Overview
- Speaking in the Capitol for the first time since 2020, he cast California as a “beacon” and a counterpoint to the Trump administration while signaling national ambitions.
- He announced data showing a 9% decline in unsheltered homelessness in 2025 and pointed to Proposition 1 funding and CARE Court as tools counties must now deploy.
- He said he will seek legislation to curb private equity and other large investors from buying starter homes, an affordability push that drew some bipartisan nods.
- He highlighted policy wins including state-produced $11 insulin and increased clean-energy use, and previewed school plans such as record per-student funding, universal transitional kindergarten and a proposal to unify the State Board of Education with the California Department of Education.
- The governor releases his budget Friday, with the Legislative Analyst estimating the shortfall near $18 billion and lawmakers bracing for difficult choices.