Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom of California, along with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has enacted a new legislative package aimed at supporting women, children, and families in the state. This move comes as some national Republican leaders have been accused of hindering policies that support these groups.

The legislation includes measures to aid victims of revenge porn, protect children from social media addiction, limit smartphone distractions in classrooms, tackle gender-based violence, and improve access to healthier school foods. Governor Newsom stated: “While leaders in Republican-led states go to work every day to make life harder for families in their states...we will keep fighting to make sure California is the best place in the nation to grow up and raise a family.”

Jennifer Siebel Newsom added: “In California, we are committed to building a future where every child gets the best start in life...these new laws reflect our unwavering dedication to creating a state where everyone has the resources and opportunity to live with dignity.”

California's Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) last year helped nearly 3.5 million filers. Additional credits include the Young Child Tax Credit and Foster Youth Tax Credit. The state also launched CalKIDS, a $1.9 billion college savings program for low-income students.

To support healthy eating habits among children, California has established universal school meals funding and developed the California Farm to School initiative. The state participates in federal programs ensuring nutrition for low-income families during summer breaks.

California continues its leadership on reproductive rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by investing over $240 million into reproductive health care access since then. New laws include SB 729 requiring coverage for infertility treatments like IVF.

The recent legislative package also addresses various issues such as maternal mental health screenings (AB 1936), support for human trafficking survivors (AB 2020), crimes related to intimate images (SB 926), menstrual product safety (AB 2515), pupil safety regarding smartphone use (SB 3216), and more.