Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
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Sen. Padilla Releases Statement on Trump’s First 100 Days
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, calling them “the worst first 100 days of any president in modern history.”
Padilla highlighted several areas of concern, including the administration’s impact on federal programs, the economy, and immigrant communities.
In a statement released on April 29, Padilla accused Trump of undermining vital federal services that millions of Americans depend on.
“Trump has devastated federal programs and services that families in California and across the country rely on,” he said.
Padilla added that the president’s trade policies have raised prices for Americans while failing to deliver on promises of economic relief.
“Trump promised to lower costs, but since taking office, his policies have driven prices up on everything from food to utilities to prescription drugs,” he said.
Padilla also criticized Trump’s budget proposals, which he called a “cruel Billionaire-first Budget” that would increase costs for working families while benefiting the wealthy. The senator reinforced that cuts to federal programs have real consequences further warning that critical services like healthcare, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits are at risk.
The senator’s remarks underscored the growing frustration among California’s Democratic leadership over Trump’s policies, which Padilla says are contributing to “costs, chaos, and corruption.”
He further stressed the negative impact on Californians, stating, “Our economy, consumer confidence, and the livelihoods of the American people are down — that’s the legacy of Donald Trump’s first 100 days.”
Padilla vowed to continue fighting for California communities, pledging to oppose what he described as Trump’s attacks on the economy, environment, and core values.
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Gov. Newsom Congratulates New U.C. President; Thanks Outgoing Leader for Vision, Contribution
The University of California has named James B. Milliken, current chancellor of the University of Texas system, as its next president. The UC Board of Regents announced the appointment May 2, selecting Milliken after a six-month national search to succeed Michael V. Drake, who will step down on July 31.
Milliken, 68, will lead the nation’s top public university system, a $53 billion enterprise with 10 campuses, six academic health centers, and three national laboratories, at a time of mounting political and fiscal challenges. The Trump administration has slashed higher education funding, launched investigations into UC’s admissions and diversity practices, and accused campuses of fostering antisemitism. In response, UC has lost $300 million in federal research grants and enacted a systemwide hiring freeze.
Addressing the UC Regents at a public meeting in San Francisco, Milliken emphasized the urgency of confronting these external threats while continuing to expand access and innovation. “These are unprecedented times in higher education,” he said. “We need to right the ship and move forward with strength and clarity.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom welcomed the appointment of Milliken as UC President, highlighting the importance of his leadership in shaping the university’s future.
“Chancellor Milliken brings years of experience and the steady, strategic leadership needed to expand UC’s impact across the state,” said Newsom. “I am excited to see him drive the next chapter of innovation, talent, and progress that will shape California and the country for generations to come.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to outgoing President Michael V. Drake for his leadership and dedication to California’s students.
“I also want to thank Dr. Michael Drake for his leadership and vision during his tenure. He is a strong partner and his intellect, experience and commitment to our students has helped grow the next generation of California leaders. We wish him well in his retirement,” said Newsom.
A veteran of public university leadership, Milliken previously served as president of the University of Nebraska and chancellor of the City University of New York. At Texas, he led efforts to broaden access for low-income students, launch mental health initiatives, and implement major changes following GOP-led bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Milliken is expected to bring steady leadership and a collaborative approach as UC navigates federal investigations, state budget cuts, and growing campus unrest. Regents praised his deep experience and political acumen.
“He understands the transformative power of a public university system,” said Regent Chair Janet Reilly.
Milliken will begin his term in August, relocating from Austin to the Bay Area to take the helm of California’s flagship university system.
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California Expands AI Use to Boost Public Safety, Customer Service, and Gov’t Efficiency
Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 29 announced a new wave of artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at improving public safety, enhancing customer service, and streamlining state operations. The state has entered into three new partnerships to apply generative AI (GenAI) technologies in traffic management, highway safety, and taxpayer assistance.
“California is demonstrating that GenAI can help us improve the way we do business for Californians,” said Trista Gonzalez, director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), which will use AI to assist call center agents during peak seasons.
The initiatives include using Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI platform to help Caltrans reduce highway congestion, deploying Google Gemini AI via Deloitte to identify traffic safety improvements, and incorporating Anthropic’s Claude to improve CDTFA’s response times to taxpayer inquiries.
“We’re DOGE but better,” Newsom said, stressing that California’s approach is about strengthening public services, not cutting them.
Newsom emphasized that the projects are being implemented in coordination with state employees and unions, contrasting the state’s approach with federal cost-cutting measures under Elon Musk’s
Department of Government Efficiency. “The announcement we’re making today was done in partnership with state workers and employees. That’s the difference,” Newsom said in Los Angeles.
The announcement builds on Newsom’s 2023 executive order directing state agencies to adopt GenAI to deliver faster, more responsive services. It comes as California faces off with the federal government over proposed cuts to AmeriCorps and tariffs, further asserting its role in shaping national policy through innovation and legal challenges.
Additional initiatives, including the Engaged California digital platform and a new productivity-focused AI pilot program, underscore the state’s broader push to modernize how it serves residents.
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California’s Elections Chief and AG Bonta Oppose Federal Voter ID Push
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta are pushing back against a federal bill backed by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans that would impose voter ID requirements nationwide, arguing it threatens decades of progress in expanding voter access.
The U.S. House passed the proposed legislation, known as the SAVE Act, in April. It would require all voters to register in person with proof of citizenship, effectively undermining California’s voter-friendly laws such as same-day registration and automatic enrollment through the DMV. Trump previously suggested tying wildfire aid to California’s adoption of voter ID and signed an executive order on the issue, which has been blocked by a federal judge.
Weber criticized the bill as a “step backward,” saying it would disproportionately impact voters without easy access to documents like passports or birth certificates. Drawing from her personal history, she noted that her parents, former sharecroppers, were unable to vote in the Jim Crow South because of discriminatory barriers.
“Access to voting is essential in a democracy,” said Weber. “We are prepared in California to fight for democracy.”
Weber and Bonta are also challenging a voter ID law passed in Huntington Beach, arguing it violates state law. While an Orange County judge dismissed the state’s lawsuit, an appeal is underway. Democrats in the California Legislature recently blocked a state-level voter ID proposal, while Weber emphasized that California already has multiple safeguards ensuring only eligible voters can register.
“We don’t have any information that says we have voter fraud,” she said.
If the SAVE Act passes the Senate and is signed into law, it could reshape voting rights across the U.S., a prospect that California’s top officials say they are determined to resist.
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California Rent Cap Bill Pulled Amid Housing Development Concerns
A bill aimed at strengthening rent control across California has been withdrawn for the year amid mounting opposition from real estate and landlord groups, though backers vow to revive the effort next legislative session.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D–San José) announced Tuesday that his Affordable Rent Act, AB 1157, which proposed reducing the state’s rent
cap from 10% to 5% for most multifamily properties over 15 years old, would be delayed and reintroduced in 2026. The bill also sought to expand eviction protections and extend safeguards to renters in single-family homes.
“As we enter an economic downturn and vulnerable Californians face dire financial situations, we must guide our policies with empathy,” said Kalra. “Housing is a human right.”
The legislation passed the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee by a slim margin but faced hesitation in the Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers cited concerns over unintended impacts on housing development. Industry opponents, including the California Apartment Association, argued the bill would discourage construction and strain small landlords.
Tenant advocates expressed disappointment. “We are going to come back every single year until there is a resolution,” said Shanti Singh of Tenants Together, citing the urgency of rising rents. “At the current cap, a tenant’s rent could double in just seven years.”
The 2019 Tenant Protection Act, which Kalra’s bill aimed to strengthen, will sunset in 2030. With rents continuing to climb and housing affordability ranked among voters’ top concerns, both sides expect continued battles ahead.
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State Is Empowering Older Californians Through Conversation and Resources
May is Older Californians Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and wisdom of older adults while encouraging important
conversations about aging, according to the California Department of Aging (CDA). This year’s theme is Flip the Script on Aging.
CDA urges families to start open discussions about the support that older adults need to thrive. This month highlights the need for early conversations, focusing on independence, dignity, and the wealth of knowledge older Californians contribute to their communities.
CDA Director Susan DeMarois emphasizes that initiating these conversations is a sign of strength. “Older adults are vibrant, capable, contributing members of our communities. Let’s celebrate the possibilities that come with every new chapter of life,” she said.
California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson notes that the best way to ensure independence as we age is through early conversations.
“Starting the conversation early is the best way to ensure independence and dignity as we age. It’s about empowering people with information and resources and helping them to thrive,” she said.
These discussions are key to connecting older adults with valuable resources and information, empowering them to live with dignity.
As the state prepares for a significant demographic shift, by 2030, older adults will outnumber children under 18 for the first time. California’s groundbreaking Master Plan for Aging provides a strategic framework to support the growing senior population.
To help foster these intergenerational conversations, the CDA offers the Aging Resource Guide. The guide provides practical information on a range of topics, including fraud prevention, nutrition, caregiver support, disaster preparedness, and more. Californians can access the aging resource guide on the CDA’s website.
