California Lawmakers Begin 2025 Session with Focus on Affordability and Federal Resistance

State legislators prioritize cost-of-living challenges, budget planning, and preparing for legal battles with the incoming Trump administration.

Governor Gavin Newsom is set to propose a state budget addressing a $2 billion shortfall, with warnings of larger deficits in future years.
Democratic leaders aim to tackle California's high cost of living by advancing housing development and reducing energy costs, while Republicans propose eliminating gas and electricity taxes.
Lawmakers plan to allocate $25 million for legal challenges to anticipated federal policies under President-elect Donald Trump, focusing on immigration and abortion rights.
New federal data shows California's homelessness population grew by 3.1% in 2024, a slower rate than the national increase of 18%.
The state Senate has appointed new committee leaders, including freshman Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who will chair the education committee.