The New Era in California Politics and Policy, Thursday, November 21, 2024

California vs. the Trump Administration: Insights from the PoliticoPro California Briefing

California’s enduring political showdown with the Trump Administration has been reignited with the advent of a potential second Trump Administration (TA2.0). During the recent PoliticoPro California Briefing, a panel of expert reporters delved into the state’s preparations to defend its values across key domains: budget, healthcare, environment, and governance under Governor Gavin Newsom. Here’s a summary of the insights shared during this illuminating session.

Budget Battles: Preparing for Litigation

Presenter: Blake Jones
California has historically been at odds with the federal government, filing over 120 lawsuits during the first Trump Administration (TA1.0). Governor Gavin Newsom is gearing up for similar, if not increased, legal challenges in TA2.0.

To this end, a Special Legislative Session has been convened, focused solely on appropriations for lawsuits and defensive and offensive measures to uphold California’s progressive policies. By strategically passing appropriations before January 2025, California aims to brace itself against anticipated federal encroachments, particularly as the state currently faces a manageable $2 billion budget deficit—a stark improvement from its previous $48 billion shortfall.

Healthcare Under Threat

Presenter: Rachel Bluth
California’s robust healthcare initiatives, including reproductive health rights and Medicaid innovations, are under scrutiny as TA2.0 looms. Key areas of concern include:

  1. Reproductive Health: Anticipated attacks on funding, telemedicine access, and medication for terminating pregnancies. The state is preparing litigation strategies rooted in the Comstock Act, a 19th-century statute that could be invoked by the federal government to restrict the mailing of reproductive health products.

  2. Medicaid Waivers: California currently has five waivers awaiting federal approval, including one tied to the Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax, which funds vital programs such as CalAIM—a Medicaid overhaul designed to address homelessness and expand care services.

  3. Ripple Effects of Federal Policies: Healthcare accounts for one-third of the U.S. economy, making any federal cuts or restrictions highly disruptive. California’s proactive funding strategies aim to mitigate these impacts.

Environmental Stakes: Land, Water, and Federal Tensions

Presenter: Camille von Kaenel

Environmental policy remains a battleground as California strives to protect its natural resources. Governor Newsom’s initiatives to bolster land and water protections face federal pushback, including potential threats to disaster aid over disagreements on water policies. Additionally:

  • Public Lands: With nearly half of California’s land owned by the federal government, TA2.0’s agenda to sell lands for housing and energy projects could undermine state conservation efforts.

  • Water Policy: Disagreements over the Central Valley Project highlight a tension between shared goals and differing methods for resource management.

The Gavin Newsom Factor

Presenter: Chris Cadelago
Governor Gavin Newsom emerged as a defining figure in the “Resistance Movement” against TA1.0, a role likely to intensify under TA2.0. Newsom’s personalized relationship with Trump—marked by both collaboration and opposition—places him at the forefront of California’s defense.

Cadelago noted that Newsom views his role not as a disruptor but as a defender of California’s core values. As whispers about his potential 2028 presidential bid swirl, Newsom’s commitment to leaving a stronger California underscores his governance approach.

What Lies Ahead?

The webinar closed with forward-looking insights:

  • Healthcare: Anticipated cuts and ripple effects from federal policies could drive the creation of multi-state coalitions to safeguard healthcare access and standards.

  • Environment: The tug-of-war between federal ambitions and state priorities will intensify, particularly regarding public lands and water policy.

  • Budget: With litigation costs historically representing a small fraction of California’s budget, the state is prepared to "spend millions to protect billions."

Conclusion

The PoliticoPro California Briefing painted a vivid picture of a state poised to defend its progressive agenda against federal pushback. From healthcare to environmental stewardship, California’s leadership under Governor Newsom is steadfast in its commitment to resilience and innovation.

Reflecting on these insights, I felt both inspired and grounded. The sheer scale of California’s challenges reminds me that governance is not just about policies but about values—protecting people, resources, and opportunities for future generations. Whether it’s healthcare privacy, public land preservation, or fighting for reproductive rights, this moment is a call to action for Californians and beyond to stay informed, engaged, and vocal.

So, what can we do? Start small but stay consistent:

  1. Educate yourself: Follow reliable sources to stay updated on state and federal policy shifts.

  2. Get involved: Support advocacy groups and initiatives working to protect healthcare, the environment, and civil rights.

  3. Vote: Our voices matter, not just in presidential elections but in state and local decisions that directly impact us.

California’s fight may seem larger than life, but as the briefing highlighted, the ripple effects of these efforts can shape the future for all Americans. Let’s stand together to ensure those ripples lead to progress.

Here are some resources for both educating yourself and getting involved:

Educate yourself: recommended resources

  1. Government Websites

    • California State Government: https://www.ca.gov/
      Stay informed about state laws, legislative updates, and resources directly from the source.

    • Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov/
      Follow federal legislation and policy developments.

  2. News Outlets

  3. Policy Think Tanks

    • Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC): https://www.ppic.org/
      Nonpartisan analysis on critical state issues like healthcare, the environment, and budgetary concerns.

    • Brookings Institution: https://www.brookings.edu/
      Federal policy analysis with insights into state-federal dynamics.

  4. Advocacy and Watchdog Organizations

Get Involved: Advocacy Groups and Initiatives

  1. Healthcare

  2. Environment

  3. Civil Rights

    • California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC): https://caimmigrant.org/
      Works to advance immigrant rights through advocacy and community engagement.

    • Equality California: https://www.eqca.org/
      Focuses on advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections in the state.

  4. Cross-Issue Advocacy

Erika Sessions
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