The Longest Month

For so many, the last weeks of August conjure hot, lazy days, backyard barbecues, swimming to ward off the heat, and maybe a vacation before the kids head back to school. But in the Sacramento world that revolves around the State Legislature, it’s either a ring of Hell, the Gates of Heaven, or the Purgatory of “We’ll Tackle this Next Session.” You truly never know what you’re going to get, and this year will be no different.

What to Watch for In the Next Two Weeks: Legacies, Trailer Bill Language, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, and Tightrope Walking

First and foremost, watch for legislative plays that will aim to make the legacy of our outgoing Governor really shine. With nearly 30 years in the state and national spotlight, Governor Newsom exists in a way a seasoned, retiring politician could only dream of. At only 58 and at the top of his game nationally, it’s not a leap for any of us to guess what’s probably next.

Specifically in California, that will mean tackling his priorities: high-speed rail, augmented health coverage (at least maintaining as much of it as possible), expanded renewable energy efforts, and generally solidifying areas where he can claim “the most,” “the best,” “the largest,” “the first”—you get the idea. Essentially, he’s done a lot over the last eight years, and he wants to spend these final months putting a nice bow on his tenure as Governor.

Tied into that is this year’s allocation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which aims to cement his accomplishments in renewable energy and emissions reduction in the state. And among other things, the Governor is proposing to commit $1 billion a year in a continuous appropriation for High-Speed Rail (HSR). Because GGRF funds can be mercurial and influenced by larger market forces, and with other large expenditure promises like HSR, this leaves far fewer funds for things like bread-and-butter transit services. This will be a fight.

Look for the legislature to revisit some aspects of 2019’s AB 218, which has generated tremendous coverage and enormous legal settlements from various government institutions for ignoring child sexual assaults. The tightrope to walk will be balancing the need to compensate and help victims heal, while keeping local governments and school districts solvent. State Senator John Laird’s SB 577 will be the one to keep an eye on around that topic, and yes, Sen. Laird is my former boss.

Finally, it’s anyone’s guess how many more budget trailer bills will need to be passed before midnight on August 31st. I have been told at least twenty, so along with the rest of the chaos in August, there will be that.

Each one of these issues will have significant lobbying and public affairs overlays. Whether it’s the Governor using his megaphone, funded interests seeking earned media and digital campaign leverage, or elaborate lobby day efforts, there will be no dull moments in August.

And in the meantime, the sweet release of Sine Die will come soon enough.