On the last day of the 2023-2024 legislative session in California (August 31st), Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a special session to be held in the fall to give lawmakers more time to pass bills aimed at alleviating the rising oil prices. However, this decision has sparked opposition in the legislature.
Senate Democratic leader and acting president Mike McGuire stated that some lawmakers have been working for months to lower oil prices, and the Senate will not comply with the governor’s order. He said that the Senate has always had enough votes and is prepared to pass these important measures within the current legislative year.
A spokesperson for Newsom stated that the California Constitution, specifically Article IV, Section 3(b), grants the governor the power to order a special session in special circumstances and requires the legislative body to follow his orders.
After the adjournment of the session, Assembly Democratic Speaker Robert Rivas stated that members of the Assembly are ready to comply with the governor’s order.
Republican Assembly members Bill Essayli and James Gallagher attempted to end this year’s session but were rejected by the Democratic majority.
Gallagher told the Epoch Times, “This is a sham,” claiming there is no real plan, goal, or policy that can actually reduce oil prices.
He mentioned that Democrats are more willing to blame oil and gas companies while pushing for a policy that would actually decrease supply and raise oil prices. ◇