from Your News:
California legislators prioritize funding for legal battles and immigration advocacy as the state grapples with catastrophic wildfires.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
California Democratic lawmakers have unveiled a controversial $50 million budget proposal aimed at countering the incoming Trump administration’s policies, even as the state faces one of its most devastating wildfire disasters. The plan, revealed during Governor Gavin Newsom’s special legislative session, allocates funds for litigation and grants to protect illegal migrants from deportation.
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According to Politico, the proposal designates $25 million for the state Department of Justice to support lawsuits against the federal government and an additional $25 million in grants to immigration advocacy nonprofits. These grants aim to shield illegal migrants from detention and deportation efforts.
Lawmakers Defend Controversial Allocation
California Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener justified the proposal, calling it a necessary measure to counter anticipated federal policies. “This funding agreement cements California’s readiness to serve as a bulwark against Trump’s extremist agenda,” Wiener stated in a statement obtained by Politico.
The timing of the allocation has drawn significant criticism, particularly as the state battles unprecedented wildfires. The Los Angeles wildfires have already destroyed over 10,000 structures, with estimated insured losses exceeding $20 billion, according to JP Morgan.
Adding to the controversy, an illegal migrant was accused last week of attempting to ignite fires near the Kenneth Fire using a flamethrower.
Republican Pushback
California Republicans have voiced strong opposition to the proposal, arguing that it diverts critical resources away from wildfire response and prevention. GOP Assembly Leader James Gallagher criticized the budget plan on social media, stating, “Democrat lawmakers’ priority is creating a $50 million slush fund to hire government lawyers for hypothetical fights against the federal government and to defend criminal illegal immigrants.”
Republican state Senate leader Brian Jones echoed these sentiments, urging lawmakers to focus on wildfire prevention. “We shouldn’t be focused on ‘Trump-proofing’ California. We should be focused on fire-proofing California,” Jones said during a recent floor speech.
Federal Support Amid Crisis
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has pledged to cover 100% of California’s wildfire disaster costs for the first 180 days, providing some relief as the state grapples with recovery efforts.
Originally Posted at https://www.sgtreport.com