By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California Lawmakers Approve $2.8 Billion to Strengthen Medi-Cal, Expanding Access to Health Care
California lawmakers have approved a $2.8 billion funding boost to Medi-Cal, the state’s low-income health insurance program, to cover higher-than-expected costs before the fiscal year ends. Passed April 10 as part of a budget trailer bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 100, the allocation unlocks $8.3 billion in federal funds and follows a $3.4 billion emergency loan to the program earlier this year.
Medi-Cal, which serves around 15 million residents, has faced surging costs due to expensive pharmaceutical drugs, lingering COVID-era policies, and a larger-than-anticipated caseload. The total Medi-Cal budget for 2024 was $161 billion.
While Democrats supported the funding as essential, many Republicans opposed the measure, criticizing its support for undocumented immigrants. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) called the move “reckless,” claiming it lacked accountability. However, Democrats argue that providing coverage is more cost-effective than relying on emergency room visits.
“This is a modest investment compared to the full Medi-Cal budget,” said Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), emphasizing the cost-saving potential of proactive wellness and preventive care.
In addition to Medi-Cal funding, the bill included emergency support for areas impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and $181 million in environmental bond funding for forest resilience projects.
Republicans proposed several amendments, including expanding firefighting positions, funding the voter-approved Proposition 36, and protecting scholarships for middle-class college students. However, all of the proposals were dismissed without a vote. Those lawmakers indicated that they are committed to revisiting these issues during budget discussions later this year.
Some Democrats also expressed concern over Medi-Cal’s sustainability. Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) called for a reimagining of the system to ensure affordability while maintaining access for all residents statewide.
California Judge Delivers Landmark Verdict in NCAA Name and Likeness Case
A federal judge on April 7 signaled that she would not grant final approval to a proposed $2.8 billion settlement between the NCAA, Power Five conferences, and college athletes unless key issues are addressed.
U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken, who presided over a hearing in Oakland, raised legal and practical concerns with the historic agreement that would reshape college sports. The proposed deal includes billions in damages and a new framework allowing Division I schools to pay athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), starting July 1, subject to revenue-based caps.
However, Judge Wilken cited several issues, including:
- Roster limits: She suggested “grandfathering” current athletes to prevent sudden loss of team spots due to the new restrictions.
- Due process for future athletes: Wilken questioned whether binding future students to a 10-year deal is legally sound without separate representation or clearer mechanisms for objections.
- Third-party NIL oversight: The judge sought justification for proposed rules requiring review of NIL deals over $600, raising concerns over competition and fairness.
Prominent athletes, including LSU gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne, spoke out against the settlement, claiming it undervalued their contributions. Other objectors, including high school athletes and former college stars, criticized the damages distribution and roster restrictions.
Dunne said that the amount awarded “doesn’t come close to recognizing the value I lost.”
This settlement is “not just a personal detail, but a warning sign,” she added.
Attorneys for the NCAA and plaintiffs defended the deal, citing broad athlete support and the risk of Congressional intervention favoring the NCAA if no agreement is reached. More than 88,000 claims have already been submitted, and the plaintiffs say over 118,000 athletes have expressed interest in the settlement.
Wilken instructed both sides to revise the proposal and respond within a week.
Final approval remains pending as the court considers modifications.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Convenes California Leaders for Discussion on Olympic and World Cup Priorities, Opportunities
In preparation for Los Angeles hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mayor Karen Bass brought together local and state leaders to align on priorities and opportunities that will deliver lasting benefits to California.
Mayor Bass and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger met with mayors from across L.A. County on April 5. The next day, she joined Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) and members of the L.A. County State Legislative Delegation for more related discussions.
“We must all work together to ensure that Los Angeles benefits from the coming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Mayor Bass. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to continued collaboration to deliver safe and successful events for all.”
The meetings included input from LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, Metro executives, and members of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, who outlined logistics, infrastructure, and economic planning. Executive Director Paul Krekorian, appointed by Mayor Bass to lead coordination of significant events, also provided key updates.
McKinnor praised the effort, saying, “The 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will showcase not just exceptional athleticism but Southern California’s diverse, flavorful, and dynamic cultures.”
Dozens of mayors and state legislators participated, emphasizing regional unity and a shared commitment to ensuring the global events bring lasting economic, cultural, and social benefits to Los Angeles communities.
This series of meetings marks a pivotal step in creating a collaborative framework to host world-class events that celebrate and benefit all residents of Los Angeles.
Applications Open for 2025 African American Leaders of Tomorrow Program
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has officially opened applications for its prestigious African American Leaders of Tomorrow (AALT) Program for 2025. This annual event invites high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors from across California to participate in a four-day leadership and legislative convening, taking place from July 23 to July 26, 2025, at the California State University, Dominguez Hills campus in Los Angeles County.
The AALT Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore the legislative process, engage in dynamic workshops, and take part in civic engagement sessions. Participants will also experience dorm living and community dining, giving them a taste of college life — at no cost to their families.
The CLBC created AALT to invest in the next generation of Black leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address critical issues affecting their communities. The program is designed to foster leadership development and give students the tools to become change-makers in their respective fields.
Program Eligibility:
- Current California high school student
- High school sophomore or junior in good academic standing (2.5 GPA or higher)
- Commitment to leadership and group participation
Application Requirements:
- Current high school transcript
- Two signed letters of recommendation (one from a school official and one from a community member not related to the student)
- Two essay responses (300 words max each)
- Recent photo of the student
Important Dates:
- April 14, 2025: Application deadline (no late submissions)
- May 9, 2025: Students notified of selection
- July 23-26, 2025: Conference held at CSUDH
This is a valuable opportunity for students interested in pursuing leadership and civic engagement, and applications must be submitted on time to be considered.
For more information and to apply, visit the AALT program website.
Library Lawsuit: California Sues Trump Administration Over Funding Cuts
Two days before National Library Week began April 7, California announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the abrupt termination of millions in federal grants supporting critical state library programs.
When Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit on April 4, they made the case that the administration unlawfully moved to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the federal agency responsible for administering these funds.
The lawsuit contends that Trump’s Executive Order No. 14238 is part of a broader illegal effort to dismantle several agencies established by Congress, including IMLS. The cuts threaten over $15 million in annual federal funding to California libraries, which supports vital services such as literacy and language tutoring, summer reading programs, the Career Online High School initiative, and accessible formats for visually impaired readers.
“Libraries are more than just buildings with books. They are community anchors,” said Newsom. “This is an attack on community learning and opportunity, and we’re fighting back.”
Bonta emphasized the role libraries play in civic engagement and digital access, especially for underserved populations. “These are hubs of learning and connection. We will not stand by while essential public services are stripped away.”
The suit is backed by attorneys general from 20 other states.
California’s State Library system — comprising more than 1,100 libraries — relies on IMLS funding for a range of services from broadband access to disaster preparedness and teen programs. Officials warn that without these funds, many positions and programs could be lost.
This library lawsuit marks California’s 12th legal challenge against the Trump administration.
