DRIVING THE DAY — The Legislature is back in session for what is expected to be another marathon day of voting. More below on what they sent to the governor Tuesday night. THE BUZZ — Sometimes there’s more to glean from what Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn’t say than what he does. In an extensive conversation with POLITICO's Christopher Cadelago Tuesday night, Newsom let us in on his thinking behind some of the year’s hottest takes — homelessness, the Hollywood strikes, climate change and LGBTQ issues. The ever-careful Newsom did an artful job of talking his way around some of the stickier subjects. Lucky for you, dear readers, we speak Newsomese, and are here to offer our humble translations of some of his answers. ON BARBARA LEE: Newsom revealed over the weekend that he intends to appoint an interim senator to Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s seat should she vacate it early. That didn’t impress Rep. Barbara Lee and other progressives, who said a Black woman should get a full appointment, not a temporary one. Asked Tuesday night what he would say to Lee, Newsom demurred, saying “It’s a hypothetical on top of a hypothetical.” Translation: He’s not going there if he doesn’t have to. There’s little to be gained trying to predict the future. Given this week’s backlash from such an important voting group — Black women — don’t be surprised if Newsom tucks his crystal ball away for good. ON STRIKING WORKERS: Hot Labor Summer is dragging on, and there could soon be a high-profile bill burning a hole in Newsom’s desk. The Senate needs to give another round of approvals to Senate Bill 799, which would allow striking workers to use unemployment funds before it becomes the governor’s problem. Newsom said he was familiar with the proposal “broadly,” but brought up concerns about a deficit in the state unemployment insurance fund. “One has to be cautious about that, as you enter the conversation about expanding its utilization,” he said. Translation: He’s not jazzed on the idea, but isn’t going to dash hopes — yet. Newsom has signaled fiscal prudence repeatedly over the past year as the state grapples with a downturn in revenue and could use that as a reason to veto the measure if it lands on his desk. ON TRANSGENDER STUDENTS: The governor had a lot to say on this issue. First, he bemoaned the fact it's getting more attention than actual school subjects like math and science (“Why consume ourselves with that?” he asked sarcastically.) He spoke forcefully about the need to protect transgender students (“These trans kids, they want nothing more than just to live.”) but also didn’t fault the parents that he said were “ginned up” by Republicans and conservative news outlets. Translation: This is another red-hot political fire the governor isn’t interested in stoking. He’s signaled his willingness to support the LGBTQ community on this front in the past, but is also aware that any issue involving parents can become fraught very quickly — you just need to look at his recall effort to see that. ON WHAT HE DID SAY: Newsom, despite his best efforts, did indeed break some actual news. Read POLITICO’s coverage on his upcoming climate-focused trip to China, his latest insult to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his feelings on the futuristic city proposed by tech execs and Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s crusade to impeach President Joe Biden. And of course, we didn’t miss a chance to ask him about his favorite bottle of wine (He knows a thing or two about that, we’re told.). SPOTTED: SPECIAL EDITION — Thanks to all the politicos who came out for our launch festivities. A partial list of the lawmakers, lobbyists and power brokers who joined us at the California Museum: Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Damon Connolly, Mike Fong, Jesse Gabriel, James Gallagher, Ash Kalra, Tom Lackey, Alex Lee, Evan Low, Tri Ta, Buffy Wicks, Rick Zbur, H. D. Palmer, Dustin Corcoran, Hilary McLean, Lia Lopez, Dana Williamson Josh Fryday, Lindsey Cobia, Brandon Richards, Sami Gallegos, Dee Dee Myers, Lindsay Buckley, Darcy Totten, Jessica Ng, Anthony Wright, Fiona Hutton, Mike Roth, Rob Stutzman, Christopher Cambises, Christy Bouma, Sean Clegg, Juan Rodriguez, Ace Smith, Greg Hayes, Jennifer Fearing, Kevin Gordon, Beth Miller, Jim Stanley, Brian Brokaw, Randall Echevarria, Darrel Ng, Kelly Garman, Shannan Velayas, Daryl Rowland, Nick Miller, Nathan Click, Honey Mahogany, Josh Fryday, Louis Mirante, David Weiskopf, Brandon Dawson, Jack Ohman, Paul Mitchell, Maya Polon, Jonathan Underland, Amelia Matier, Katie Orr, Dan Smith, Amy Chance, V John White, Roger Salazar, John Myers, Omar Rodriguez, Beth Miller, Sarah Jimenez, Jay Wierenga, Eddie Kirby, Joe Patterson, Gregg Hart, Jim Deboo, Jodi Hicks, Cameron Sutherland, Kevin Liao, Kristina Bas Hamilton, Anthony York
|
