After the mass exodus from Democratic cities and states to more conservative ones over the past two years, California Governor Gavin Newsom is hoping to use abortion legislation to bring back some of the liberals. And he can have them.
On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a series of tax incentives that would “provide additional consideration for companies leaving states that have enacted restrictions on reproductive rights and anti-LGBTQ+ laws.”
Newsom’s tactics are to appeal to those who were spooked after a Supreme Court draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization alluded to a possible overturn of the infamous Roe v. Wade, which would turn the question of abortion rights back to the states.
The New York Times reported that the proposal will increase and update tax credits, employer grants and other business incentive programs. Newsom would also double his state’s reproductive health funding plan to $125 million, including $40 million for grants to providers to offset the cost of abortions for uninsured women both inside and outside of California.
“California will not stand idly by as extremists roll back our basic constitutional rights,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re going to fight like hell, making sure that all women — not just those in California — know that this state continues to recognize and protect their fundamental rights.”
“Don’t think for a second this is where it’s going to stop,” Newsom said last week after the SCOTUS leak. “Pay attention, America. They’re coming for you next.”
