California Gov Newsom

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers wins and surprises Gov. Gavin Newsom has seized the national spotlight as he signed some of the most ambitious laws in the country, showcasing how he plans to govern in his second and final term as leader of the nation’s most populous state. Newsom’s moves are increasingly seen through the lens of a possible presidential bid, though he insists he does not plan to run. Read more.

Why this matters: Californians rank the economy and jobs as the most important issues in the state, and Newsom has signed key legislation that boosts minimum wages of health care and fast-food workers and increases paid sick leave.   Newsom has also signed two climate proposals that are the most aggressive mandates of their kind in the country, including one that requires billion-dollar companies to annually disclose their emissions.   But the Democrat disappointed progressive advocates by vetoing bills to give unemployment benefits to striking workers, require courts to weigh parental affirmation of children’s gender identity in custody proceedings and decriminalize some psychedelic drugs.

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