By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson Explains How Medi-Cal Cuts Will Hurt Families
California State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) says the federal government’s decision to cut Medicaid funding could devastate families who depend on Medi-Cal for essential health services. In the first episode of her new iHeartRadio podcast, Prescribing a Healthier Future, Weber Pierson connects these potential cuts to broader political shifts she says are undermining equity and public health.
Weber Pierson and featured guest, Democratic strategist Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, discussed how changes to congressional representation and redistricting in other states, such as Texas, could reduce California’s share of federal funds. They argued that those budget changes would have real consequences for working families, seniors, and communities of color.
Weber Pierson warns that threats to Medi-Cal are not isolated budget issues but part of a larger struggle over who gets access to health care and who has a voice in government.
“When you are silenced, or when you silence yourself, that is when we find ourselves and our communities in peril,” said Weber Pierson.
She emphasized that stable health funding supports programs like CalFresh and hospital systems that rely on predictable federal reimbursements.
Rodriguez-Kennedy added that fair representation in Congress helps ensure California continues to receive funding that matches its population and needs. If those balances shift, he said, the state’s health care system could face deep strain, with hospitals and clinics losing critical revenue.
Weber Pierson urged Californians to stay engaged ahead of the November election, pointing to Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would allow California to temporarily redraw its congressional districts to favor Democrats until 2030. She said the proposal would help protect California’s political influence and, by extension, its access to health care funding.
“It’s Official”: State Controller Malia Cohen is Running for Reelection
California State Controller Malia Cohen has officially launched her bid for reelection, highlighting her commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity in state finances. In a social media video announcement last week, Cohen outlined her priorities for ensuring every Californian benefits from the state’s economic growth.
Cohen’s platform emphasizes policies she says are aimed at improving residents’ lives, including affordable housing, retirement security, health care access, reproductive rights, equal protection under the law, and environmental sustainability.
“It’s official: I’m running for reelection as your State Controller! Together we’ve made California’s finances more transparent, accountable, and equitable. Let’s keep building on that progress,” Cohen said in her social media post. She stressed that California’s budget “isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s a roadmap for our future,” pledging to continue ensuring every dollar is invested wisely.
Cohen highlighted her top priorities, which include addressing California’s housing crisis, ensuring retirement security, and building an economy that works for all Californians. She also emphasized expanding affordable health care, protecting reproductive access, upholding equal rights, and taking action to protect the environment. Each issue, she said, is part of a broader effort to strengthen communities across the state.
“I’m running for reelection to keep driving transparency, efficiency, and fairness so that every Californian can share in our state’s prosperity,” Cohen added.
For more details on Cohen’s priorities and policy plans, visit Malia Cohen for California.
After $4 Billion Loss, Gov. Newsom Signs Bills to Strengthen FAIR plan
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan package of bills last week aimed at improving California’s insurer of last resort for fires, the California FAIR Plan, following a reported $4 billion loss.
That loss, officials say, is primarily due to the devastating fires that broke out in Los Angeles County earlier this year.
Newsom’s office says the legislation is designed to stabilize the state’s home insurance market and protect residents from climate-driven disasters.
The new laws provide the FAIR Plan with stronger financing mechanisms to pay claims faster, improve oversight, enhance the policyholder experience, add coverage for manufactured homes, and require the California Department of Insurance to review home hardening measures every five years as part of wildfire resilience efforts.
“These crucial reforms to the FAIR Plan mark a significant step forward in protecting consumers, stabilizing the market, and enhancing transparency,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in a statement on Oct. 9.
“As we tackle availability concerns and ensure that insurance companies provide consumers with policies in the traditional market, the FAIR Plan must offer essential support to its customers,” he continued. “I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued leadership and to the legislators who have worked on these vital issues, which will greatly benefit communities most at risk of wildfires.”
The bills signed in the package are:
● AB 1 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael), addressing residential property insurance and wildfire risk
● AB 226 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), strengthening the FAIR Plan Association
● AB 234 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), improving the FAIR Plan governing committee
● AB 290 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), enabling automatic payments
● SB 525 by Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego), expanding coverage to manufactured homes
Newsom noted that the legislation builds on prior efforts, including a 2023 executive order directing swift action to stabilize the insurance market, expand coverage, and maintain strong consumer protections.
Despite rising rates due to climate risks, California’s insurance premiums remain among the lowest in the nation, he assured.
“The kinds of climate-fueled firestorms we saw in January will only continue to worsen,” Newsom said. “That’s why we’re taking action now to strengthen California’s insurance market and make it more resilient in the face of the climate crisis.”
California Student Test Scores Show Strong Gains
California students have made significant progress in statewide assessments, according to the latest results from the California Department of Education.
The 2024–25 school year saw an increase in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations: 70.6% in English language arts (ELA), 61% in mathematics, and 86% in science. These gains are particularly notable among Black, Hispanic, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
Gov. Gavin Newsom attributed these improvements to targeted investments in education, including Universal Transitional Kindergarten, reading coaches, and community schools.
“These gains reflect the impact of these investments and the hard work of educators,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Despite the positive trends, challenges remain. Approximately 29% of students in ELA, 39% in math, and 14% in science scored at the “minimal” level, indicating areas that still require attention.
To address these challenges, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1454 on Oct. 9. That legislation allocates $200 million to support literacy initiatives aimed at improving reading achievement across the state.
The legislation is part of the Golden State Literacy Plan, which seeks to implement evidence-based reading instruction methods.
“With AB 1454, every elementary and middle school classroom in this state will have instructional materials aligned with effective reading strategies,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice.
While the state has made commendable progress, continued efforts are necessary to ensure all students achieve proficiency in key subjects.
New Law Tackles Hate, Anti-Semitism in California
On Oct. 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two landmark bills aimed at combating hate and anti-Semitism in California schools.
The legislation strengthens accountability in schools by requiring stricter reporting and responses to incidents of hate and anti-Semitism.
Assembly Bill 715 and Senate Bill 48 introduce new measures that hold schools accountable and provide clearer guidance on preventing and addressing discrimination. Lawmakers emphasized the bills’ importance in protecting students from harassment and creating learning spaces free from fear or prejudice.
“Today, California is sending a strong and unambiguous message — hate has no place in our schools and will not be tolerated,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “We have been inspired by the leadership of our colleagues — and the incredible advocacy of Jewish students, parents, teachers, and leaders from across California — who fought tirelessly to protect Jewish children.”
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) added, “Every student deserves to be safe, valued, and respected — no matter who they are or what they believe. At a time when hate is rising and anti-Semitism is sweeping our communities, AB 715 reaffirms California’s commitment to inclusion and standing up against bigotry in all its forms.”
Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) supported the bills saying, “This is a historic first-in-the-nation effort that centers on the well-being of children across our state, many of whom bravely shared horrific stories about their experiences in our schools.”
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) said, “With these bills, we are sending a powerful message that our schools must be places of safety, belonging, and dignity for all students, regardless of their race, background, identity, or ZIP code.”
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