SACRAMENTO (KNX) — In his fourth State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the crisis in Ukraine, homelessness, and the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic, among other topics the state is facing.
In speaking of the state economy, Newsom said California is unmatched — with more than one million jobs in the last year and more new business starts during the pandemic than Texas and Florida combined.
"But you know what makes us different? As our businesses grow, we don't leave our worker's behind," Newsom continued, explaining that that state continues to support its workers with an increased minimum wage, increased sick leave, more family leave and expanded childcare.
In addition, in 2022 California will be the first in the United States to provide health care for all, Newsom said, regardless of a workers immigration status.
On gas prices
Working with legislative leadership, Newsom said he will work on a proposal to put money back in the pockets of Californians as we deal with the ever increasing costs of gasoline.
"But I want to make this clear. At a time when we've been heating and burning up — one thing we cannot do is repeat the mistakes of the past," Newsom said.
"By embracing polluters, drilling even more oil which only leads to even more extreme weather, more extreme drought, and more wildfire(s)."
As such, California will continue to lead the nation on climate policy, Newsom said and he will work on ways to promote clean energy.
On the continuing homelessness crisis
We know, Newsom said, that despite recent accomplishments, the crisis of homelessness in California continues.
A few years ago, he said, there was no accountability in California. However, in the last three years state lawmakers have created a comprehensive plan and are providing "unprecedented" aid to cities and counties at the forefront.
In the last two years of the pandemic, Newsom said some 58,000 people have been assisted in moving off of the streets and into better living conditions. But, he continued, there is more work to do. Especially as it pertains to those struggling with mental health issues and drug addiction, Newsom said.
His remarks come nearly one week after proposing a plan to force homeless Californians with severe mental health disorders and addictions into treatment programs.
On Ukraine
As he spoke Tuesday, Newsom's team released a series of tweets saying, "As Ukrainians come under attack, we take strength from their courage. Tonight, let's reflect on what it means to live in a society where elected leaders still settle disagreements with civility and compromise."
"Authoritarian impulses aren’t just overseas. They are echoing here at home - stoking fear to divide us," the message continued.
"Loud voices seeking to weaken democracy, scapegoat minorities, conjure conspiracies, exploit anger. We must prove there’s a better way - a California Way forward."
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