Lawmakers Share Divergent Views on Newsom’s Decision to Combine Trump and Wildfire Special Sessions

January 18, 2025 TruthUSA

The dedicated session seeks to allocate $50 million for lawsuits once Trump assumes office, alongside securing $2.5 billion for wildfire recovery initiatives.

Representatives from California voiced a range of opinions regarding Gov. Gavin Newsom’s choice on January 13 to integrate special legislative sessions that address the recent wildfires alongside the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

“We would prefer if this were a standalone special session solely dedicated to wildfires and insurance,” stated Republican Assembly Leader Assemblyman James Gallagher to The Epoch Times. “Let’s put a halt to this endless talk about preparing to sue Trump.”

He emphasized the importance of unity at both the state and national levels to assist Californians in rebuilding their lives following the fires in Los Angeles County, which have destroyed over 12,000 structures and resulted in at least 27 fatalities, as per the most recent data from Cal Fire.

“Let’s come together to support our communities in recovery and collaborate with our federal partners, who will be essential,” Gallagher commented. “We will require billions in relief funding and a more cooperative approach will be much more beneficial.”

Newsom broadened the special session initiated in November 2024, originally intended to secure additional funds for litigation preparations following Trump’s inauguration, to encompass a new proposal urging lawmakers to act on additional funding and support for response efforts.

The proposed initiative includes $2.5 billion for recovery, aimed at reopening schools impacted by the fires, facilitating clean-up, and enhancing wildfire preparedness.

About $1 billion is allocated for state emergency responses, with an expectation that funds will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Officials are proposing to utilize $1.5 billion to prepare for various natural disasters, including firestorms and windstorms.

“California is implementing a Marshall Plan to assist Los Angeles in rebuilding more rapidly and robustly, incorporating billions in new and expedited state funding to ensure we can quickly address the needs of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to these firestorms,” Newsom stated in a statement. “To the residents of Los Angeles: We stand with you.”

Before the governor’s announcement, Republican lawmakers urged in a press conference on January 13 that he convene a special session focused on the wildfires, noting they appreciated his decision but preferred a session exclusively dedicated to the disaster.

“I’m pleased that Governor Newsom responded to our requests for action regarding the LA wildfires in a special session,” Minority Leader Sen. Brian Jones remarked in a statement sent to The Epoch Times.

“However, intertwining this emergency response with a politically driven special session to sue Trump is redundant and, honestly, disrespectful to those grappling with this disaster.”

He emphasized that victims of the disaster deserve a compassionate and bipartisan response to aid them in overcoming their challenges.

“Regrettably, these special session bills will likely include inappropriate measures targeting the incoming federal administration along with critical relief for Californians,” stated Jones. “Despite this, Republicans are committed to collaborating with our Democrat counterparts to secure wildfire relief and provide real solutions for all Californians.”

Democratic Senate President pro-Tempore Sen. Mike McGuire affirmed he would guide his colleagues toward prompt legislative actions to address the necessities of those affected.

“California is striving tirelessly to guarantee a rapid and successful recovery and reconstruction for all Angelenos,” he expressed in a statement. “This initial funding serves as a down payment to kickstart the restoration of communities and initiate the rebuilding process. Furthermore, we will conduct this alongside investing in legal protections for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

His Democratic colleague, Assembly Speaker Assemblyman Robert Rivas, remarked that lawmakers are actively engaging with constituents to factor in residents’ needs in future discussions.

“I have personally witnessed the devastation in Altadena, Malibu, and the Palisades,” he shared in a statement. “Individuals have lost homes, livelihoods, and a sense of security. They are frightened and furious, and swift action is imperative … We must ensure that Angelenos and Southern Californians can rebuild their lives and communities as quickly as feasible.”

Lawmakers from both parties have introduced numerous bills in recent days, addressing issues ranging from recovery funding to direct financial assistance and insurance availability.

Legislators will convene in the upcoming days and weeks to finalize the specifics, with items included in the special session set to move through the legislative process more rapidly than those in the general session.

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