January 17, 2019

Governor Gavin Newsom was sworn in this month and in his inaugural speech, he provided a broad look at what he believes are California’s greatest challenges and opportunities as he takes the helm of state government. Citing an adversarial relationship with Washington, D.C., Governor Newsom routinely cited the state’s role as a leader and an example on the world stage. With particular enthusiasm, he cited the state’s progress on climate change, specifically surpassing the goals set for GHG reductions in the past. The priorities laid out by the Governor include addressing affordable housing, ending the stigma of mental health issues, training opportunities for the workforce and finding solutions to homelessness. Furthermore, the Governor swore to create the “largest fiscal reserve of any state” in history, and praised the state’s economic engines- particularly the “entrepreneurial spirit” that he said defined California. While this speech was not intended to lay out specific policies, it was an important level-set for those of us watching eagerly to see how the new Governor will tackle the state’s more complex problems.

The Governor also shared his $209 billion budget proposal earlier this month. It was ambitious, significantly increasing spending with regard to education, preschool/childcare, healthcare, and housing. The budget will be reviewed by budget subcommittees within the legislature and return with further details and adjustments in May during the May Revise process. Read the full budget recap.