Why Gov. Newsom Talked About 'California Derangement Syndrome' At His Budget Briefing

Gov. Gavin Newsom listens to a question at last week's news conference unveiling his budget proposal. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP)

President Trump has had a lot to say about California — much of it unflattering. He's criticized how our forests are managed. He has mean-spirited nicknames for some of the state's top politicians. He's mocked the state's energy conservation efforts. And he's blamed the state's homeless crisis on leaders here.

On Friday, when Gov. Newsom laid out how he proposes spending $222 billion in the next state budget, he also pushed back hard at what he calls "California derangement syndrome."

"If I'm not willing to stand up to a bully," Newsom said, "if I'm not willing to stand up to someone who is attacking immigrant communities and refugees and attacking people working very hard every single day to feed their families, then I don't belong here."

He said the reality is the state has:

• Record low unemployment of 3.9%
• 117 months of consecutive job growth
• An average of 3.8% economic growth over the last five years
• $19 billion in a rainy day fund and millions more tucked away in other pots of savings

And Newsom says the state's $5.6 billion surplus means he and other lawmakers will be able to fund homeless, health care and education initiatives.

Go deeper: Gov. Newsom Just Proposed A $222 Billion State Budget. Here's What It Says About California