By Bo Tefu
A Win for Asm. Isaac Bryan: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Increasing Incarcerated Firefighters Pay
California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D_Ladera Heights) scored a major legislative win on Oct. 13 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 247, a measure guaranteeing higher pay for incarcerated firefighters who risk their lives on the front lines of the state’s wildfires.
The new law raises wages for inmates serving as firefighters from as little as $5 a day to at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, marking a historic shift that advocates say recognizes the dignity of their work and the dangers they face. The law also requires that wages be reviewed annually to ensure fairness over time.
For years, California has relied on incarcerated crews to help battle its worsening wildfire seasons. More than 1,800 incarcerated individuals currently serve in the program, with over 1,100 deployed earlier this year to fight the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
“This is a historic and momentous day,” said Bryan. “The governor signing the bill is an incredibly powerful reminder that all labor is dignified and anybody who is willing to put their lives on the line deserves our gratitude.”
The bill’s original proposal included a wage of up to $19 per hour for individual hand crew members, but the amount was later reduced through negotiation to the federal minimum wage.
In addition to AB 247, Newsom signed several related measures expanding benefits for incarcerated firefighters. They include new pathways for record expungement and resentencing, a permanent youth wildfire camp training program, and a $50,000 death benefit for any incarcerated firefighter who dies in the line of duty.
Supporters called the new law a milestone for criminal justice reform and labor equity in California, saying it strengthens rehabilitation opportunities while honoring the service of inmates who help protect the state from devastating wildfires.
California Joins 14-State Public Health Alliance
On Oct. 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state is joining a new 14-state coalition dedicated to protecting public health from political interference and promoting science-based decision-making.
The Governors Public Health Alliance will bring together a bipartisan group of governors from across the country to strengthen emergency preparedness, share data, and coordinate rapid responses to health threats. The effort aims to reinforce trust in science and ensure states can act swiftly and consistently when new challenges arise.
“California is proud to help launch this new alliance because the American people deserve a public health system that puts science before politics,” Newsom said in a statement. “As extremists try to weaponize the CDC and spread misinformation, we’re stepping up to coordinate across states, protect communities, and ensure decisions are driven by data, facts, and the health of the American people.”
The alliance includes governors Bob Ferguson of Washington, Josh Green of Hawaii, Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Kathy Hochul of New York, Tina Kotek of Oregon, Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam, Dan McKee of Rhode Island, Matt Meyer of Delaware, Wes Moore of Maryland, Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Jared Polis of Colorado, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Josh Stein of North Carolina.
According to Newsom’s office, the new coalition builds on regional partnerships such as the West Coast Health Alliance. The goal is to improve communication between states and help them collaborate on data sharing, health equity, and crisis readiness, according to the governor’s office.
The alliance is supported by GovAct, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that helps governors address complex policy issues through cross-state collaboration. GovAct’s Bipartisan Advisory Board includes former governors from both parties and former senior federal officials, emphasizing the coalition’s nonpartisan approach.
Supporters say the partnership reflects a renewed commitment to keeping science at the center of public health policy, ensuring states can better protect residents during future pandemics, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Modest but Meaningful Gains: More Black Students Are Enrolling in College Under New Calif. Financial Aid Policy
A new analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows that California’s universal financial aid application policy has led to higher college enrollment — with Black, low-income, and first-generation students seeing some of the greatest gains.
Implemented during the 2022–23 school year, the policy requires every public high school district to ensure that graduating seniors complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), unless they opt out. The goal is to make more students aware of financial aid opportunities and reduce cost as a barrier to college attendance.
According to the PPIC report, the share of high school seniors completing financial aid forms rose from 52% to 62% statewide, resulting in roughly 42,000 more applications. “California’s universal financial aid application policy shows clear promise in improving access to college,” the report stated.
The study found that Black and Latino students had the largest increases in completion rates. “Students from schools serving higher shares of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students benefited the most from the new requirement,” the researchers highlighted.
As more applications were submitted, eligibility for need-based aid also climbed, increasing by 7 percentage points for Pell Grants and 4 percentage points for Cal Grants. The overall college-going rate rose by about 0.3 percentage points, equivalent to roughly 1,500 additional students enrolling, with community colleges seeing the largest gains.
“Even modest increases in enrollment represent meaningful progress toward closing racial and economic equity gaps,” the PPIC report noted, adding that continued outreach and student support will be crucial to sustaining progress.
Researchers concluded that while it is too soon to measure long-term outcomes, the early data suggest that California’s approach could serve as a national model for increasing college access. They urged state leaders to keep expanding assistance programs that help students complete aid applications and navigate the transition to college.
To Lower Costs, California Will Start Selling Its Own Insulin
California will become the first U.S. state to sell its own branded insulin; a move aimed at lowering drug costs and improving access for residents with diabetes.
The state’s CalRx program, launching in January 2026, will offer long-acting insulin pens at a suggested retail price of $55 for a five-pack, or about $11 per pen.
Pharmacies will purchase the product for $45. The insulin will be interchangeable with glargine, the generic equivalent of Lantus, and patients will not need a new prescription to use the state-branded version.
On Oct. 16, Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s action on insulin affordability.
“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing — we took matters into our own hands,” said Newsom. “No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive.”
The program grew out of a partnership with nonprofit Civica Rx and Biocon Biologics, which will produce insulin under the state label. In 2023, the state allocated $50 million toward the initiative, which has been in development for several years.
CalRx also plans to expand into other essential medications, including asthma and weight-loss drugs, according to Newsom’s office.
Supporters say the initiative could reshape the insulin market by providing a low-cost, state-backed alternative to prices set by major pharmaceutical companies. Analysts note that California’s move could pressure the private sector to lower prices nationwide, though some caution it may prompt market adjustments in response to the state’s intervention.
CalRx represents a bold effort to make life-saving medication more affordable for Californians, particularly those struggling with high insulin costs. State officials say the program could serve as a national model if successful, signaling a new approach for states seeking to expand access to essential drugs while challenging entrenched pharmaceutical pricing practices.
California Takes Major Steps to Improve Emergency Preparedness
California is strengthening its emergency preparedness infrastructure and public readiness programs.
On Oct. 16, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new regional emergency services facility in Southern California the same week the state held its annual earthquake drill.
The state-of-the-art facility, expected to be completed by late 2027, will house advanced communications systems, training areas, and rapid-response resources to help coordinate disaster response across local, state, and federal agencies.
Newsom’s announcement coincided with the 2025 Great California ShakeOut, also held on Oct. 16, when millions of Californians practiced the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique to prepare for earthquakes.
“California faces a wide range of emergency threats, from earthquakes to wildfires,” said Newsom. “This new facility will help ensure our communities are protected, and our first responders are fully equipped to act when every second counts.”
The emergency center is part of a broader state strategy to modernize disaster response and improve coordination across agencies. Officials say the facility will enhance training for first responders, enable faster deployment of resources during crises, and strengthen communication between local and state emergency teams.
Alongside the facility announcement, the ShakeOut drill highlighted public preparedness. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) organized a shake trailer tour simulating a magnitude-7.0 earthquake, providing Californians with hands-on experience in earthquake safety.
The drill encourages families, schools, and businesses to review emergency plans and stock essential supplies.
State leaders say combining infrastructure investments like the new emergency facility with public education initiatives such as the ShakeOut demonstrates a comprehensive approach to disaster readiness.
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