You may have heard that Governor Newsom is calling a special session to “test state liberal policies.” That’s an interesting thought. In fact, let’s go further. What if our local municipalities took a similar approach to protect their common-sense policies from the excesses of Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta?

As the governor and attorney general prepare for a legal battle with the federal government, they appear determined to use taxpayer dollars without regard for the cost. California’s budget has ballooned to nearly $300 billion, including a robust discretionary fund for the attorney general’s office.

Meanwhile, local communities like those in our 32nd District are inundated with mandates to build high-density housing, often far exceeding what cities have provided for in their general plans. These mandates not only remove local control, but also circumvent the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), raising questions about whether environmental policies are enforced consistently or only when politically expedient.

One would expect that to implement these policies there would be a comprehensive plan to fund the infrastructure needed to support large-scale construction of high-density residential projects, right? Fake. Already struggling with traffic congestion and strained infrastructure, these areas are now forced to absorb more growth without adequate planning, resources or support. No plans are in place for these communities to prepare for an influx of residents, who will not only need roads and highways, but also access to water, sewer, electricity, gas, schools, health care… you get the point.

Furthermore, no strategies are in place to create a more favorable environment to attract businesses and create employment opportunities in these affected regions. Rather, the vast majority’s policies prioritize reducing road and highway construction in favor of bike lanes and high-speed rail projects.

For those considering living in a 700-square-foot apartment, paying $2,500 a month and driving 60 miles on congested highways, you’ll probably like this approach. For the rest of us, it just doesn’t work.

Affordability is a major concern. From housing to basic necessities, the cost of living has become increasingly inaccessible for many families. High taxes, including some of the highest income, gas and sales taxes in the country, make it difficult for people to survive. Many families are forced to make difficult choices, like cutting back on basic necessities or moving to other states, just to make ends meet. Without significant action to address these high costs, California risks losing even more taxpayers.

Public safety is also a priority. This shift was highlighted by the overwhelming passage of Proposition 36, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s experience in progressive criminal justice reform – a key initiative supported by Governor Newsom and the vast legislative majority. The decline in public support for lenient, “soft on crime” policies is obvious to anyone paying attention. Yet despite this strong message from voters, state leaders appear largely indifferent to these concerns.