California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a surprising stance against his own party's progressive initiatives, vetoing several high-profile bills over the weekend.
Fox News reported that Newsom rejected bills addressing transgender care, gas stove regulations, and benefits for noncitizens, among others.
As the legislative session nears its end, Newsom has been tasked with reviewing over 1,000 bills. His recent vetoes have raised eyebrows, particularly among Democrats who expected support for their progressive agenda. The governor's decisions indicate a potential shift in his approach to governance, balancing progressive ideals with practical considerations.
Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2442, which aimed to speed up medical licenses for out-of-state applicants performing transgender surgeries, citing concerns about negative effects on other applicants and potential fee increases.
He argued that prioritizing these applications might reduce overall benefits as numbers grow. His decision highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced system without causing unintended disadvantages.
Another significant veto was AB 2513, which would have required warning labels on gas stoves regarding potential toxin emissions.
Newsom criticized the bill as a "static approach" that wouldn't allow for timely updates based on the latest scientific knowledge. He expressed concern about the prescriptive nature of the labeling content, which could only be changed through future legislative amendments.
SB 227, which proposed creating an Excluded Workers Program to provide unemployment-style benefits to noncitizens, was also vetoed by Newsom.
While acknowledging California's efforts to promote inclusion for undocumented workers, Newsom emphasized that comprehensive immigration reform should come from the federal level. He stated:
We can have a fair immigration system that works for families, U.S. workers, and employers, and also have a safe border. However, this bill sets impractical timelines, has operational issues, and requires funding that was not included in the budget.
Newsom's veto streak extended to other areas as well. He rejected a bill that would have created safety measures for large artificial intelligence models, which would have been the first such law in the nation.
Additionally, the governor vetoed a bipartisan accountability legislation aimed at increasing data reporting on the state's homelessness crisis. This decision surprised many, given the pressing nature of the homelessness issue in California.
Governor Newsom's vetoes often focus on avoiding redundancy or budget strains, with his veto rate staying near 15%. While he supports public safety measures and cellphone restrictions in schools, his recent vetoes reflect caution toward progressive policies.
Newsom's actions over the weekend have sparked discussions about his governing style and political priorities. As California faces numerous challenges, including budget shortfalls and complex social issues, the governor's decisions reflect a nuanced approach to policymaking that doesn't always align with his party's most progressive elements.
