New Legislature

The California Legislature that took office yesterday is the first to have a Democratic supermajority in both chambers since the 19th century. This will give the party the freedom to pass veto-proof bills, increase taxes without agreement from the Republicans and put constitutional amendments on the ballot, if there is consensus within its ranks.

Voters have also given the Democrats, led by Gov. Jerry Brown, tax hikes to tackle the fiscal deficit and protect the education system. They also authorized a term extension in the Legislature, making the limits less strict. This gives the Democrats more freedom when it comes to designing their government plans. But it also requires them to show restraint and focus on essential issues like fixing the budget and prioritizing the education system and certain investments in state infrastructure as vital parts of California’s economic future. This session should also include the implementation of the federal reform of the health care system, so Californians can make the most of their benefits.

Gov. Brown—who is a Democrat but has the experience to know that California’s electorate can be very fickle and inclined toward quickly taking away the power it has granted—must lead his “supermajority” party in a smart use of the political capital it has acquired, as well as intelligently manage the new and recently approved taxes.

Republicans, on the other hand, are in a weakened position. But because of that, they might be able to apply their abilities to influence and negotiate, which they had almost forgotten. Those who have been in Sacramento for a long time know that part of the state government’s paralysis originated from the toughening of positions, which has replaced the ability to negotiate in order to make decisions that benefit the majority of Californians.