Gov. Newsom Delays State Of the State Speech as his Prop. 1 on Mental Health Still Undecided

Governor Gavin Newsom delayed his annual State of the State speech from Monday to a later date currently undetermined.

Unlike previous years where Newsom’s State of the State speech took him across the state, from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 2021 to last year when he decided to go on a statewide tour instead, Newsom had planned to give the 2024 speech on Monday in the traditional place: before the Assembly and Senate in Sacramento. While it is currently unknown what exactly what the speech would entail, spokespeople from the Governor’s office hinted that it would cover many major Californian issues such as homelessness, mental health, closing the budget gap, and most notably, Proposition 1.

Prop. 1 is Newsom’s pet proposition that,  if passed, would expand the state’s mental health infrastructure on a $6.4 billion bond. Only a few months ago, Proposition 1 seemed like it was going to pass. Polls showed it to be slightly up at the beginning of the year. But it soon began to trend downward when many groups found that Prop. 1 would likely cost taxpayers $12 billion over the next three years as it is paid off and would siphon money from needed homeless projects. Despite Newsom’s late game efforts, polls showed that it was dead even to pass on election day. Initially a virtual 50-50 split on March 5th, Prop 1 has remained close, with yes votes being less than 25,000 votes ahead late last week.

While opponents have more or less conceded by this point, there has been no official yea or nay on the proposition definitely passing yet. With one of Newsom’s centerpiece parts of his State of the State still up in the air during the weekend, the Governor decided to postpone his speech originally slated for Monday. This is the second time this year he has delayed it

“We want to be able to discuss where California is headed including on addressing homelessness, mental health and closing the budget gap, some of the biggest issues facing our state,” said Newsom’s office during the weekend. “The Governor will deliver a State of the State when we have more clarity on these critical issues.”

However, criticism against Newsom was quick, with many Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike expressing frustration over Newsom’s delay.

“Unbelievable! This governor has postponed his State of the State twice this year already. What’s he afraid of? It’s clear he’s manipulating the timing to suit his political agenda,” said Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) on X. “This blatant disrespect for the Legislature undermines trust in our government and harms all Californians. A desperate Governor Newsom seems embarrassed that Californians no longer trust his failing political agenda. It’s no wonder his approval ratings are underwater.”

Unbelievable! This governor has postponed his State of the State twice this year already. What’s he afraid of? It’s clear he’s manipulating the timing to suit his political agenda.

This blatant disrespect for the Legislature undermines trust in our government and harms all… https://t.co/LEpXyE9su7

— Brian W. Jones (@SenBrianJones) March 15, 2024

For many lawmakers however, Newsom’s delay is more tactical. He not only doesn’t want to be wrong about the Prop 1 vote, but as that part of his speech trickles down to other subjects, he wants to make sure he doesn’t make any blunders or promises, only for them to be impossible should the vote drastically shift.

“Dana,” a Capitol staffer told the Globe on Monday “He has a lot riding on this speech. He only has a few left until he is out of office. Outside of major disasters or when major dignitaries are in town, this is when the most cameras are on him. And for explaining policy, this is his best shot. He has the presidency in sight for 2028. Imagine what giving a speech on the assumption of the outcome of one thing is going to pass or fail, then a few days after the speech it does the opposite of what was expected. His opponents would be playing that for years. And remember, this is the same Governor as the whole French Laundry debacle, Paneragate, and decking that kid while playing basketball in China.”

“Ultimately, the speech is, Prop. 1 aside, probably going to be by the numbers for him. Go through the budget, housing, all the things he did in the past year, homelessness. And he is going back to basics this year with a traditional Sacramento Capitol speech. He’s trying to look more traditional, again, presidency in sight.”

“The delays are pretty obvious but, if his entire speech is riding on the one thing and it didn’t happen yet, you can understand the delay to an extent. This was his big thing and he wants to brag about it and if it passes he has to include it. That’s what it comes down to.”

As of Monday afternoon, Newsom’s office is coordinating with the Legislature for a new date for the speech.