California Expands Special Session to Address Wildfires, Allocates $2.5 Billion for Recovery Amid $50 Million 'Trump-Proofing' Plan

Jan 13, 2025, 03:29 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has expanded the scope of a special legislative session initially focused on preparing for legal battles with the incoming Trump administration to also address the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. The session, which had been criticized for its timing amidst the wildfires, now includes a proposal for an additional $2.5 billion in funding to aid in emergency response, help schools rebuild, and increase wildfire preparedness. This move comes as the wildfires have caused significant damage, with at least 24 deaths reported and thousands of structures affected. The special session was initially set to allocate $50 million to 'Trump-proof' the state, with $25 million designated for the California Department of Justice to fight legal battles and another $25 million for nonprofits and immigration support centers to defend against potential mass deportation plans by the Trump administration.