In an attempt to split the Golden State, members of a movement to form a new state called New California have started working toward statehood on Monday after declaring their independence from California.
During a reading of their Declaration of Independence, the founder of New California, Robert Paul Preston said the state has been “ungovernable for a long time.”
“After years of taxation, regulation and mono-party politics, the State of California and many of its 58 counties have become ungovernable,” said a press release from New California. The document cited a “decline in essential basic services” including education, health care, housing and more.
Their solution for the state is simple: Split California and govern most of the rural counties in the state and leave the urban coastal counties alone.
“The history of the present Governor and Government of California is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations all having in direct object the establishment of a Tyranny over the Counties of New California and the State of California,” explained the group in a document explaining their intention to form the State of New California.
In a document posted on their website, the group also explained that their mission in creating the state is to bring “civic betterment and social improvements.” The group hopes that their split can be modeled after the state of West Virginia, according to a brief explanation on the transition posted on their website.
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Unlike other attempts in the past, New California is citing Article IV Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the U.S. Congress.”
New California is hoping to win over the state's legislature and convince them that a split is necessary prior to submitting a resolution to Congress.
