Latest news with #IGS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Karen Bass thrust back into hot seat amid LA unrest
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is grappling with the second high-profile crisis of her tenure as immigration protests roil her city, months after devastating wildfires tore through the region. Bass, who's running for reelection in 2026, faced backlash over her wildfire response, including an ill-timed trip abroad as the crisis started, and her favorability ratings have taken a hit. Now, the first-term mayor is navigating demonstrations that have drawn national attention and intervention from President Trump, who went around Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) this weekend to send hundreds of National Guard troops into Los Angeles. She's the only big name running for her mayoral seat at this early point in the midterm cycle, and experts say her handling of the current crisis could help cement her glide path to reelection — or open the door for challengers. 'I feel like Karen Bass and her team learned at the beginning of the year that every moment from now until her reelection is crucial to get right,' said California Democratic strategist Kate Maeder. 'Bass has been battle-tested with the recent wildfire devastation. And with this, she gets another chance to show that she can lead the city through a crisis.' Bass, a progressive who defeated wealthy Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso in the 2022 mayoral race, faced some of the fiercest criticism levied at Democratic officials during the California wildfires in January. As leader of the city at the center of the disaster, she was blasted for being on a U.S. delegation trip to Ghana as fires broke out and hammered over a viral clip in which she remained silent in the face of a reporter's questions. The fires would go on to wreak massive damage throughout Los Angeles, and they've appeared to impact Bass in the polls as communities recover. From 2024 to 2025, her net favorability flipped from a net-positive score to a net rating of negative 12, according to the annual University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin School Quality of Life Index survey in Los Angeles County released in April. A University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) survey in March found 44 percent of Los Angeles voters thought Bass did a poor or very poor job responding to the wildfires, compared to 36 percent who thought she did fair or better. And an IGS poll in May found 32 percent of voters within the city of Los Angeles viewed Bass favorably, compared to 50 percent who viewed her unfavorably and another 18 percent with no opinion. Shortly before her 2022 mayoral win, 50 percent viewed her favorably. Now, the tensions between law enforcement, protesters and the federal government in Los Angeles pose a new problem for Bass, though some also see it as a chance at redemption. 'During the fires, Karen Bass was nowhere, and during this crisis, she's everywhere,' said California Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio. 'She has to prove that she can handle a crisis, which she was faulted on being unable to do during the fires. And so this is a real test for her,' Maviglio said, adding that the mayor has been 'right on message' so far. Last weekend, as demonstrators in the city expressed outrage over the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, Trump activated 2,000 National Guard members to quell the protesters. The move marked a rare instance of a president calling in the forces without agreement from the state, and Democrats cast it as an abuse of power. Meanwhile, Trump has accused Bass and Newsom of being unable to do their jobs. The national attention on the situation makes for an added challenge, in that Bass has to counter Trump's rhetoric about what's happening in her city. 'She's got to come up with a narrative that shows that the resistance led by her contributed to the end of the crisis on good terms for Los Angeles,' said Fernando Guerra, founding director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. 'I don't know what that looks like, and that's the degree of difficulty for her.' California leaders have so far walked a balance of pushing back against Trump, supporting the right to protest and condemning violence. Bass on Tuesday stressed that the situation was under control before the White House stepped in. 'On Saturday, the President posted a message about what a great job the National Guard did in L.A. They didn't even get here until Sunday. This entire effort is solely to cause chaos and the people of Los Angeles — and our troops — don't deserve it,' she said on X. 'It is really a high wire test for her,' said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. 'Past crises have been prickly for the mayor.' Before becoming mayor of the country's second-largest city, Bass served in the California state Assembly — where she was the first African American woman to be Speaker of any state legislature — and then represented California's 33rd Congressional District in the U.S. House. She faced a recall effort after the wildfires earlier this year, but even former rival Caruso came out against it, saying Los Angeles needed unity after the disaster. As of right now, Bass is the only big-name candidate in the 2026 race. If that doesn't change, she's all but assured another mayoral term in the blue stronghold, experts said, despite her dip in favorability polling. But California's primary registration deadline isn't until next spring, and prospective candidates could be taking a wait-and-see approach as she handles political hot water. 'She has a real opportunity with this crisis … to thwart any challengers, if she's able to show strength to solve the problem and to coalesce her support,' Maeder said. Caruso, who lost to Bass by roughly 10 points in 2022, is reportedly weighing another bid for the seat, though he's also cropped up in chatter for the open governor's mansion because Newsom is term-limited. 'If you see a further deterioration of her support, that will lead to not only Caruso, but potential other either self-funded candidates or a state legislator or a member of Congress seriously thinking about running,' Guerra said, with the caveat that 'that's a big if.' Even after protests dissipate, though, recovery is 'going to take a lot of leadership as well,' Maviglio said. 'If she proves she can handle this crisis, that's going to give anybody who was [thinking of] running because of the fires second thoughts.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Karen Bass thrust back into hot seat amid LA unrest
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is grappling with the second high-profile crisis of her tenure as immigration protests roil her city, months after devastating wildfires tore through the region. Bass, who's running for reelection in 2026, faced backlash over her wildfire response, including an ill-timed trip abroad as the crisis started, and her favorability ratings have taken a hit. Now, the first-term mayor is navigating demonstrations that have drawn national attention and intervention from President Trump, who went around Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) this weekend to send hundreds of National Guard troops into Los Angeles. She's the only big name running for her mayoral seat at this early point in the midterm cycle, and experts say her handling of the current crisis could help cement her glide path to reelection — or open the door for challengers. 'I feel like Karen Bass and her team learned at the beginning of the year that every moment from now until her reelection is crucial to get right,' said California Democratic strategist Kate Maeder. 'Bass has been battle-tested with the recent wildfire devastation. And with this, she gets another chance to show that she can lead the city through a crisis.' Bass, a progressive who defeated wealthy Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso in the 2022 mayoral race, faced some of the fiercest criticism levied at Democratic officials during the California wildfires in January. As leader of the city at the center of the disaster, she was blasted for being on a U.S. delegation trip to Ghana as fires broke out and hammered over a viral clip in which she remained silent in the face of a reporter's questions. The fires would go on to wreak massive damage throughout Los Angeles, and they've appeared to impact Bass in the polls as communities recover. From 2024 to 2025, her net favorability flipped from a net-positive score to a net rating of negative 12, according to the annual University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin School Quality of Life Index survey in Los Angeles County released in April. A University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) survey in March found 44 percent of Los Angeles voters thought Bass did a poor or very poor job responding to the wildfires, compared to 36 percent who thought she did fair or better. And an IGS poll in May found 32 percent of voters within the city of Los Angeles viewed Bass favorably, compared to 50 percent who viewed her unfavorably and another 18 percent with no opinion. Shortly before her 2022 mayoral win, 50 percent viewed her favorably. Now, the tensions between law enforcement, protesters and the federal government in Los Angeles pose a new problem for Bass, though some also see it as a chance at redemption. 'During the fires, Karen Bass was nowhere, and during this crisis, she's everywhere,' said California Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio. 'She has to prove that she can handle a crisis, which she was faulted on being unable to do during the fires. And so this is a real test for her,' Maviglio said, adding that the mayor has been 'right on message' so far. Last weekend, as demonstrators in the city expressed outrage over the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration, Trump activated 2,000 National Guard members to quell the protesters. The move marked a rare instance of a president calling in the forces without agreement from the state, and Democrats cast it as an abuse of power. Meanwhile, Trump has accused Bass and Newsom of being unable to do their jobs. The national attention on the situation makes for an added challenge, in that Bass has to counter Trump's rhetoric about what's happening in her city. 'She's got to come up with a narrative that shows that the resistance led by her contributed to the end of the crisis on good terms for Los Angeles,' said Fernando Guerra, founding director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. 'I don't know what that looks like, and that's the degree of difficulty for her.' California leaders have so far walked a balance of pushing back against Trump, supporting the right to protest and condemning violence. Bass on Tuesday stressed that the situation was under control before the White House stepped in. 'On Saturday, the President posted a message about what a great job the National Guard did in L.A. They didn't even get here until Sunday. This entire effort is solely to cause chaos and the people of Los Angeles — and our troops — don't deserve it,' she said on X. 'It is really a high wire test for her,' said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. 'Past crises have been prickly for the mayor.' Before becoming mayor of the country's second-largest city, Bass served in the California state Assembly — where she was the first African American woman to be Speaker of any state legislature — and then represented California's 33rd Congressional District in the U.S. House. She faced a recall effort after the wildfires earlier this year, but even former rival Caruso came out against it, saying Los Angeles needed unity after the disaster. As of right now, Bass is the only big-name candidate in the 2026 race. If that doesn't change, she's all but assured another mayoral term in the blue stronghold, experts said, despite her dip in favorability polling. But California's primary registration deadline isn't until next spring, and prospective candidates could be taking a wait-and-see approach as she handles political hot water. 'She has a real opportunity with this crisis … to thwart any challengers, if she's able to show strength to solve the problem and to coalesce her support,' Maeder said. Caruso, who lost to Bass by roughly 10 points in 2022, is reportedly weighing another bid for the seat, though he's also cropped up in chatter for the open governor's mansion because Newsom is term-limited. 'If you see a further deterioration of her support, that will lead to not only Caruso, but potential other either self-funded candidates or a state legislator or a member of Congress seriously thinking about running,' Guerra said, with the caveat that 'that's a big if.' Even after protests dissipate, though, recovery is 'going to take a lot of leadership as well,' Maviglio said. 'If she proves she can handle this crisis, that's going to give anybody who was [thinking of] running because of the fires second thoughts.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IGS 2025: St. Kitts and Nevis Sets the Global Standard for Sustainable Investment and Innovation
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis--(Newsfile Corp. - June 6, 2025) - The second edition of the St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) concluded on a high note, bringing together regional leaders, economic citizens, global stakeholders, and potential investors in a powerful demonstration of the country's commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable development. St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: With the theme "Investment to Impact: Our Journey to a Sustainable Island State," IGS 2025 underscored Prime Minister Terrance Drew's vision of building a sustainable and digital economy. Organisers pointed out that the Summit was "perfectly timed and positioned for global investors," offering "unmatched access to exclusive, future-ready opportunities" in a nation determined to become the world's first sustainable island state. To support deal-making, the Summit introduced an Investor Nexus Zone, a dedicated space where vetted service providers, developers and investors could meet face-to-face. In the Nexus Zone, participants could connect with real estate firms, financial advisers, business-formation experts and other professional service providers, effectively bringing "the entire investment ecosystem under one roof." Prime Minister Drew set a forward-looking tone in his opening remarks. He highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis' pioneering role in establishing the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme and said the country remains at the global forefront, continuously "redefining standards of integrity, transparency and innovation" in that industry. Welcome remarks from St. Kitts and Nevis' Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Terrance DrewTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: He stressed that investors should be partners in nation-building, not just clients. "We are not here today to speak only about transactions; we are here to speak about partnerships." Regional Leadership and Strengthening Oversight During the summit, Timothy N. J. Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), highlighted the collective resolve of regional governments to ensure the long-term sustainability of CBI programmes. He emphasised that member states are united in their commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and accountability. A significant development in this regard is the establishment of a regional regulator for CBI/CIP programmes. This regional body is expected to enhance transparency, reinforce accountability measures, and uphold the integrity of investment migration in the Caribbean. Enhancing Border Security with eTA System As part of its digital transformation agenda, St. Kitts and Nevis has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system designed exclusively for foreign travellers. This new system streamlines pre-arrival screening and reinforces national security protocols. Speaking at the Summit, Alan Renaud, Business Development and Project Lead at Travizory Border Security SA, the firm that helped in building the eTA system, noted that it not only enhances border security but also improves traveller experience through automation and real-time authorisation. This initiative represents a key milestone in modernising border control and further aligning the nation's travel infrastructure with international best practices. Driving Infrastructure Growth Through CBI The IGS also looked at how the CBI Programme in St. Kitts and Nevis has played a pivotal role in funding significant infrastructure and tourism development projects. Delegates had the opportunity to conduct a tour of the following properties and were impressed with the quality of the construction. Park Hyatt in St. Kitts Belmont Gardens in Nevis Four Seasons Resort Nevis Royal St. Kitts Hotel in St. Kitts Koi Resort in St. Kitts Stakeholders discussed that these developments not only boost the nation's tourism offerings but also create local employment and strengthen the wider economy. Raising the Bar on Due Diligence and International Cooperation Furthermore, IGS discussed the landmark decisions by the St. Kitts and Nevis Government to uphold the CBI Programmes' international reputation. Just last year, St. Kitts and Nevis introduced the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit. This specialised body monitors CBI citizens abroad and works with international agencies on matters related to anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), and law enforcement cooperation. The CIDD Unit exemplifies the country's proactive approach to risk management and long-term credibility. Success Stories from Economic Citizens The impact of the CBI Programme goes beyond financial investment; it fosters real human stories. James Taylor, an economic citizen, has become a strong advocate for the twin-island nation. He was also on one of the panel discussions at the IGS along with Mr Richard Skerrit, Dr Sirous Motevassel, H.E. Dr Christine Walwyn and SKIPA's Stanley Jacob. Taylor said that while he has lived in many countries and cities before and finally settled on St. Kitts and reiterated how friendly and welcoming the local citizens are. He also noted that the country has an excellent business environment with a skilled and intelligent workforce on the island. Another notable economic citizen from Switzerland, Prof. Dr. Oliver Ullrich, a distinguished space scientist, was the key-note speaker at the gala dinner and further highlighted the Programme's global appeal among high-achieving individuals who align with the values of St. Kitts and Nevis. Digital Transformation with the Saturn Platform The IGS focused on the recent digital advancements to the digitisation process. The Government has launched "Saturn" an innovative digital platform leveraging artificial intelligence to manage the entire CBI application process. The system provides real-time tracking for applicants, agents, and stakeholders, and consolidates all communication and query management into one centralised interface. Saturn ensures a streamlined, secure, and transparent user experience, aligning with modern global service standards. Adherence to AML/CFT Standards The Summit also highlighted the country's efforts to meet global anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism benchmarks set by international watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Executive Chairman of CIU H.E. Calvin St. Juste reaffirmed St. Kitts and Nevis' commitment to transparency, due diligence, and responsible programme management. Executive Chairman of the CIU H.E. Calvin St. Juste attended and spoke at the second annual Investment Gateway Summit To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Investing in a Sustainable and Diversified Future St. Kitts and Nevis continues to advance its strategic investments in agriculture, renewable energy, and digital services. The establishment of the Investment Nexus Zone reflects a forward-thinking approach, with a focus on "Investment to Impact". These initiatives align with international goals for good governance and sustainable development, reinforcing the nation's position as a responsible and future-ready investment destination. Notably, the Investment Gateway Summit, an annual event, is the opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis to showcase to the world all that it has to offer, from its natural beauty and rich culture to its progressive investment opportunities and commitment to sustainability. More than just an international event, the Summit represents a meaningful invitation: a call for economic citizens to come home, experience the essence of the nation, and build a lasting connection with their second country. It is a powerful reminder that St. Kitts and Nevis is not only a place to invest in but a place that calls their economic citizens home to connect, collaborate and celebrate. Contact DataSt. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit(1-869) 467-1474communications@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Mayor
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Investment risk for energy infrastructure construction is highest for nuclear power plants, lowest for solar
Between now and 2050, the International Energy Agency projects that more than $100 trillion will be spent on building net-zero energy infrastructure globally. Yet every single one of these projects runs the risk of higher-than-expected construction costs or time delays. Newer technologies introduced in the past decade, such as hydrogen or geothermal energy, are even more difficult to evaluate as government agencies, energy developers, utilities, investors, and other stakeholders decide which sustainable energy systems are best for future projects. In a new state-of-the-art study, published in the journal Energy Research & Social Science , researchers at the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) found that runaway construction costs and delayed timelines stymie many energy projects. In fact, the average project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, as the study showed. Nuclear power plants are the worst offenders, with an average construction cost overrun typically twice as much as expected or more, and the most extreme time delays. To be exact, the average nuclear power plant has a construction cost overrun of 102.5% and ends up costing $1.56 billion more than expected. Looking at newer net-zero options reveals higher risk as well. Hydrogen infrastructure and carbon capture and storage both exhibit significant average time and cost overruns for construction, along with thermal power plants relying on natural gas, calling into question whether these can be scaled up quickly to meet emission reduction goals for climate mitigation. 'Worryingly, these findings raise a legitimate red flag concerning efforts to substantially push forward a hydrogen economy,' says Benjamin Sovacool, lead and first author of the study, director of IGS, and professor of earth and environment. Read More D.C. Democrats seek antitrust probe of big oil and gas mergers By contrast, solar energy and electricity grid transmission projects have the best construction track record and are often completed ahead of schedule or below expected cost. Wind farms also performed favorably in the financial risk assessment. For Sovacool, the evidence is clear: 'Low-carbon sources of energy such as wind and solar not only have huge climatic and energy security benefits, but also financial advantages related to less construction risk and less chance of delays,' he says. 'It's further evidence that such technologies have an array of underrated and underappreciated social and economic value.' Using an original dataset significantly larger and more comprehensive than existing sources, the study provides the most rigorous comparative analysis of construction cost overrun risks and time delays for energy infrastructure projects globally. 'Low-carbon sources of energy such as wind and solar not only have huge climatic and energy security benefits, but also financial advantages related to less construction risk and less chance of delays.' The researchers compiled data on 662 energy infrastructure projects covering a diverse spectrum of technology classes and capacities, built between 1936 and 2024 across 83 countries, representing $1.358 trillion in investment. This includes emerging innovations such as geothermal and bioenergy, providing fresh insights into the cost dynamics of these recently commercialized technologies. In total, the study evaluated ten types of projects: thermoelectric power plants fueled by coal, oil, or natural gas combustion; nuclear reactors; hydroelectric dams; utility-scale wind farms; utility-scale solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power facilities; high-voltage transmission lines; bioenergy power plants; geothermal power plants; hydrogen production facilities; and carbon capture and storage facilities. Understanding what causes energy projects to go over budget and fall behind schedule — and when that tipping point occurs — is another important contribution of this global analysis. The study examined diseconomies of scale, construction delays, and governance factors to identify critical thresholds when project costs surge, helping to inform better risk management strategies. 'I'm particularly struck by our findings on the diseconomies of scale, with projects exceeding 1,561 megawatts in capacity demonstrating significantly higher risk of cost escalation,' says Hanee Ryu, second and corresponding author and a visiting researcher at IGS. 'This suggests that we may need to reconsider our approach to large-scale energy infrastructure planning, especially as we commit trillions to global decarbonization efforts.' What this could mean, Ryu explains, is that smaller, modular renewable projects might not only bring environmental benefits, but also potentially reduce financial risk and offer better budget predictability.
Los Angeles Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Newsom's final stretch as governor may be a bumpy ride
SACRAMENTO — When the top Democratic candidates for governor took the stage at a labor forum last week, the digs at Gov. Gavin Newsom were subtle. The message, however, was clear. Newsom's home stretch as California governor may be a bumpy ride. Newsom hopes to end his time as governor in an air of accomplishment and acclaim, which would elevate his political legacy and prospects in a potential presidential run. But the Democrats running to replace him have a much different agenda. 'Lots of voters think things are not going well in California right now. So if you're running for governor, you have to run as a change candidate. You have to run as 'I'm going to shake things up,' ' said political scientist Eric Schickler, co-director of the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at UC Berkeley. 'In doing that, you're at least implicitly criticizing the current governor, right?' Not only must Newsom swim against that tide until his final term as governor ends in less than two years, he's being buffeted by the perception that he's moving rightward to broaden his national appeal in preparation for the 2028 presidential race. A new IGS poll, co-sponsored by the L.A. Times, earlier this month found that California registered voters by a more than two-to-one margin believe Newsom is more focused on boosting his presidential ambitions than on fixing the problems in his own state. Newsom faced criticism for showcasing conservative activists on his podcast, 'This is Gavin Newsom,' especially when he agreed with Trump loyalist Charlie Kirk that it was 'unfair' for trans athletes to compete in women's sports. But he also pushed back against Kirk and others during the interviews. He said from the outset that he intended to engage with people on the opposite side of the political spectrum, but that did not blunt the criticism he received. Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward (D-San Diego), the chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, said he was 'profoundly sickened and frustrated' by Newsom's remarks about trans athletes. The Democratic governor took heat last week from progressives for his proposed budget cuts to close a $12-billion deficit, including cuts to free healthcare for eligible undocumented immigrants. Sociologist G. Cristina Mora, also co-director of Berkeley's IGS, said it's not surprising 'knives are going to be out' during tough budget times, but there's more to Newsom's current predicament. 'The big problem for Newsom is that most people see him as focused outside of California at a dire time,' Mora said. 'So all his moves that he's making, whether this is truly him being more educated and coming to the middle, are seen through that lens.' Though Newsom's name was not uttered when seven of the Democratic candidates for California governor took the stage last week in Sacramento, his presence was certainly felt. The event was held by the California Federation of Labor Unions and the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, so there was ample praise for California workers and plenty of epithets hurled at President Trump. And a healthy dose of dissatisfaction about the tough economic times facing many Californians. Notably, Newsom had just a couple of weeks before he celebrated California's rank as the fourth-largest economy in the world; for years he has boasted of the state's innovative and thriving economy. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa didn't appear that impressed, saying California also has the highest cost of living in the nation. 'We love to say we're the fourth-largest economy in the United States, what we don't say is we have the highest effective poverty rate,' Villaraigosa said to a hotel ballroom packed with union leaders. 'So let's deal with the issues that are facing us here in California.' Former Controller Betty Yee offered a similar assessment. 'In California, we are the fourth-largest economy in the world, but when you peel that back, how's that working for everybody?' she asked. Six of the seven Democratic candidates said they would support providing state unemployment benefits to striking workers. Villaraigosa was the sole candidate who expressed reservations. Newsom vetoed a bill in 2023 that would have provided such coverage, saying it would make the state's unemployment trust fund 'vulnerable to insolvency.' Every candidate present vowed to support regulating how employers use artificial intelligence in the workplace, technology that labor leaders fear, if unchecked, would put people out of work. Newsom has signed legislation restricting aspects of AI, but he has also said he wants to preserve California's role at the forefront of technology. Afterward, Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, complained that labor leaders 'can't even get a conversation out of Gavin Newsom' about regulating AI. Barbs from labor aren't a new experience for Newsom. Union leaders have at times clashed with the ambitious governor over legislation he opposed that supported pro-union labor agreements with developers and regulating Big Tech. Gubernatorial candidates taking direct or indirect shots at the incumbent, even those who belong to the same party, also is nothing new. During a candidate debate in 2018, Newsom took a subtle jab at then-Gov. Jerry Brown for the state's response to the homelessness crisis. 'What lacks is leadership in this state,' Newsom said. To this day, Newsom says he is the only California governor to launch a major state effort to address the crisis. Newsom also faces the difficult task of having to wrestle with an additional $12-billion state budget shortfall next year, a deficit caused mostly by state overspending Newsom says is being exacerbated by falling tax revenues due to Trump's on-again-off-again federal tariff policies. The governor's proposed cuts drew criticism from some of his most progressive allies and again stirred up rumblings that he was trying to recast himself as a moderate. To save money, Newsom proposed scaling back his policy to provide free healthcare coverage to all low-income undocumented immigrants. The governor's budget also proposes to siphon off $1.3 billion in funding from Proposition 35, a measure voters approved in November that dedicated the revenue from a tax on managed care organizations to primarily pay for increases to Medi-Cal provider rates. Jodi Hicks, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, called the governor's proposed budget cuts 'cruel.' Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), co-chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus, said members would oppose Newsom's Medi-Cal cuts, and rallies against Newsom's proposal are planned at the Capitol this week. During his budget news conference on Wednesday, Newsom also took aim at California's cities and counties, blasting them for not doing enough to address the state's homelessness crisis. Newsom also renewed his call for cities and counties to ban homeless encampments. 'It is not the state of California that remains the biggest impediment,' Newsom said. 'The obstacle remains at the local level.' Carolyn Coleman, executive director of the League of California Cities, returned fire, saying Newsom's proposed budget 'failed to invest' adequately in efforts by cities to not only alleviate homelessness, but also improve public safety and address climate change. The Onion, the satirical website that delights in needling politicians in faux news stories, didn't miss the opportunity to send a zinger Newsom's way at the end of last week. Under the headline 'Gavin Newsom Sits Down For Podcast With Serial Killer Who Targets Homeless,' the fake article mocks both the governor's podcast and efforts to address homelessness and purports that Newsom asked the killer what Democrats could learn from his tactics. The must-read: For Kamala Harris, it's not just whether to run for California governor. It's why The deep dive: Europe's free-speech problem The L.A. Times Special: When the deportation of an illegal immigrant united L.A. to bring him back —Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here to get it in your inbox.
