Over the weekend, California Gov. Gavin Newsom made headlines by vetoing a series of progressive bills in California.

Newsom surprisingly said no to a range of progressive initiatives, impacting areas from transgender care to gas stove regulations and benefits for noncitizens, as Fox News reports.

The governor's office was busy as he reviewed an expansive slate of over 1,000 bills handed to him over the past months, culminating in a flurry of vetoes just before the legislative deadline on Monday.

A Closer Look at the Vetoed Legislation

The bills facing rejection included high-profile proposals concerning transgender care, environmental regulations, and immigrant benefits.

Notable among them was AB 2442, aimed at expediting medical licenses for out-of-state applicants to perform transgender surgeries, which Newsom vetoed citing potential negative impacts on other applicants.

Another significant bill, AB 2513, would have mandated warning labels on gas stoves regarding potential toxins.  Newsom vetoed this bill as well, expressing concerns over its rigid labeling requirements.

Newsom's Perspective on Immigration and Worker Benefits

The governor also vetoed SB 227, a bill designed to extend unemployment-style benefits to noncitizens.

In his explanation for the move, Newsom highlighted the impractical timelines and operational issues not aligned with the state budget, although he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting undocumented workers and mixed-status families who play a crucial role in California's economy.

“We can have a fair immigration system that works for families, U.S. workers, and employers, and also have a safe border," Newsom stated, addressing the complexities of the immigration system intertwined with the proposed benefits.

Additional Progressive Measures Faced Opposition

Other progressive bills that Newsom vetoed included initiatives expanding aid through housing loans to illegal immigrants, employment opportunities through the University of California system, and a reparations package aimed at addressing historical injustices toward Black residents.

Each bill faced scrutiny for various reasons, ranging from fiscal impacts to logistical challenges, underlining the governor's cautious approach towards expansive legislative changes.

Safety and Public Health Measures Signed into Law

Despite the series of vetoes, Newsom signed several other pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing public safety and health.

Notably, he approved measures to combat organized retail theft and signed a historic bill to limit cellphone use in schools, targeting the mental health crisis among the youth.

The cellphone regulation is seen as a pioneering move to address distractions and mental health issues faced by students, reflecting a growing awareness of the impact of technology on youth.

Comparing Newsom's Veto History

Last year, Newsom had a similar pattern in his legislative approvals and rejections, vetoing 156 bills while signing 890.

This year's actions mirror those figures closely, maintaining a consistent veto rate of approximately 15%, a significant rise from under 8% in 2021.

This consistency in veto rates reflects a cautious approach by the governor towards implementing new laws, balancing progressive aspirations with practical and fiscal considerations.

As California navigates these key decisions, the impact of these vetoes will likely resonate across various sectors, from healthcare to environmental policy, shaping the state's progressive agenda and its execution.