California Lawmakers Prepare for Legal Battles with Trump

California lawmakers are preparing for potential legal battles with the incoming Trump administration by proposing a special session to allocate $25 million for litigation costs related to progressive policies on immigration, reproductive rights, and environmental regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the need to protect California's values against federal overreach and stated that the state would take action if rights and freedoms are threatened. Alongside this legal preparedness, state leaders are also focusing on addressing rising affordability issues in California, which have contributed to a shift towards the Republican Party among voters. Despite recent electoral challenges, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas are committed to advancing policies that lower living costs, like building more housing and improving infrastructure. The special legislative session is set to run concurrently with the regular session, aiming to establish a legal response strategy swiftly. The balance between these legal defenses and addressing economic concerns will be a critical challenge for California's Democratic leadership moving forward.