1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

With the federal government shut down and failing to do its most basic duties, California cannot afford to wait. As the world’s fourth-largest economy, we have the resources, leadership, and innovation to protect Californians and show what effective governance looks like. The shutdown proves Washington cannot be relied on. Our taxpayers fund a system that often fails to return equitable benefit. If the federal government will not act, our obligation must be to Californians first. Redirecting resources to safeguard public health, schools, infrastructure, and essential services is not radical — it is responsible. I urge you to take bold steps: 1. California-First Emergency Plan — Guarantee critical services during any prolonged shutdown, including support for schools, health care, and essential workers. 2. Pacific Coast Summit — Bring together West Coast governors to coordinate economic and infrastructure responses, and explore deeper Cascadia-style regional cooperation. 3. Economic Defense Strategy — Identify which federal programs can be backstopped by state funds or public–private partnerships. Publish clear benchmarks so the public knows what to expect. This is a moment to lead, not wait. If Washington cannot govern, California should prove how a functioning state protects its people and cooperates with its neighbors to build resilience. Please commit within 14 days to: (1) release your California-first emergency funding priorities, (2) schedule a West Coast summit within 30 days, and (3) publish an initial California Economic Defense plan. Californians are watching, and we need decisive leadership.