The governor of the US state of California has called a special legislative session to protect what he calls “California values” in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Thursday to convene the special session next month.
Newsom expressed concern that California’s measures to protect immigrants, defend reproductive rights and fight global warming could be affected under the incoming Trump administration.
Newsom said, “The freedoms that we value in California are under attack and we will not sit idly by.”
He said California has faced the same challenge before, and “we know how to respond.” He went on to say, “We will do whatever it takes to make sure Californians have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Newsom called for legislation to secure additional resources to pursue litigation against “any illegal actions” by the incoming administration, and to defend against federal lawsuits aimed at undermining California laws and policies.
During the election campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized California’s environmental protection policies and threatened to withhold federal funding to deal with wildfires if Newsom resists.
