Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
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With Optimism and Gratitude, Sec. of State Weber Addressed Black Capitol Staffers
On April 23, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber addressed Black staffers during a reception at the State Capitol.
Weber joined leaders and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Legislative Black Staff Association for the annual Black Staff Appreciation Event.
Weber told guests that she is committed to uplifting Black professionals in government.
“During the conversation, Secretary Weber underscored the importance of creating space for Black staff to connect with elected leaders and ensure they are heard and seen at the highest levels,” Weber’s office posted on Facebook.
Weber also thanked the CLBC and CLBSA for providing her the opportunity to inspire others.
“Thank you for creating these platforms and uplifting the next generation of Black leaders in government,” she wrote.
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Legislative Republicans: California’s Capitol Makeover Has Cost Taxpayers $1.1 Billion — With Secrets and No Oversight
The costs of California’s Capitol makeover — pitched as a necessary infrastructure upgrade by supporters — have ballooned into a billion-dollar controversy, drawing fire for its growing price tag, lack of
transparency, and allegations of special treatment under state regulations.
Critics, led by Republicans in the California Assembly, say what began as a $543 million renovation has now exceeded $1.1 billion, which is more than double the cost of Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. They also accuse state officials of providing few public updates or justifications for the dramatic rise in spending.
Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) also criticized the project’s costs and secrecy around ongoing communication about it, emphasizing a lack of accountability in the renovation of a publicly funded government facility.
“I think this is the height of hypocrisy,” Hoover said. “You are using taxpayer dollars for a taxpayer-funded facility, and yet you are going to design it in a way that shields you from the public and shields you from accountability.”
Among the most controversial expenditures are $5.2 million spent on imported Italian granite and design elements like hidden hallways, allegedly intended to allow lawmakers to bypass public and media interaction. Despite these upgrades, plans for a public visitor center have reportedly been eliminated, even as the project’s budget continues to expand.
Hoover and other Legislative Republicans say over 2,000 nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) have been signed in connection with the project, raising questions about transparency and oversight. No formal updates have been provided by the oversight committee since April 2021, further fueling criticism that taxpayers have been deliberately kept in the dark.
Critics also point to an apparent double standard in environmental regulation. While most Californians must adhere strictly to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Capitol Annex Project was quietly granted an exemption, drawing further scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdog groups.
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Gov Newsom: California Now Ranks 4th Largest Economy in the World
California’s economy has reached a historic milestone, officially becoming the fourth largest in the world. According to newly released data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Golden State’s nominal GDP rose to $4.1 trillion, positioning it just behind the United States, China, and Germany in global economic rankings.
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world, we’re setting the pace,” Governor Gavin Newsom said. “Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation.”
In 2024, California outpaced the world’s top three economies in growth, posting a 6% GDP increase compared to the U.S. (5.3%), China (2.6%), and Germany (2.9%). The state’s economy has grown steadily over the past four years, averaging 7.5% annual growth although projections suggest that India may move ahead of California by 2026.
The news underscores California’s role as the economic engine of the United States. With leadership in sectors such as technology, agriculture, clean energy, and manufacturing, the state leads in new business
formation and venture capital investment. Events like Coachella and Stagecoach continue to boost local economies, generating nearly $700 million annually.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Proposes 1,600 City Worker Layoffs to Tackle $1 Billion Budget Deficit
Facing a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proposed laying off 1,600 city workers in the 2025–26 fiscal year, a move she described as a last resort during her State of the City address on Monday.
“You are the city’s greatest asset,” Bass told municipal employees last week. “But I want to be straight with you. My proposed budget – unfortunately – includes layoffs, which is a decision of absolute last resort.”
While police and fire departments will be shielded from the cuts, civilian positions across other departments are expected to be impacted.
The proposed $13.95 billion budget comes amid mounting fiscal pressures, including liability payouts, rising labor costs, and weaker-than-expected tax revenues. The city’s general fund is projected at $8 billion, falling short of the $8.14 billion estimate. Liability settlements tripled to $300 million this year, while labor contract increases added $259 million to city expenses.
Bass’ proposal also calls for eliminating 1,074 vacant positions, deferring capital projects, consolidating four city departments, and reducing the mayor’s own office budget. Although slightly reduced, spending on homelessness remains a priority.
SEIU Local 721 President David Green, whose union represents 10,000 city workers, pushed back strongly.
“Show us the money, we want to look at the numbers and look at every single dollar, this shouldn’t be the first-place people go, to lay off city workers, providing valuable city services,” he said.
In response to the crisis, Bass plans to lobby the California Legislature in Sacramento for additional funding to help close the gap.
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California Democrats Introduce Bills to Address Renters’ Fees and High Energy Bills
California Senate Democrats have unveiled a new package of legislation aimed at reducing the financial strain on residents facing high rent costs and rising energy bills. The package includes three bills, spearheaded by Senate President Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg), Sen. Aisha Wahab. (D-Hayward), and Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), as part of a broader effort to tackle the state’s affordability crisis.
“Our plan delivers real, lasting solutions to make our state more affordable — from housing and utility costs to expanding career opportunities across California,” McGuire said in a statement. “These three impactful bills should be considered an opening salvo; we know there’s much more work to do.”
One of the bills, Senate Bill (SB) 681, authored by Wahab, seeks to reduce the financial burden on renters by restricting landlords from charging fees not explicitly outlined in lease agreements. It also prohibits landlords from imposing late payment fees until after a one-
week grace period and bans additional charges for parking spaces. While the bill aims to protect tenants, it has drawn criticism from the California Apartment Association (CAA). Vice President of the CAA Debra Carlton argued that the measure could lead to higher rent prices for all tenants.
“These fees charged by landlords are not punitive, instead they illustrate the costs associated with operating rental housing and can give tenants the ability to manage and reduce certain expenses, such as utility and water costs,” Carlton stated in a letter. “Mandating that all fees be folded into rent will not reduce the overall cost of housing.”
Another key proposal, SB 254, authored by Becker, seeks to address the state’s high utility rates. California’s energy rates are among the highest in the nation, primarily due to wildfire mitigation costs and infrastructure improvements. Becker’s bill would provide ratepayers with financial relief by expanding subsidies for low-income residents, offering summer energy credits, and increasing oversight of utility companies. The bill aims to curb excessive rate hikes and improve transparency surrounding utility profits.
