By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Asm. Corey Jackson: California Cannot Save You
A day after the U. S. House of Representatives voted to approve a resolution cutting nearly $2 trillion from the federal budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) informed Californians that the state will not be able to fill in the anticipated gap in federal funds.
Chairing an Assembly Budget Committee hearing on Feb. 26, Jackson said, “California cannot save you. The cuts are that devastating. That bad. That disgusting. So, if you are on Medi-Cal, if you’re receiving CalFresh, if you are getting housing support, if you’re getting support for childcare, if you’re getting SSI [Supplemental Security Income], you are in big trouble.”
“Given what Republicans have just voted on last night, I just don’t see that California will have what we need to ensure that people will continue to get their payments, continue to get their healthcare, continue to get assistance with their housing,” Jackson stated.
Jackson pointed out that House Republicans from California also voted for the cuts and urged people to “make it clear” to their representatives that they are “voting against the interest of the people they profess to represent.”
A representative from the California Department of Finance who testified at the hearing, said, “We are analyzing all the federal funding we receive, but with that said, there is no way the general fund can backfill the loss of federal funds.”
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) said she voted “hell no” on the resolution she is calling the “Republican rip-off.”
“I refuse to be complicit in Donald Trump and House Republicans’ attempts to steal from my constituents. Hell no to raising health care premiums by $2,020 a year; hell no on ripping food assistance away from 40 million Americans; and hell no on giving $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to the Billionaire Boys Club,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement.
California Legislative Black Caucus Honors Unsung Heroes
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored everyday Californians making a difference in their communities during a program observing Black History Month in Sacramento last week.
That ceremony was held at the State Capitol in the chambers of the California Assembly on Feb. 25
The CLBC said the goal of their annual “Unsung Heroes” ceremony was to honor individuals whose quiet acts of courage and dedication have made significant impacts in communities members represent.
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), Chair of the CLBC, hosted the ceremony, acknowledging those who may not make headlines but whose contributions are “vital to progress.”
“While we celebrate the well-known figures of Black history, we must also recognize the unsung heroes whose acts of courage and service often go unnoticed,” she said.
Among the honorees were Tasha Williamson, a civil rights activist and founder of Project Safeway, a community initiative that assists victims of violence and homicide survivors. Another honoree, Karen Mack, is the founder of LA Comms, a nonprofit that uses arts and culture to address key community issues like health and education in South Los Angeles and Delphine Metcalf-Foster, a 21-year Army veteran and Gulf War hero who was the first woman National Commander of Disabled American Veterans.
Dr. Elaine Bachelor, CEO of MLK Community Healthcare, was honored for dedication to reducing health disparities in South Los Angeles and providing care to over 1.3 million residents.
“Every life saved is a victory,” said Bachelor. “We are building a healthier future, one community at a time, and it’s an honor to be part of this essential work.”
Gil Robertson IV was honored for his contributions as a prominent journalist and president of the African American Film Critics Association. Other notable honorees were Jamila Land, co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network, and Cinder Eller Kimball, a senior community affairs liaison for the Inglewood Police Department, among others.
Trump Administration Targets DEI in Schools, Threatens Federal Funding
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has ordered schools receiving federal funding to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that use race as a factor in admissions, hiring, financial aid, and other policies. The guidance, sent in a Dear Colleague Letter on Feb. 14, follows the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard Supreme Court decision, which struck down race-conscious admissions policies.
On March 1, the DOE released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document clarifying the letter’s enforcement. The guidance states that schools cannot use race-conscious practices, including race-based scholarships, targeted DEI programs, or racial considerations in hiring and promotions. It also confirms that separating students by race in any form is illegal under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor warned in the letter that institutions failing to comply within 14 days could face investigations and loss of federal funding. “Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character—not prejudged by the color of their skin,” he stated.
This directive is part of Trump’s administration effort to dismantle DEI policies. In January, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate “illegal preferences and discrimination” in government and to push the private sector to do the same. Additionally, DOE launched an online portal to report DEI practices in public schools.
While the Biden administration defended race-conscious policies, Trump’s DOE is now enforcing strict interpretations of anti-discrimination laws, positioning this as a return to merit-based education. Schools across the country are now reviewing their policies to determine how to comply with the federal mandate while maintaining commitments to diversity and equity.
CA Assembly Republicans Present Economic Plan Focused on Gas Prices, Tip Taxes
Assembly Republicans unveiled a comprehensive legislative package of bills aimed at addressing California’s affordability crisis, focusing on reducing costs for working families.
The package, announced at a press conference on Feb. 26, includes measures to lower prices on essentials like food, gas, housing, insurance, health care, and utilities.
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (D-Yuba City) criticized Sacramento Democrats for failing to address the state’s rising taxes and living costs, stating that Californians have struggled for years under the financial burden.
“Our plan provides tangible relief and delivers the affordability that hardworking families deserve,” said Gallagher.
Key proposals in the package include cutting utility rates by 30%, suspending gas taxes, and eliminating state income tax on tips. The legislative efforts, GOP lawmakers say, aim to curb rising expenses that have driven families and businesses out of the state.
Among bills in the package are:
- Assembly Bill (AB) 12: Reverses recent amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
- AB 286: Requires a 30% reduction in electric rates.
- AB 490: Allows tax deductions for interest on auto loans.
- AB 547: Provides tax credits for out-of-pocket IVF costs.
- AB 658: Prevents vehicle tax hikes.
- AB 838: Increases the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers.
- AB 1058: Suspends the gas tax and funds transportation projects through the general fund.
- AB 1219: Proposes the largest middle-class tax cut in California history.
- AB 1443: Eliminates state income tax on tips.
Republican lawmakers say these measures reinforce their commitment to making California more affordable and ensuring families and businesses can thrive in the state.
Newsom’s $245 Million Plan Based on Input from Experts, Regular Californians
Gov. Gavin Newsom last week introduced the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a wide-ranging plan drafted to foster economic growth, job creation, and innovation. The initiative, shaped by input from 13 regional plans, comes with a $245 million investment to support workers, small businesses, and key industries across the state.
Newsom said the proposal, released on Feb. 26, includes the input and concerns of both experts and local Californians.
As part of the plan, Los Angeles will receive $13 million in funding to aid economic recovery efforts, particularly in response to recent wildfires. Newsom emphasized that California’s economic success stems from regional contributions and collaborative efforts that help acquire sustainable economic growth.
“California’s economic dominance and success are grown locally, with the contributions of each diverse region of our state,” said Newsom.
“California thrives because we work together, despite adversity and even disagreement. It is this collective resilient spirit that will help move Los Angeles forward and help us overcome any challenge that stands in our way,” he said.
Key Investments in Jobs & Economic Development:
- $125 million for “ready-to-go” projects in strategic sectors.
- $15 million to support economic initiatives for California Native American tribes.
- $92 million for apprenticeship and workforce training programs, including:
- $52 million for apprenticeships in finance, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
- $16 million for youth apprenticeship programs.
- $24.1 million for healthcare job training, focusing on behavioral health and nursing.
Newsom announced targeted funding to aid Los Angeles’ recovery efforts. The State’s plans to support LA’s Economic Recovery include:
- $10 million for the LA Region Small Business Relief Fund, in partnership with LA Rises, Magic Johnson, and Mark Walter.
- $3 million to support business recovery campaigns and economic development programs.
The California Jobs First Economic Blueprint aims to streamline workforce development, expand job opportunities, and strengthen key industries over the next decade, said Newsom’s office.
