California’s Newsom Vows Gas-Price Help in Optimistic Speech (1)

California Governor Gavin Newsom in his State of State speech Tuesday portrayed the world’s fifth-largest economy as a leader in progressive initiatives and promised to address core issues such as soaring gasoline prices.

The first-term Democrat, running for re-election this year, touched on topics from preserving democracy to climate change and homelessness. Referring to one of the most pressing concerns for residents, he said he would work with legislative leaders on “a proposal to put money back in Californians’ pockets to address rising gas prices,” without elaborating.

Gavin Newsom delivers his annual State of the State address in Sacramento, California on March 8.

Photographer: Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

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