Governor Newsom Releases Overdue State of the State Message, Says California is Strong

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – California Governor Gavin Newsom energized his state and pushed back against his critics in his annual State of the State address released this morning as a video message.

The traditional speech is usually in person and takes place earlier in the year. Issues, including a major budget problem of about $46 billion, delayed the speech.

Newsom said California has addressed many key issues over the past year and often has to “tackle the toughest issues.”

Newsom says he has addressed border issues with “resolution.” He says the state has deployed the National Guard to combat the flow of drugs entering the United States from Mexico to California.

Additional law enforcement and fire funding was provided to add positions to the California Highway Patrol and fire agencies.

He says many efforts are underway to reduce crime in many cities where it has surged, noting crime declines in San Francisco and Oakland.

The state also pays particular attention to combating theft in retail businesses and “theft rings”.

On housing, he said the state has developed plans to create more housing and is enforcing that policy, even when it is legally challenged.

Newsom says that in recent years, many other programs have been launched to combat homelessness and mental health issues.

He says the state emptied the camps and found shelter and support services for those who needed them.

California was recently ranked as the fifth largest economy in the world.

Newsom says the facts he highlighted go against the “haters.”

Those challenging Newsom have pointed to rising housing costs, a lack of affordable housing, insurance problems that are causing some policies to be dropped, and disagree with him on ways to control crime.

On the environment, Newsom says the state has maintained its economic strength while growing the zero-emission auto industry.

(More details, photos and videos as well as interviews with Californians will be added here later today)