California lawmakers begin special session to 'Trump-proof' the state

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California Democrats worked to mount their political fight against President-Elect Donald Trump in Sacramento on Monday.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for the state Department of Justice to sue the Trump Administration.

"We're not going to be caught flat-footed, and so that's why we're taking action to make sure that we have resources in place," Gabriel told Action News.

"On day one, California will be ready to defend our values."

Attorney General Rob Bonta made the case that the state needs to protect against reproductive rights.

"In California, we're not going back. We're moving forward full speed ahead. We're a reproductive freedom state, and that's not changing. We will remain so," Bonta said at a press conference.

Governor Gavin Newsom first called for the rare Special Session two days after the election.

The governor's office told the Associated Press that Newsom wants to "Trump-Proof" the state after a rocky, back-and-forth relationship.

California filed more than 120 lawsuits against the first Trump administration that began in 2017.

Now, Gabriel says Democrats are ready to do it again.

"It could be things like climate action, reproductive freedom, civil rights, and immigrant families," said Gabriel.

Newsom's Special Session got underway as soon as new members were sworn in Monday.

Valley lawmakers on both sides of the aisle took the oath of office.

North Valley Democrat Esmeralda Soria began her second term in the Assembly after beating a Republican challenger. She immediately moved to nominate Democrat Robert Rivas as the Speaker.

"I believe Robert embodies the values, vision, and leadership we need today. Especially with changes in Washington that will put to test our shared California values," Soria said on the Assembly floor.

In Fresno, Republican David Tangipa replaced Jim Patterson, who was termed out of the Assembly.

The new lawmaker quickly took aim at Democrats.

"I know a lot of people right now that are cutting back saving right now so that they can afford a dinner," Tangipa told Action News. "We need to think about those families rather than setting up a litigation fund for something that hasn't happened yet."

Republicans want the new legislature to focus on kitchen table issues, like the cost of living, healthcare, and housing.

Tangipa says he will vote against the new bill to fund the state's lawsuits, but Democrats outnumber Republicans in the State Capitol.

"It probably is (going to pass)," Tangipa said. "But for me, I just want to be the voice to prioritize the real issues ... what isn't partisan is gas, groceries, insurance, utilities, (and) housing."

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