Happening in California 31.10
Welcome to Happening in California, a brief look at political news, insights, and analysis of the world’s fifth-largest economy.
The deadline for Governor Newsom to sign or veto bills just passed. And like the recall election, it was a bit anticlimactic.
In a one-party dominated state like California, sometimes the real action is which bills get the governor’s veto.
In this case, the number of bills vetoed by Governor Newsom were the fewest since … hmm, interesting parallel … 2003, the year Governor Davis was recalled.
Here is why this bit of trivia matters ...
Cheers,
Tom Ross | President and CEO | Swing Strategies
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The Big Picture: In 2022, if you find yourself opposing a bill that makes it to the governor’s desk, don’t count on a veto.
In the 2021 legislative session, 2,776 bills were introduced …
… but only 30% of the bills were passed by the legislature. Of the 836 bills that reached the governor's desk, 92% were signed into law.
In Governor Newsom’s first year in office, he vetoed nearly the identical percentage of bills that his predecessor, Governor Brown, vetoed in his final year in office ...
… it’s hardly a coincidence. Wielding the veto is an act of gamesmanship between the Governor and Legislature.
In the last two years, Governor Newsom has deployed it less and less — vetoing 13% of bills in 2020 and just 8% of bills in 2021.
While Governor Newsom survived the recall, he’s on the ballot again in 2022 running for his second term. Election year politics will undoubtedly enter into the legislative process.
The Takeaway: When it comes to public affairs campaigns focused on influencing legislation, engaging early this year will be critical. And be prepared that any bills that make it to the governor’s desk, have a high probability of becoming law.
Give us a ring or shoot us an email if you’d like to chat about what’s happening in California. And for those interested in comparing veto stats, the California Senate publishes an interesting history, read it here.