5 things we learned about Gavin Newsom during the budget

ICYMI 7/13/23: Tunnel not “Newsom’s Baby” 

5 things we learned about Gavin Newsom during the budget – Politico 7/11/23
Newsom included in his budget proposal language to fast-track a hotly contested Delta water tunnel to move water to the Southland. Turns out it was mostly a negotiating tactic. Including the proposal — and then summarily dumping it — allowed the administration to make what appeared to be a major concession. Several environmental activists and close budget watchers noted that the tunnel was never Newsom’s baby, anyway, despite his support for moving the project forward – and questioned whether he would really go to the mat for it in the state budget. As the dust settled, three people familiar with the negotiations confirmed to POLITICO that the governor was indeed bluffing.

Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director, Restore the Delta responds:
It’s great news that the tunnel ‘was never Newsom’s baby.’ If Governor Newsom doesn't see the tunnel as his project, there's a really simple way to end it. Tell the California Department of Water Resources ‘No Delta Tunnel.’ We can then turn to the big list of water projects that all Californians support. We have lots of ideas. We’re always happy to talk with anyone from state agencies or the Governor‘s office to work on solutions beyond the tunnel.”