Black Caucus Members
“Owed an Apology” Amid Backlash, Brewing Tensions
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
A week after advocates rallied at the State Capitol to protest lawmakers for not allowing two reparations bills to be brought up for a vote on the Assembly floor, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members are “owed an apology.”
For several days now, CLBC chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and other caucus members have been under fire from some activists and advocates who say the lawmakers did not do enough to push the reparations bills authored by their colleague, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood).
Others have been accusing members of intentionally sabotaging the bills even though last week the CLBC issued a statement informing the public that it intends to reintroduce the reparations bills during the next legislative session.
On Sept. 7, Newsom said it was “disgraceful” for anyone to unleash their frustrations out on the CLBC.
“There were members of that Black Caucus that are owed an apology for being treated the way they were treated – to be doxed, to be personally maligned, and attacked. So, forgive me for expressing that,” Newsom said. “I have great respect and admiration for the leadership of the Black Caucus and members of the Black Caucus,” Newsom told reporters.
Newsom made the statement at a news conference held at the Capitol Annex Swing Space when he announced that he issued proposed emergency regulations to protect youth from the adverse health effects of dangerous hemp products. The Coalition for A Just and Equitable California (CJEC), a reparations advocacy group that helped to organize the protests, released a statement on Sept. 5.
“CLBC members are now falsely claiming to the media and others, with no evidence, that we are the source of physical threats to their person and property,” CJEC’s letter stated.
CBM has not been able to verify CJEC’s allegation that the Black Caucus – or any of its members -- has accused that organization of making threats.
The CLBC released a statement on Aug. 31, the last day of the Legislative session, stating that it had “concerns” about Bradford’s bills Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and SB 1331, legislation that previously advanced with minimal opposition through Senate and Assembly committees before being withheld from a final floor vote by all members of the lower house of the Legislature.
SB 1403 proposes the creation of a new state agency called the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). That agency, one of the California Reparations Task Force’s 115 recommendations, would be responsible for determining eligibility for reparations and administering government processes related to compensation.
SB 1331 would establish an account for reparations in the State Treasury for the purpose of funding reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.
The California Legislative Black Caucus formally introduced the 2024 Reparations Priority Package on Feb. 21. A total of 14 Reparations bills were apart of the package. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
Neither one of those pieces of legislation, authored by Bradford, a CLBC member. were a part of CLBC’s initial reparations priority package of 14 bills announced in January.
However, according to a letter obtained by California Black Media, the CLBC added1403 to the package in May.
In the same letter, the Black Caucus requested that the state provide $6 million to help fund efforts related to 1403 and another $6 million to the California Black Freedom Fund, a $100-million non-profit initiative focused on eradicating systemic and institutional racism in the state.
Another bill that was a part of the package, authored by Wilson, Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA 8), was approved by both houses of the Legislature and will appear on the ballot in the November election. If approved by voters, ACA 8 will erase language in the state constitution that legalizes involuntary servitude and end forced labor in prisons as a punishment for crimes. ACA 8 will appear on the ballot as Prop. 6.
Nine reparations bills included in the CLBC package passed and have now been advanced to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. Those bills include SB 1050, authored by Bradford, which would allow California to review and investigate complaints from
individuals who claim their property was taken without compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. It passed with a 73-0 vote on the Assembly floor. Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), a CLBC member, inked an opinion article sharing her perspective on why the Legislature did not advance SB 1403 and SB 1331. McKinnor did not mention Bradford by name, but it is clear from context that she was referring to the author of the two bills in question.
“From the outset, a Black caucus member worked against the CLBC’s efforts. Days after the CLBC introduced its reparations legislative package, a Black caucus member introduced his own reparations bills, not part of the CLBC’s work, and spent months attempting to negotiate away the $12 million that the CLBC had secured in this year’s state budget for his own project,” McKinnor wrote. Bradford appeared on various media platforms as well with accusations directed at his CLBC colleagues. Bradford told Roland Martin, the popular media host on his podcast, that all the members of CLBC had signed on as co-authors of SB 1403 in May.
“It’s probably the most heartbreaking, disappointing time I’ve experienced in the Legislature,” Bradford told Martin on his “Unfiltered” show on Sept. 4. “You’re taught
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By Edward Henderson California
Black Media In less than two months, Californians will vote on Proposition (Prop) 32. This voter guide is one in a series of articles that will help you understand what supporters and opponents of California’s 10 ballot initiatives are saying about each one. Prop 32 would increase California’s minimum wage to $18 per hour. It is currently $16 per hour for most people and $20 per hour for fast food workers. Health care workers will eventually see their minimum wage reach $25 per hour, according to a law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last year. Supporters of the proposition argue that with the cost of living rising, wages need to increase as well for families to survive. California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Saru Jayaraman, director of the Food Labor Research Center at UC Berkeley, on why she supports a Yes vote for Prop 32. “I’ve been organizing restaurant workers for 20 years. I’ve never seen a period in which I’ve seen so many restaurant workers working full-time and living in their cars. The cost of living has become an extreme crisis for people at all income levels in California,” says Jayaraman. “When you raise the floor, it lifts all boats. You raise the floor to $18 an hour, people just above $18 get a raise. It’s critical for people to be able to survive here in California.” Jayaraman also mentioned that while Modoc County has the lowest cost of living in California, the MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a
said Kabatack. “Frankly, we are witnessing -- just in the past several months with some particular industries -- the opposite happening. We are seeing the very individuals that minimum wage proponents want to help being harmed. They are not getting the entry-level jobs and not finding that growth opportunities that they should.”
Jayaraman has heard this argument before and does not believe it is a factor when considering how raising the minimum wage can help small businesses.
“The minimum wage has gone up multiple times. It went up to $15. Small business continued to grow in California. It went up to $16.50. Small business continued to grow in California. And that’s because, guess what? When you pay people more, guess what they do? They go spend it. And the small businesses actually benefit from people in their communities having enough to eat out and to buy things.”
Kabateck highlighted that Californian fast-food restaurants have laid off an aggerate of 9,500 workers since April. Pizza Hut and Round Table have laid off approximately 1,300 delivery drivers, citing rising wages as the reason for the issue.
“At the end of the day, they’re sealing the fate of the people that they’re trying to help. And it’s not chicken little, this is not doom and gloom. And this is also not an angry guy saying we shouldn’t help people in the workplace. We got to help them, and we want to help retain them, but this is the wrong
cry because I’m very menopausal,” Rudolph
won on the first of the two-night Creative Arts
which honor behind-the-scenes
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Emmys ceremony, hosted by
and
and are a precursor to the
will air at 8 p.m. EST Sept. 15 on ABC. Bassett appeared to collect her trophy for best narrator, a category that is usually star studded but where the winner, like Barack Obama last year, rarely shows.
“Oh my god, wow, my first Emmy,” an emotional Bassett said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled and more grateful.”
Bassett was attracted to the wildlife documentary project because of the all female-led production team, a rarity in the medium, she said backstage.
“It just touched my heart,” she said. “So I said yes.” Bassett is a two-time Oscar nominee who won an honorary Academy Award earlier this year.
Other winners included the recently retired Pat Sajak, who won best game show host for his final season on “Wheel of Fortune.” It was his fourth time winning the award, and first time since 1998.
“Saturday Night Live” thrived in the craft categories with six wins, including victories for its makeup and production design.
Rudolph won two Emmys when she was a cast member on the show, and is nominated for two more for her work as host of the sketch institution last season. Those will be awarded Sunday. She will be returning this fall to play Vice President Kamala Harris on the 50th season of “SNL” in the weeks leading up to the election.
“I feel like I am connected somehow to an incredible time in this country and an excitement that I haven’t felt in a long time,” she said backstage on Saturday. She is also nominated at the main Emmys ceremony for best actress in a comedy for her Apple TV+ series “Loot.” She is a longshot for that award, where the favorites are Jean Smart for “Hacks” and Ayo Edebiri for “The Bear,” which leads all shows in the comedy category with 23 nominations.
The Ron Howard-directed documentary “Jim Henson Idea Man” won four times and “Welcome to Wrexham” won three including best unstructured reality show. “Shark Tank” won best structured reality show. In an awards show crossover, the telecast of the Oscars won four Emmys including best live variety special.
Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 next month, may have stolen the show when “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years Of Magic” won best pre-recorded variety special. Van Dyke did a little dance and announced “that hurt” afterward. As the winners were being played off stage, he said, “I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to my memorial. I don’t have a date yet but I’m not feeling very well.” Van Dyke became the oldest person to get a daytime Emmy when he won in June for appearing on “Days of Our Lives.”
Biden-Harris Administration Pushes
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Biden-Harris administration is continuing its relentless pursuit to transform America’s public education system, despite repeated attempts by conservative Republicans and controversial rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court to block key initiatives like student debt cancellation. On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the White House released a comprehensive fact sheet outlining the administration’s bold actions to ensure that every student in the country has access to the resources they need to succeed.Since taking office, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have championed education as the bedrock of America’s democracy and the foundation for opportunity. Their administration has delivered the largest-ever federal investment in K-12 education through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), allocating $130 billion to schools nationwide. The White House said the funding has had a transformative effect, particularly in communities hit hardest by the pandemic.A groundbreaking study by Harvard and Stanford revealed that schools receiving federal COVID-19 relief funds—ranging from $4,000 to more than $13,000 per student—are already seeing significant improvements in academic performance. Administration officials proclaimed that the long-term economic benefits are expected to be just as impressive, with the investments likely to lead to higher future earnings for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. They said research shows that a 10% increase in per-student spending over a 12-year period boosts lifetime wages by 7%.As students return to the classroom this fall, the administration wants to ensure the momentum continues. The White House announced a series of new initiatives to accelerate academic success, bolster student engagement, and tackle
key challenges like absenteeism and literacy. Among the most impactful of these actions is the allocation of $149 million to support evidence-based reading programs to ensure all students can read fluently by third grade. Officials said states like Ohio and Montana will use the funding to expand teacher training and strengthen literacy programs, particularly in underserved communities that have been historically left behind.In addition to bolstering literacy, the administration is awarding $30 million to improve comprehensive student assessment systems. According to the White House, these tools will provide educators with critical data on student progress and help inform instruction, driving better classroom outcomes nationwide. For instance, Nebraska plans to use these funds to improve assessment data for English learners, ensuring that teachers have the insights needed to tailor instruction and close achievement gaps.The Department of Education also issued updated school improvement guidance, providing
states and school districts with evidence-based strategies to increase student achievement. The guidance offers solutions for tackling chronic absenteeism, a significant barrier to student success, through early warning systems and better family engagement. It also emphasizes the importance of small-group tutoring, after-school programs, and expanded learning opportunities to help students recover from pandemic-related disruptions. The draft guidance is open for public comment until October 4, 2024, allowing educators and community leaders to provide input before it is finalized.The administration also said it’s taking decisive action to address chronic absenteeism, an issue that has only worsened since the pandemic. The White House called on state education leaders to create statewide data systems that provide real-time information on absenteeism rates, allowing schools to identify root causes and implement targeted interventions. States like Alabama and Rhode Island have already implemented innovative systems to monitor attendance and have seen improvements.To support these efforts, the Biden-Harris administration said it’s pressing industry vendors to improve the availability of attendance data, urging them to make this critical information accessible to schools without additional costs. Officials said the actions are part of a larger push to ensure that every district has the tools to track absenteeism and boost student engagement.The administration has launched the Student Attendance and Engagement Solutions Network to further engage students in partnership with AmeriCorps and Johns Hopkins University’s Everyone Graduates Center. Nearly 200 school districts across 43 states have joined the network, representing over 7 million students. The initiative allows districts to share best practices for improving attendance and engagement, and the administration is encouraging more districts to join.Recognizing that transportation
challenges often prevent students from attending school regularly, the administration is also collaborating with the Department of Transportation to improve transit options for students in underserved areas. This includes expanding safe routes to school, offering free or reduced transit fares, and supporting creative solutions like walking and bike buses. Officials asserted that the efforts aim to remove transportation barriers that disproportionately affect lowincome families, ensuring that students can get
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the U.S. economy added 142,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, less than the 165,000 economists had predicted. While the job growth missed forecasts, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% from July’s 4.3%, suggesting continued strength in the labor market under the Biden-Harris administration. Job growth in August came in higher than July’s revised 89,000, but revisions to June and July figures showed the U.S. economy added 86,000 fewer jobs than initially reported. Despite the adjustments, wage growth continued to increase, with year-over-year wage gains rising to 3.8%, up from 3.6% in July. Monthly wages grew by 0.4%, double the prior month’s 0.2%, offering signs of resilience for American workers amid ongoing inflation concerns.
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Some economists, however, are cautious about how these figures will impact the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. “The overall solid gain in August payrolls, the retreat in the unemployment rate, and the pop in average hourly earnings are not likely enough for Fed officials to start the rate-cutting cycle with a 50 bps reduction on September 18,” Nationwide’s chief economist Kathy Bostjancic noted.
Bostjancic’s remarks reflect the broader debate among economists. Some see the data as a reason for the Fed to pursue a more conservative rate cut of 25 basis points to avoid overheating the economy.
In a statement following the jobs report, President Joe Biden celebrated the continued economic progress under his administration. “Thanks to our work to rescue the economy, nearly 16 million new jobs have been created, wages and incomes are rising faster than prices, businesses are investing in America, and millions of entrepreneurs are opening small businesses—acts of hope and confidence in our economy,” Biden said.
The president also stressed the importance of maintaining these gains as inflation returns to manageable levels. “With inflation back down close to normal levels,
it is important to focus on sustaining the historic gains we have made for American workers,” he remarked. Biden warned against returning to what he described as failed Republican policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and reductions to critical programs. “The last thing we should do is turn back to the failed trickledown economics… cutting taxes for the wealthy and large corporations, raising taxes on middle-class families, or cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act,” Biden emphasized.
“We’re fighting to expand opportunity, and we’ll keep pushing forward. The American people have shown their resilience, and we’re committed to building an economy that works for everyone,” he insisted.
John Branca’s Masterstroke: How
Michael Jackson’s Estate Surged
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows. However, beneath this glittering success lies a complex tale of financial recovery, legal battles, and persistent family strife.
In 2002, Michael Jackson signed a will that left nearly all his assets to his children through a trust while granting his mother, Katherine Jackson, a small interest during her lifetime. Crucially, the will endowed his executors—John Branca and John McClain—with broad powers to manage the estate, including the authority to sell its assets. This provision has proven to be pivotal, enabling Branca and McClain to rescue the estate from near financial collapse after Jackson’s untimely death in 2009, turning it from a half-billion dollars in debt into a multi-billion-dollar empire.
Branca, a towering figure in the entertainment law world, has been central to this remarkable financial revival. Often described as a “rock star” among lawyers, Branca’s career is defined by his representation of some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dr. Dre, and the Eagles. His work has secured record earnings for these artists and set industry-changing precedents that continue to shape the music business today. Branca’s relationship with Michael Jackson began in 1980, and over the years, he became one of the most trusted figures in Jackson’s professional life. Known for his ability to negotiate landmark deals, Branca was instrumental in Jackson’s acquisition of the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included the rights to many Beatles songs—a move that is still considered one of the most astute in music industry history. Michael Jackson once called Branca “the greatest lawyer of our time,” and the accolades he received from industry giants only reinforced this reputation. Marty Bandier, Sony/ATV Music CEO, and Chairman, has named Branca as the number one publishing lawyer in the United States, while Carlos Santana referred to him as “the
Shaman.” Under Branca’s stewardship, the estate has seen a remarkable financial transformation since Jackson’s passing. Over the past 12 years, Branca has orchestrated deals that have generated a staggering $2.5 billion for the estate. These include high-profile projects such as Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT, the highest-grossing concert film of all time, and MJ The Musical, a Broadway sensation that has won four Tony Awards and continues to draw sold-out crowds in North America, London’s West End, and soon, in Hamburg and Australia. In February 2024, Branca and McClain negotiated what The New York Times described as a ‘blockbuster deal.’ They sold a significant portion of Jackson’s music
Jannik Sinner Gets a Hug From His Friend
Seal after Winning the US Open Title
By BRIAN MAHONEY
of Jacksons.”
Additionally, a source close to the estate said Katherine Jackson has been the recipient of more than $60 million since her megastar son’s death while Tito and Jackie have been among the most supportive of their younger brother’s executors, arguably the greatest and most organized estate in history. The Jackson estate continues with its most recent project, the eagerly anticipated Antoine Fuqua biopic MICHAEL (2025), starring Jermaine Jackson’s son, Jaafar, as Michael, casting that again showed the executor’s willingness to spread the vast wealth. Still, Branca and McClain’s ability to navigate familial complexities while continuing to grow the empire Michael Jackson left behind has been a testament to their expertise and commitment.
Michael Jackson’s legacy, built on groundbreaking music and iconic performances, remains untouchable
catalog to a joint venture with Sony for a staggering $600 million. This deal, while financially beneficial, was not without controversy. Katherine Jackson objected, arguing that Michael had expressly stated his assets should never be sold. However, a California appellate court ultimately upheld the executors’ decision, citing the broad powers granted to them in Jackson’s will.
With unparalleled financial success, and conflict within the Jackson family, Branca and McClain have remained undaunted, focusing on preserving and expanding Michael’s legacy. Their efforts have been so effective that one observer noted, “They’ve taken such great care of the business of Michael Jackson that his heirs, his three children, will be able to feed a few dozen generations
Rap Megastar Kendrick Lamar Will Headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer
on
biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Lamar would lead the halftime festivities from the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9. The rap megastar, who has won 17 Grammys, said he’s looking forward to bringing hip-hop to the NFL's championship game, where he performed as a guest artist with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem in 2022.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date," Lamar said in a statement. "And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” Lamar, 37, has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he's accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album “DAMN.”
The rapper's latest album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” was released in 2022. He was featured on the song “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin on a track that spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also scored another hit with “Not Like Us." In 2016, Lamar gave a stunning seven-minute performance of tracks such as “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright" at the 58th Grammy Awards. Lamar dazzled as an opener two years later at the Grammys with a performance
of “XXX.”
In June, Lamar turned his Juneteenth “Pop Out” concert into a celebration of Los Angeles unity. It came on the heels of his rap battle with Drake during the three-hour concert featuring a mix of p-and-coming LA rappers and stars including Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy and YG. Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a “once-in-a-
$76 Million in State Grants: Religious Orgs, Non-Profits Can Apply to Upgrade Security
By McKenzie Jackson California
Black Media Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ (SFBFS) campus, located on Bell Avenue in the state capital, is set to get a $131,583 security facelift.
The funding is courtesy of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which has awarded nonprofit community and faith-based groups across the Golden State with financial support to prevent hatemotivated violence since 2015.
SFBFS is home to the largest hunger relief group in Sacramento County and a food bank that distributed 31.6 million meals nutritious meals to people in need in 2023.
SFBFS Director of Communications Kevin Buffalino said the grant money will enhance the safety and security of the food bank site.
“We’ll be adding security lighting, security cameras, access control systems to ensure we continue providing food assistance to over 305,000 people every month safely and without interruption,” he said.
SFBFS was one of 193 community organizations across the Golden State to receive $39 million in awards from the grant program in April to enhance their security. In late July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s Office of Emergency Funding is accepting applications from community-based nonprofits to apply for $76 million in expedited funding from the security grant program. According to a 2023 hate crimes report compiled by the California Department of Justice, Black Californians remain the most affected group by hate crimes. Hate incidents and hate crimes targeting Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ people are also increasing.
Newsom said an attack against any community is an
Celebrate Grandparents Day: Read with your Grandchildren
and again, their knowledge of the word will move from never hearing it, to sounds familiar to it has something to do with, to well known. One study even showed that hearing the same words in the same story helped more than hearing the same words in different stories.
—”The Foot Book,” Dr. Seuss
It has been 40 years since I last read Dr. Seuss’s “The Foot Book” aloud, but I can still recite it, nearly word for word. That’s because I read it an estimated 83,492 times during my daughter’s earliest years. When kids fall in love with a particular book, they want to hear it again and again. For the grandparent reading this favorite book, it’s good to know that research into how children learn language supports these seemingly unending repetitions.
This year, National Grandparents Day will be celebrated on September 8. It’s a great day to spend time reading with your grandchildren. You will be sharing a favorite book, but you’ll also be helping your grandchild learn important reading skills. Of course, you may be sharing that book repeatedly. Researchers tell us that children learn words through repeated readings of texts. (Grandparents could tell us that as well.) As your grandkids hear words again
This is where “The Foot Book” comes in. (“Wet foot, dry foot, low foot, high foot,” my brain is chiming in.) Repetition helps kids learn I would tell myself as my daughter would say, “Again!” Young readers need to know how to sound out an unfamiliar word, but the more words they recognize instantly, the more time they’ll have to figure out what the text means. The ability to read quickly and accurately is one key step in becoming a strong reader. If you stop while you are reading to discuss what you have just read, you can help your grandchild build background knowledge. “Remember when we went to the zoo and saw the lion?”
Sometimes, the story may include information your grandchild doesn’t know. See if you can learn more. Is there a TV program about alligators? Does your library have a book with pictures? The way you read can also be a good model for your
grandchild. Sometimes you may need to stop, reread, and then untangle what you’ve just read. You might say, “That long paragraph about crickets didn’t make sense to me. Let’s go back and see if we can read it more slowly to make sure we understand it.” Doing that will give your grandchild permission to do the same thing when they read something they don’t understand. And you’ll create the expectation that we read so we can understand what we have read. Read widely. This fall, as election news fills the airwaves, help your grandchildren learn more about pioneering lawmakers like John Lewis and Barack Obama by looking for biographies written just for kids. Your local children’s librarian can point you to a book that should work.
Of course, repetition is not limited to books. Ask any grandparent who has watched “Moana” for the 271st time. Kids seem to be hard-wired to enjoy things over and over. And don’t worry—eventually, new favorites will replace the old. Something else will capture your grandchild’s attention, and you’ll find yourself reading it over and over. And over.
Kristen J. Amundson is a former teacher, school
New Report Exposes Tax System’s Role in Widening Racial Wealth Gap, Calls for Urgent Reforms
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Today, Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, and Americans for Tax Fairness released a damning report exposing the deep racial inequities entrenched in the U.S. tax system. The issue brief “How Tax Fairness Can Promote Racial Equity,” written by Color of Change Managing Director Portia Allen-Kyle and Americans for Tax Fairness Executive Director David Kass, exposes the systemic flaws in tax policy that have widened the racial wealth gap and prevented economic mobility for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. The report urgently calls for sweeping reforms to stop the flow of tax benefits to the wealthiest Americans—who are overwhelmingly white—while offering concrete solutions to make the tax code work for everyone, not just the top 1%.“An equitable tax system does two things,” Allen-Kyle asserts. “It narrows the racial wealth gap from the bottom up and spurs economic mobility for Black, Brown, and Indigenous individuals and families. Our current tax code fails on both accounts. It’s a prime example of how so-called ‘colorblind’ systems actively prevent Black families from building generational wealth and economic security.”Tax Code Deepens Racial Disparities, Experts Say The brief pulls no punches in describing how current tax policies disproportionately benefit wealthy white families, further deepening racial inequalities. By giving preferential treatment to wealth over work, the system locks in economic advantages for white households while leaving communities of color to bear the brunt of these inequities. “Our tax system is not only failing to address racial wealth inequality, it’s exacerbating it,” Kass warns. “We privilege wealth over work, fail to adequately tax our richest households and corporations, and allow inherited fortunes to compound unchecked by taxation. This perpetuates a legacy of racial inequality.”
The racial
COVID-19 pandemic further entrenched these divides, benefiting the already wealthy while leaving Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities further behind.
The Racial Wealth Gap and Homeownership
Homeownership, long touted as a primary means of building wealth in America, has failed to deliver for Black families. The report points to factors such as biased home appraisals and a regressive property tax system as key reasons why Black homeowners have been unable to accumulate wealth at the same rate as their white counterparts.
As the brief notes, with critical provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire, now is a pivotal moment for tax reform. “We have a once-in-ageneration opportunity to reform our tax system to address racial inequality,” the report states, comparing recent monumental legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.Three Key Reforms to Tackle Racial Inequity
The report lays out three central reforms aimed at curbing the wealth concentration among the ultra-rich and dismantling the racial inequities baked into the tax code: Taxing Wealth Fairly: The report calls for equalizing the tax rates on wealth and work. Currently, capital gains—profits from investments—are taxed at a far lower rate than wages earned by working people, a disparity that overwhelmingly benefits white households. The vast majority of capital gains income flows to white families, who comprise only two-thirds of taxpayers but receive 92% of the benefits from lower tax rates on investment income.
Strengthening the Estate Tax: The estate tax, which is supposed to curb the accumulation of dynastic wealth, has been weakened over time, allowing large fortunes— primarily held by white families—to grow even larger across generations. The report calls for stronger enforcement of the estate tax to prevent the further entrenchment of wealth and power within a small, overwhelmingly white elite.
Targeting
from falling behind due to policies that are currently biased in favor of the wealthy, the brief advocates for restructuring these deductions.
Biden-Harris Administration and Senate Proposals for Change
Both the Biden-Harris administration and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden have proposed addressing the racial wealth gap. The Billionaire Minimum Income Tax (BMIT) and the Billionaire Income Tax (BIT) would ensure that the wealthiest Americans—who often go years without paying taxes—contribute their fair share. These proposals would raise over $500 billion in revenue over the next decade, which could be reinvested in healthcare, education, and housing for communities of color.As the report points out, our current tax system is skewed in favor of the ultrawealthy. It allows the rich to avoid paying taxes on the increased value of their investments unless they sell them. They often borrow against these growing fortunes, further delaying taxation, which allows white billionaires to accumulate vast wealth while paying a fraction of what working families pay in taxes.Defending IRS Funding to Hold the Wealthy Accountable
The report also highlights the critical need to defend IRS funding, restored under the Inflation Reduction Act, which is essential for cracking down on wealthy tax cheats. Contrary to Republican claims, this funding will not increase tax enforcement on households earning less than $400,000. Instead, it will improve customer service and expand the Direct File program, saving taxpayers significant time and money.
The Biden administration’s restored IRS funding is expected to raise an additional $100 billion over the next decade by ensuring the wealthiest Americans and corporations pay what they legally owe.
A Call for Urgent Action
The message from Color of Change and Americans for Tax Fairness is clear: America’s tax system is broken, and without immediate reforms, the racial wealth gap will continue to widen. “Addressing the insidious racial preferences in our tax code is one of the most direct ways we can not only help Black communities grow here and now but for generations to come,” Allen-Kyle concludes.
Grandparents by sylviebliss
By Kristen J. Amundson
“Left foot, left foot, Right foot, right. Feet in the morning Feet at night.”
board chair, state legislator, and CEO of a national education organization. This column is excerpted from her forthcoming book “The Grandparent Effect,” which will be published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2025.
Will U.S. Lawmakers Follow California’s
Lead, or Continue to Allow Mass Murderers to Access Military-Style Weapons?
By Joe W. Bowers Jr.
California Black Media
The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia on Sept. 4, claiming four lives, is a sobering reminder of the grave threat gun violence poses in America. Even more disturbing is how some lawmakers have allowed mass murderers easy access to high-powered firearms, leaving parents fearing whether their children will return home safely each day they send them to school.
By refusing to pass commonsense gun control measures, those lawmakers have ensured that mass shooters have easy access to military-grade weapons -- designed for war, not civilian life.
The Georgia school shooter used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. The four killings happened within minutes and left nine other people injured.
Attorney General Rob Bonta, addressing the urgency of the situation, declared, “None of it is acceptable. None of it is normal. We will continue to promote the blueprint of California that has led us to transform from 30 years ago, being a state with one of the highest levels of gun violence, to now one of the lowest because of our commonsense gun laws that make us safer. If others did that, we would be safer.”
Bonta, along with 19 other attorneys general, is fighting back by filing an amicus brief supporting Cook County, Illinois’s ban on assault weapons. California has proven that such measures save lives, but this effort must extend nationwide to truly address the crisis.
Gov, Gavin Newsom has also weighed in, reflecting on the immediate tragedy and the broader failure of leadership. “I’ve got four kids, one just going into high school,” Newsom said. “The trauma of these shootings is devastating, not just for the families directly affected, but for entire communities. This is the only country in the world where this happens over and over again. And it will continue happening unless we take serious action.”
Newsom did not mince words in holding lawmakers accountable: “I mean, you had a nominee for president of the United States who almost lost his life to an assassination attempt from a member of his own party, and still, we’ve had no substantive conversations around gun safety. No
real discussions on background checks, no conversations about an assault weapons ban, or limiting large-capacity magazines. It’s a serious moment in America that requires serious leadership, and you do not have that from the other party. Gun safety saves lives.”
California’s strict gun laws, which are among the toughest in the nation, were born out of tragedy -- the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School shooting in Stockton. That horrific event, where five children were gunned down, led to the country’s first assault weapons ban. From mandatory background checks and red flag laws, California has created a comprehensive framework that aims to prevent mass shootings like the one in Georgia.
It’s crucial to point out that protecting Second Amendment rights is not at odds with making communities safe. Responsible gun ownership and public safety can coexist through thoughtful regulations that prioritize human lives without infringing on constitutional rights. As Newsom highlighted, “We’re not talking about confiscating guns; we’re talking about commonsense measures overwhelmingly supported by Republicans and Democrats that are being denied because of the ideology in the Republican Party and the ideologues in the federal judiciary.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump and his allies have made it easier for mass shooters to arm themselves with the most destructive weapons available. Despite banning bump stocks after the Las Vegas shooting, his administration rolled back restrictions on gun access for people with mental health issues and resisted efforts to tighten background checks or ban assault weapons. These weapons are not for protection. They are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible.
Trump’s response to the Apalachee High School shooting, calling the shooter a “sick and deranged monster,” rings hollow. The dismantling of gun restrictions under his administration ensured that these “monsters” are better armed than our police, our security guards, and our first responders.
Prioritizing gun manufacturers’ profits over public safety has led directly to tragedies like Georgia’s. Republicans often shift the blame to mental health issues and promote expanded mental health programs and school security measures instead of tackling the root issue – easy access to firearms.
There’s a Sensible
Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance lamented that school shootings have become a “fact of life” and argued that hardening schools is the best solution. This approach aligns with Trump’s Agenda 47, which focuses on expanding gun rights, and Project 2025, which advocates rolling back gun control laws, promoting civilian armament, and increasing school security protocols.
Vice President Kamala Harris, reacting to the shooting, spoke with compassion and urgency. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “We can end this epidemic of gun violence, but only if we have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and make real change.” As we approach the 2024 election, Americans face a critical choice: continue allowing mass murderers access to military-style weapons or follow California’s lead in implementing life-saving gun laws. With gun violence rising, it’s time for the rest of the country to prioritize safety and adopt measures like California’s that protect children, families, and communities.
Approach to Fix
California’s Broken Lemon Law
By Earl Skip Cooper Special to California Black Media Partners
for consumers, small business owners, and their hard-working employees. California’s Lemon Law is a long-standing consumer protection that allows our community members to replace the family car if they take it to the shop for repairs and it can’t be fixed. This law is a vital tool for consumers that must be protected at all costs; however, there are serious flaws in the current system that must be dealt with, especially with the current increase in the cost of living. In the last few years, lemon law complaints filed in California courts have increased by many thousands, which has resulted in a court system that is severely backlogged and slows justice down even more for the consumers who need it the most. To show in numbers what this looks like, there were 4,300 cases filed in 2015 – and this year, there will likely be 30,000. This isn’t due to issues with vehicle quality; studies show those ratings are better than ever. Instead, our current law has created a system that allows, even encourages, and rewards bad-acting attorneys to mass-file thousands of lawsuits to force companies to settle and get their big cut. This can’t be allowed to continue any longer.
The backlog in the courts caused by these bad actors results in families waiting years for these cases to resolve, which means they have to spend their hard-earned dollars renting vehicles for months or relying on rideshares and taxis constantly. Anyone who ever had to call a car with a baby and a car seat in tow knows this option is expensive, inconvenient, and nearly impossible. To give a real-world example of the effect of this problem, it is not uncommon
for families to be forced to wait 3-5 years for their car to be replaced while their case is tied up in court. The court backlogs are especially bad in our Southern California courts, which has trickle effects to the health of other parts of the system.
This problem, that is heavily affecting our communities who rely on vehicles to get around the large Los Angeles region in particular, can be significantly helped by a piece of legislation that just made it to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk with the heavy opposition of mass-filing, litigious plaintiff attorneys, some of the foreign automakers, and some of the companies pushing the exclusive use of electric vehicles, like Tesla.
Meanwhile, supporters of this legislation include storied American companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, as well as the statewide organization representing the consumer-side lawyers trying to fight for the best interests of their clients while not prioritizing delay tactics and punitive, unfair penalties.
The bill is called Assembly Bill 1755, coauthored by well-respected and strong leaders in our State Legislature –Sen. Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). AB 1755 is a vital bill that gives consumers the right to cut out expensive, unnecessary middlemen and email the auto manufacturers directly to own the resolution of the problem and find out directly whether and how quickly an auto manufacturer will offer a vehicle repurchase or replacement for a customer having a car repair issue that can’t be fixed. Under the deadlines in the bill, manufacturers would have to decide within 30 days of simple customer notice whether they will make it right. And if a vehicle repurchase or replacement is offered, that solution must be completed within the next 30 days.
Simply put, this is a strong new policy that will provide real relief for many of our community members while also strongly protecting a consumer’s right to sue if they do not get a new car or money quickly to buy a new one.
AB 1755 is a historic piece of compromise legislation that will give consumers peace of mind, alleviate our court systems of unnecessary lawsuits, and help our small businesses save and avoid litigation costs. By signing AB 1755, Gov. Newsom can address these delays and provide timely solutions to consumers who depend on reliable transportation for work, school, and family obligations.
It is past time for California to afford consumers the same rights that people in other states get in getting their defective cars replaced on quicker timelines.
AB 1755 is supported by our California African American Chamber of Commerce, and speaking for myself as a Community activist for over 50 years, and the Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus for the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, I wholeheartedly agree. On behalf of the consumers and businesses I work with, I call on Governor Newsom to sign AB 1755.
The delay in justice for our friends and family members who were unlucky enough to buy a “lemon” is unfair.
Consumers should not be forced to wait months or years for a replacement vehicle so that they can get to work, drive their kids to school, and explore everything our great region has to offer in their time off. I would humbly ask for our community to support the common-sense reforms proposed in Assembly Bill 1755, which is on our Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.
Let California be a leader on this issue and provide an example of what good a consumer protection reform can look like.
Earl ‘Skip’ Cooper is the Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus, Black Business Association. (Courtesy photo)
Trump’s Rallies in Racist Sundown Towns as Black Celebrities Continue Misinformation about VP Harris
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign is drawing intense criticism for its choice of rally locations— towns with deeply racist histories known as “sundown towns.” These communities, where Black people were historically prohibited after sunset through intimidation, violence, discriminatory laws, and lynching, remain predominantly white. Trump’s decision to hold rallies in these locations is raising alarms, especially given his long history of stirring racial tensions and his open embrace of white supremacist groups.
For many, what makes this even more troubling is the continued support Trump receives from some Black celebrities and self-proclaimed Black conservatives, who either align with him or spread misinformation about his opponents. Actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson recently made headlines for his false claims about the Asian Hate Crime Bill during an Instagram Live chat with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who failed to correct him.
Gibson accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of “prioritizing the Asian Hate Crime Bill” over addressing racially motivated crimes against Black Americans. Black journalists quickly corrected Gibson, pointing out that the bill, while referencing attacks on Asian Americans, is not limited to any one group. They also highlighted the significant anti-lynching legislation passed under the Biden-Harris administration.
Gibson’s misleading statements are part of a broader, profoundly concerning trend among Black celebrities like Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Lil Wayne, Waka Flocka Flame, and Ice Cube, who have shown varying degrees of support for Trump. Their endorsements lend an unfortunate legitimacy to a candidate who has repeatedly demonstrated racial animus and who now appears to be actively courting white supremacist support by rallying in sundown towns. Journalists and social media commentators have been quick to point out the implications of Trump’s rally locations. Journalist Jim Stewartson and singer Bill Madden both flagged a disturbing pattern of Trump holding rallies in sundown towns like Howell, Michigan. Reacting to a TikTok video that exposed this trend, Madden remarked, “This gentleman has noticed something very disturbing. Trump has been holding his hate rallies in sundown towns.”
Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance also addressed the issue, particularly noting Trump’s rally in Cullman, Alabama, a town with a notorious sundown history. Vance questioned whether these choices could be coincidental, concluding, “Sometimes the dog whistle is actually words, loudly spoken.”
Other social media users have also connected the dots between Trump’s rally locations and his broader strategy of racial division. One user noted, “Interesting notice recently that Trump is holding his rallies in sundown towns. This caught my interest when he chose Cullman, Alabama, my
Mother-in-Law’s hometown, as one of his 2021 stops for this campaign.” Opinion columnist Will Bunch further emphasized the point, saying, “This is remarkable— Trump’s visits to sundown towns—and cannot be a coincidence. Hat tip to [Madden] and the dude he posted who figured it out.”
In stark contrast to Trump’s racially charged rallies, Vice President Kamala Harris is currently on a “Freedom Bus Tour” focused on promoting reproductive rights and equality. As one X user sharply contrasted, “Kamala looks to the future and restoring rights. Trump looks to the past and Jim Crow.”
Some on social media have argued that some Black men may have problems elevating a Black woman to power, the support from Black celebrities for Trump is particularly jarring considering his history. Trump also has made clear his intentions to act as a dictator if re-elected. Critics said his rallies in sundown towns are not just campaign stops— they are deliberate provocations that evoke America’s racist past, a past he seems eager to revive. Maya Angelou’s famous quote serves as a sobering reminder in this context: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” As journalists like Reecie Colbert, Roland Martin, and Kathia Woods have noted, Trump has shown who he is—“someone who fans the flames of racial division and aligns himself with those who seek to oppress.”
Congressional Black Caucus Releases Groundbreaking Corporate Accountability Report on DEI
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire
Senior National Correspondent Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and CBC members have released a first-of-its-kind report titled “What Good Looks Like: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The report aims to hold Fortune 500 companies accountable for their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the racial justice movement that followed. This initiative comes as corporate America faces renewed scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard case.The CBC’s report highlights which corporations are making tangible progress in advancing DEI and offers a roadmap for other companies to follow. Despite efforts from rightwing groups to dismantle diversity initiatives, the report finds that many Fortune 500 companies are standing firm in their commitments. The report also examines DEI practices in manufacturing, finance, insurance, and technology sectors, providing industry-specific insights. Most Fortune 500 companies participating in the CBC’s survey demonstrated their commitment to DEI even after the Supreme Court’s ruling. CBC members said this is crucial because conservative organizations, such as Stephen Miller-led America First Legal, are increasingly waging legal and political attacks against corporations’ diversity initiatives. These groups argue that DEI initiatives violate federal law, threatening legal action against companies that continue to promote workplace diversity.The Findings The CBC’s report offers a detailed analysis of diversity efforts across various industries, using data from the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Key findings include:Sector Representation: The bulk of the responses came from companies in manufacturing (31%), finance and insurance (25%), and information (16%).
Best Practices: The report identifies 12 best practices, including leadership accountability, data disaggregation, talent retention, and pay equity. These examples provide a model for other companies to implement DEI strategies effectively.
Progress and Challenges: While many companies have made significant strides, persistent gaps remain, particularly in leadership diversity and retention rates. The report encourages corporations to move beyond public statements and implement measurable DEI outcomes.
The CBC hopes the report will serve as a tool for corporations to benchmark their progress and adopt more robust DEI measures. “What Good Looks Like” outlines not only where companies are succeeding but also where opportunities for improvement lie, urging corporate leaders to align their actions with their stated DEI values.
Conservative Backlash and the Fight for DEI
Officials said the CBC’s efforts to hold corporations accountable come amid heightened political tensions. Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, Donald Trump and his supporters have escalated their attacks on DEI programs. Right-wing legal campaigns have targeted not only corporate diversity efforts, but also federal programs aimed at leveling the playing field for Black and minority-owned businesses.
Conservative attorneys general from over a dozen states have warned Fortune 500 companies, threatening legal action over their diversity programs. Additionally, anti-DEI bills have been introduced in more than 30 states, aiming to restrict diversity efforts in college admissions and the workplace.
Despite the attacks, the CBC said it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing racial and economic equity. In December 2023, the CBC sent Fortune 500 companies an accountability letter urging them to uphold their DEI commitments in the face of political pressure,
which catalyzed the report.
Corporate America’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the CBC’s letter, companies have held over 50 meetings with CBC representatives, affirming their dedication to diversity. The CBC has also convened discussions with industry trade associations and hosted a briefing with more than 300 Fortune 500 company representatives to strengthen collaboration on DEI efforts.
Moving Forward
The CBC’s report is not just a reflection on past efforts but a call to action for the future. It highlights the importance of cross-industry learning, encouraging companies to share best practices and build upon one another’s successes. The CBC also recommends that corporations adopt consistent performance metrics to track progress and foster accountability.
Looking ahead, the CBC plans to push for more economic opportunities for Black Americans, focusing on closing the racial wealth gap. Horsford emphasized that
DEI is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that racially diverse companies outperform their peers by 39% in profitability, further underscoring the business case for diversity.
The CBC’s report offers a roadmap for companies committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future, despite political and legal challenges.
“Following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, we witnessed a nationwide response calling for long-overdue justice and accountability,” Horsford wrote in the report. “Millions of Americans flooded the streets in protest to advocate for an end to the cycles of violence against Black Americans that are perpetuated by systemic racism ingrained deeply in the United States.
“Now, in order to move forward and achieve the goals of these commitments, we must evaluate where we are and stay the course. We cannot allow a handful of right-wing agitators to bully corporations away from their promises.”
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback:
Lawmakers Face September 30 Deadline to Avoid Government Shutdown
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
After a six-week summer recess, lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday with a looming crisis: preventing a government shutdown. They have just three weeks to act before federal funding runs out on September 30, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The twice impeached and 34 times convicted former President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to embrace a shutdown unless his demands are met, putting millions of jobs and essential services at risk just weeks ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The prospect of a shutdown would close federal agencies and national parks and curtail essential public services while furloughing millions of federal workers.
The presidential race overshadows this impending crisis, as Congress will break again at the end of the month, not returning until after the election. Before leaving in July, the political landscape shifted when President Joe Biden exited the presidential race, positioning Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic standard bearer. In the campaign’s final weeks, Republicans under Trump are preparing to change their strategy against Harris.
At the heart of Congress’s immediate challenge is securing a funding bill to keep the government operational. With an unlikely complete funding agreement, lawmakers are looking for a stopgap measure. But even that has become a political minefield. Under pressure from Trump and right-wing factions, the Republican-led House proposed a stopgap bill that would extend funding through March 28, 2025. However, it comes with a controversial addition—the SAVE Act, a GOP-backed measure that would overhaul national voting laws by requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats have vehemently opposed the act, arguing it would disenfranchise voters by making it harder for eligible Americans to access required documents like passports or birth certificates.
Beyond the political gamesmanship, the consequences of a shutdown would hit home in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, where federal workers and government operations are crucial to local economies. National landmarks like the Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo may remain open temporarily with prior-year funding, but there is uncertainty about other attractions like the National Mall’s memorials.
The economic impact could be severe in Maryland, home to over 240,000 federal worker households. State officials are preparing to use local funds to offset the disruption, but workers commuting to Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia may be furloughed.
Virginia would bear the brunt of the shutdown, with its substantial federal civilian and military workforce. The state’s economy is deeply intertwined with federal spending, particularly in regions like Hampton Roads, home to a significant number of active-duty military personnel. The shutdown could jeopardize essential programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and affect operations at Virginia’s 22 national parks.
The ripple effects would extend to the Washington, D.C., Metro system, which relies heavily on federal workers for ridership. With the Metro system already facing challenges in recovering from pandemic-related drops in usage, a shutdown could be another blow.
“There’s no question that this is not a good thing for the country, but it’s certainly not a good thing for Metro specifically,” Randy Clarke, Metro’s general manager, said during a recent interview. “And the timing is really challenging because ridership is really starting to grow back. So, you know, we’re going to be watching this very closely, and we’re hoping that if it happens, it’s very short.”
By Bo
and
Ray Harvey California Black Media
Gov. Newsom Appoints Kim Johnson to Replace Mark Ghaly at CalHHS
Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), announced Sept. 7 that he is resigning from the post- he has held since March
stated. “For more than five years at the helm of CalHHS, his visionary and compassionate leadership and unwavering focus on protecting the most vulnerable among us has seen our state through unprecedented challenges and historic victories that improve the lives of Californians.”
On June 8, Newsom appointed Director Kim Johnson as the next CalHHS Secretary effective Oct 1. Ghaly will stay on at CalHHS through the end of September to facilitate the leadership transition. During Dr. Ghaly’s tenure, which spanned California’s nationleading response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CalHHS moved forward with many initiatives that focused on providing more stability and opportunity to Californians. These initiatives covered a range of the agency’s functions, including addressing affordability and access to health care and deepening the connection between housing, homelessness and health, including behavioral health.
“I am grateful to Secretary Ghaly for his steadfast leadership and partnership during one of the greatest public health crises of our lifetime. However, it was his unceasing dedication to caring for the needs of all Californians, especially our most vulnerable, that will be his enduring legacy. It is my great privilege to call him a colleague and friend. I wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter,” stated Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who served as California’s first Surgeon General. Johnson, CalHHS’ incoming Secretary, has served as Director of the California Department of Social Services since 2019 and she has worn a number of hats 2015 to 2019, including Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at the agency and Branch Chief of CalWORKs.
Gov. Newsom Vetoes Bill That Would Have Allowed Undocumented People to Qualify for Homebuying Assistance
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would allow undocumented individuals unlawfully living in the state to participate in a lottery system that provides up to 20% in down payment assistance or closing costs up to $150,000.
Authored by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), Assembly Bill (AB) 1840 was sent to the governor’s desk for signature after receiving a 53-18 vote in the Assembly on Aug. 28. The home-loan assistance would’ve allowed individuals to purchase homes through the financing of the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program.
“I am returning AB 1840 without my signature,” Newsom stated. “This bill seeks to prohibit disqualification of applicants from one of California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) home purchase programs solely on their immigration status.”
Black Caucus Members Join Rally to End Involuntary Servitude in California’s Prisons
On Sept. 3, community leaders and civil rights advocates joined lawmakers at the State Capitol to raise awareness about Proposition (Prop) 6, a ballot initiative that aims to ban forced labor in California’s prisons.
California voters will decide the ballot initiative in this year’s November election. The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) introduced Prop 6 as part of the 14-bill reparations package. The State Legislature passed the measure in June with a bipartisan vote, placing it on the November ballot. The Black Caucus proposed Prop 6 as the “Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime Amendment,” under the Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 (ACA8) to promote justice and equality in California.
Community groups organized a press conference including members of the Black Caucus, The AntiRecidivism Coalition, The Abolish Slavery National Network, Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, the ABC Coalition, and the American Civil Liberties Union
Assemblymember and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) is the author of the ballot measure and has been supportive of community groups in their efforts to abolish slave labor.
Carmen-Nicole Cox of the ACLU led the rally and condemned forced labor stating that it prevents people from building the necessary skills after they leave prison.
“Slavery never has and never will promote rehabilitation,” said Cox. Supporters of the reparations bills challenged Republican and Democratic legislators to back the ballot measures and help voters understand the harmful impact of forced labor statewide.
Gov. Newsom and Speaker Rivas Announce Legislation
That Will Prevent Gas Hikes
California lawmakers have introduced legislation to prevent gasoline price spikes, stated Gov. Gavin Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) last week during a special legislative session on gas prices.
The State Assembly set a legislative plan of action to address the surge in gas prices, proposing a bill to increase crude oil and fuel capacity to lower high prices for residents pumping gas at refill stations. The legislation, introduced and co-authored by Assemblymembers Cecilia AguiarCurry (D-Winters) and Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), aims to make oil refiners manage the state’s gasoline supply responsibly and protect consumers from unexpected financial burdens.
Newsom praised the bill and commended lawmakers for proposing legislation that could help residents save money.
“Gas price spikes are profit spikes for Big Oil, and California won’t stand by as families get gouged,” said Newsom.
Rivas stated that a special session was held to thoroughly vet the proposals.
“We must stop oil companies from raking in record profits at the expense of Californians,” said Rivas.
“We’ll hear from experts and ensure that the public has a voice in the process. I’m committed to delivering solutions that can rein in soaring gas costs and provide real savings at the pump,” he said.
In 2022, Gov. Newsom partnered with the Legislature to sign into law a package of reforms that hold oil companies accountable for the spike in gas prices. The reforms helped create the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight, an independent agency that monitored oil companies. The agency uncovered that high gas prices were caused by suspicious market transactions. Lawmakers outlined specific proposals to reform the state’s gas spot market to prevent spikes due to a lack of stable gas supply.
This year, lawmakers worked with the independent agency to monitor gas prices and discovered that refineries went offline without planning to backfill supplies. As a result, refining margins spiked causing spot and retail prices for gas to increase.
Under this new bill, Newsom plans to authorize the California Energy Commission (CEC) to maintain a minimum inventory of refined fuel in the distribution chain to avoid supply shortages.
Bonta Defends Labor Protections for Pregnant Women at Work
Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general as part of a nationwide effort to protect the equal rights of pregnant women in the workplace.
Bonta co-signed an amicus brief with his peers defending the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) enacted in 2022. The brief was filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to support the rule requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant and postpartum employees including abortion care. The rule is being challenged by a coalition of 17 other state attorneys general spearheaded by Tennessee.
“PWFA empowers individuals to continue contributing to our economy while providing muchneeded protections without compromising their health or their family’s well-being,” said Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight baseless attacks to this rule, which creates a fair and inclusive work environment for all.”
The PWFA law was enacted in 2022, it was the first federal law that required employers to offer accommodation workers for pregnancy-related medical conditions during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. In 2023, the agency responsible for enforcing the law proposed a rule that required employers to provide accommodations for workers terminated by abortion in the form of time off to attend a medical appointment or recovery.
The coalition argued that the pregnancy law provides critical and overdue protections for employees. The brief stated that the law extends to low-wage employees and workers of color who are more likely to suffer detrimental health outcomes during pregnancy due to their jobs.
DOJ Investigates Sexual Abuse Allegations at California Women’s Prisons
The United States Department of Justice announced last week that it has opened an investigation into allegations that correctional officers sexually abused incarcerated women at two state-run prisons in California. Authorities uncovered “significant justification” to open an investigation looking in the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla and the California Institution for Women in Chino, the DOJ clarified in a statement. Both facilities are run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The state’s corrections department stated that it welcomed the investigation and does not tolerate sexual abuse in its prisons.
The formal inquiry was initiated by multiple private lawsuits over the past two years alleging that incarcerated women at the Chowchilla prison were raped or sexually abused, A DOJ news release stated. A lawsuit filed on behalf of 21 incarcerated women at the Chino facility alleged that from 2014 to 2020, corrections officers groped and raped the women, forced them to participate in various sexual acts and threatened them with violence.
Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned violence against women arguing that all women have the right to be protected.
“No woman incarcerated in a jail or prison should be subjected to sexual abuse by prison staff who are constitutionally bound to protect them,” said Clarke. Staff at the correctional facilities were also accused of seeking sexual favors in return for contraband and other privileges. Some of the accused staff members include prison officials responsible for handling sexual abuse complaints at the facilities.
Jeff Macomber, secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation stated that the department is willing to participate in the independent investigation.
“Sexual assault is a heinous violation of fundamental human dignity that is not tolerated — under any circumstances — within California’s state prison system,” said Macomber.
Recently, the federal Bureau of Prisons announced that it will close a women’s prison in Northern California known as the “rape club” following an investigation by the Associated Press exposing sexual abuse by correctional officers.
The United States Senate reported that corrections staff have sexually abused incarcerated people with approximately two-thirds of the victims being women in federal prisons. Federal reports revealed that sexual abuse by corrections officers is a systemic problem in prisons nationwide.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), announced Sept. 7 that he is resigning from the post- he has held since March 2019 when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Kim Johnson (Courtesy photo)
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2019 when he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Dr. Ghaly’s heroic service to the people of our state and his profound contribution to reshaping California’s health and social services cannot be overstated,” Newsom
California’s Aging Services Offer
Valuable Resources for Older Adults
As
like consumer fraud, elder abuse, or age discrimination? Legal Services are available to help with
Embracing Doula Care: An Important, New Benefit for Kern County Medi-Cal Members
care to birthing individuals and their newborns.
Additionally, DHCS is developing a comprehensive Birthing Care Pathway to guide Medi-Cal members from conception to 12 months post-birth. This project aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, particularly among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Pacific Islander birthing individuals. It also aims to enhance Medi-Cal’s care delivery policies for pregnant and postpartum individuals, standardize care processes across different settings, and encourage the adoption of these guidelines.
Investing in Health, Empowering Families
By integrating doulas into Medi-Cal, DHCS is helping to transform maternal and infant health care, ensuring that every Medi-Cal member has access to many options when it comes to choosing maternal care providers who are sensitive to cultural and language needs as well as individual preferences in terms of time, place, and manner of the birthing experience. DHCS’ commitment and
ongoing investment in this space has already improved and will continue to improve health outcomes and foster longterm health and well-being for Medi-Cal members and their families across the state.
For more information and to find a doula near you, visit the Doula Directory at (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/ services/medi-cal/Documents/Doula-Directory.pdf) or the Medi-Cal Doula Services page at (www.dhcs.ca.gov/ provgovpart/pages/Doula-Services.aspx).
This list represents doulas who have enrolled in MediCal. Beneficiaries who enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan can check with their managed care plan regarding doulas who provide services to their members.
In Kern County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Anthem Blue Cross: 800-407-4627 * Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
* Kern Family Health Care: 800-391-2000
Empower your birth experience with Medi-Cal’s comprehensive doula services. Because every family deserves support, respect, and care.
