It seems that a bill in the California legislature giving illegal immigrants cash for down payments on houses was too extreme even for left-wing Governor Gavin Newsom. On Friday, the man known to some as “Governor Hair Gel” vetoed the Assembly’s bill of 1840the “California Dream for All” loan program, which would have given “undocumented” immigrants the opportunity to apply for loans of up to 20 percent of the value of a home or up to $150,000 as down payment assistance.
The question is, after the failure of his shadow presidential campaign and the defeat of Team Kamala, will the governor make a move to the center? Does he plan to run in 2028 should Harris lose in November?
Whatever his reasons, Newsom refused to sign the bill. One reason he didn’t sign it is because as governor he took a budget surplus and turned it into a massive deficit through his wasteful spending. There is simply no money for this proposal:
“Expanding program eligibility must be carefully considered in the broader context of the annual state budget to ensure we are managing our resources effectively,” the governor wrote.
The Democrats’ bill to give illegal immigrants access to taxpayer-funded home down payments (up to $150,000!) was defeated. Why? Because the media, the public and @AsmRepublicans uncovered this crazy idea. Thanks to everyone who participated! pic.twitter.com/LQklihEoYW
— James Gallagher (@J_GallagherAD3) 6 September 2024
The bill received national attention from people like Elon Musk and Donald Trump and some in the media because it was an insane proposal – even by California standards.
Most of the earth should move to California!
Since January, illegal immigrants in California have received free medical care and, among many other benefits, can now receive $150,000 in “no-repayment” loans funded by California taxpayers. https://t.co/uwthE2bzY2
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) 2 September 2024
It was a scarce victory for the Republicans in the Golden State:
Republican Senator Brian Dahle, who represents a rural district in Northern California and ran against Newsom in the 2022 gubernatorial race, said in an interview that the governor did the right thing. But, Dahle said, he believes Newsom actually “read the signs of the times” regarding the political implications of the law.
“He’s the master of gaslighting,” Dahle said. “I mean, they’ve been doing it forever. I’ve been here for 12 years and all they do is play politics.”
More from Gavin:
Is this the end for Gavin Newsom? California Senate rejects special session called by governor
The Forgotten Man VIP
California offers home buyers grants of up to $150,000 – but only if they are illegal immigrants
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump sharply criticized the plan on Thursday, saying in a keynote speech to the Economic Club of New York in Manhattan that he would ban mortgages for illegal immigrants altogether:
Donald Trump: “My plan is to ban mortgages for illegal immigrants. California is passing a law that will give illegal immigrants money to buy a house. But our soldiers and veterans who are on the streets can’t have that.” pic.twitter.com/RHRN7EEWWc
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) 5 September 2024
Some say Newsom is trying to get the issue off the table before the presidential debate on September 10.
Whatever his reasons, it’s a scarce good decision from Newsom. But it’s unlikely he’s suddenly changed his mind; as anyone who has lived here and watched him oversee California’s stunning decline can attest, good decisions are not his robust suit. We can certainly expect more progressive madness from him in the future.
