Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
________
New Wealth Report: Black Californians Behind in Retirement Savings, Homeownership Rates
A new report reveals that Black Californians are falling behind in key measures of wealth, including retirement savings and homeownership, raising concerns about long-term economic security and opportunity.
The report, based on U.S. Census data, shows that the typical California household has a net worth of $288,000, which is significantly higher than the national median of $180,000. However, wealth in the state is unequally distributed across racial and ethnic lines. Wealth includes everything a household owns, like a home or retirement account, minus debts such as credit cards or student loans.
“Latino and Black/Other households disproportionately have low wealth, as do those with lower levels of educational attainment,” the report stated.
Despite homeownership being a common path to building wealth in America, Black households with similar income, age, and education levels to their White counterparts still lag behind.
The report also shows that the most common assets among California households are checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, home equity, and vehicle equity. Even though many Black households do own these assets, they do not have enough set aside for emergencies, putting them at risk as they age.
Across ethnic and racial groups, older households are more likely to hold assets and less likely to have debts, especially unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills.
However, Black and Latino households are also more likely to carry student loan debt than Whites and Asians.
“Three in four households owe some money on unsecured debts,” the report stated, which can make it harder to save or invest.
________
U.S. DOJ Launches Investigation to Protect Girl Athletes in California
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into California’s handling of girls’ sports, citing possible violations of Title IX due to a state law that allows students born male to compete on female teams.
On May 28, the DOJ announced that it sent legal notices to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, the Jurupa Unified School District, and the California Interscholastic Federation. The agency will examine whether state and local education and athletic authorities are discriminating based on sex, which would violate federal civil rights law.
The case centers on California’s AB 1266, a state law passed in 2013, that permits students to join sports teams and use facilities that align with their gender identity. A federal lawsuit filed by female athletes argues that this law harms girls by allowing biologically male students to outcompete them in sports and share private spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
“Title IX exists to protect women and girls in education,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “It is perverse to allow males to compete against girls, invade their private spaces, and take their trophies.”
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California added, “My office and the rest of the Department of Justice will work tirelessly to protect girls’ sports and stop anyone — public officials included — from violating women’s civil rights.”
The lawsuit, Save Girls’ Sports v. Thurmond, was filed on behalf of two high school athletes, T.S. and K.S., from Martin Luther King High School in Riverside. T.S., a junior and team captain, was removed from the girls’ varsity cross-country team to make room for a biologically male athlete who did not meet eligibility requirements. T.S. lost her spot at a major meet and missed chances for college recruitment.
The lawsuit also claims school officials violated students’ free speech rights by banning shirts that protested the team change.
The DOJ says the case is part of a national effort to uphold Title IX and ensure fairness for female athletes.
________
Sen. Kelly Seyarto Gives Colleagues Thumbs Up for Backing His Home Inheritance Bill
Inheriting your family home and worried about immediate taxes? You may no longer have to.
Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) announced last week that eleven of his bills have passed the California State Senate and are now headed to the Assembly for consideration. The bills, which aim to improve veterans’ benefits, public safety, tax policy, and local government support, received strong bipartisan backing.
One bill that will impact families is Senate Bill (SB) 284. The legislation clarifies property tax law when siblings inherit a family home. It allows eligible family members to consolidate ownership within one year of inheritance without triggering a property tax reassessment, provided the transfer and the transferee’s residence meet specific criteria.
According to Seyarto, SB 284 seeks to protect families from undue tax burdens while preserving valuable assets.
“I’m proud to see these common-sense, solutions-oriented bills advance with strong bipartisan support,” said Seyarto. “I’m grateful to my dedicated team for their hard work and to my Senate colleagues for their partnership. I’m ready to continue working with the Assembly to deliver meaningful results for our 32nd District and the State of California.”
The other bills he lauded are:
- SB 56, which ensures that disability payments for disabled veterans are not counted when deciding if they qualify for a property tax exclusion.
- SB 67, which protects Cal Grant access for children of active-duty military, even if they finish high school in another state.
- SB 70, which raises the contract limit for small businesses run by disabled veterans and adjusts it for inflation.
- SB 74, which creates the Infrastructure Gap Fund to help cities and counties complete projects like fire stations, schools, and roads.
- SB 76, which stops new car owners from being forced to pay registration debts left by the previous owner.
- SB 87, which extends tax breaks for fundraising efforts by all-volunteer fire departments.
- SB 233, which requires earlier talks between the state and local governments about housing needs.
- SB 255, which makes counties notify homeowners when deeds or other legal property documents are recorded.
- SB 385, which updates education requirements and timelines for peace officers.
________
New Black Equity Collective Survey Reveals Economic Might of California’s Black-Led Nonprofits
A new report by the Black Equity Collective (BEC), in partnership with Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), highlights the powerful role Black-led nonprofits play in California’s economy and communities. The report, California Black-led Organizations: Strengthening California’s Economy and Communities, draws from a survey of 217 Black-led organizations across the state.
The findings show Black-led nonprofits employ more than 4,000 people and paid over $335 million in salaries during 2023. These organizations also contributed $22 million in payroll taxes, making them key economic drivers.
“Black-led nonprofits are not only providing essential services in areas such as health, safety, and social justice. They are also creating community wealth and economic resilience,” said Kaci Patterson, founder of Black Equity Collective. “This report makes it clear: BLOs are valuable contributors to California’s economy and deserve equitable investment and support.”
Despite their impact, 80% of these nonprofits report staff shortages, limiting their ability to meet community needs. The organizations focus on critical issues like health services, violence prevention, community safety, policy change, and racial justice.
Annie Chang, Vice President of Community Engagement at Nonprofit Finance Fund, emphasized the importance of the report’s data. “We hope this data will drive deeper collaboration and investment that centers equity, trust, and accountability,” she said.
BEC is calling on funders, policymakers, and stakeholders to recognize the value of Black-led nonprofits and to invest in their growth through fair and lasting funding practices.
“Funders hold an important role in sustaining and supporting the impactful work of our organizations,” Patterson added, “and amplifying the economic impact they can have on their communities as job creators and service providers.”
________
As The Month Closed Out, Gov. Newsom Proclaimed May Foster Care Month
Gov. Gavin Newsom has officially declared May 2025 as Foster Care Month in California, honoring the more than 35,000 foster children across the state and recognizing the dedication of thousands of foster families who provide care and support.
“All children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home,” the proclamation states. It highlights the serious challenges foster youth face, including separation from family, frequent moves, and the effects of trauma, the Governor said in a statement on May 30. These challenges often lead to struggles with education, housing, and mental health later in life. Children of color and LGBTQ youth, who are overrepresented in the system, face added hardship.
To help address these issues, California is expanding efforts to support families and prevent children from entering the foster system. When foster care is needed, the state has taken steps to ensure that policy prioritizes home-based care over group homes to give children stable, nurturing environments. About half of foster youth are reunited with their families, and about a quarter are adopted. However, some age out of the system without permanent placement, the Governor’s office reports.
Additionally, to support those aging out of the system, California launched two pilot programs in 2023 that provide guaranteed income, helping young adults meet basic needs and avoid poverty. The state is also working to build pathways to careers and higher education. Foster youth can now receive up to $1,500 in child savings accounts through the CalKIDS program, and the Middle Class Scholarship which covers tuition and fees for those attending UC and CSU schools. Community colleges, CSUs, and UCs also offer programs that help foster youth adjust to college life and adulthood.
Newsom thanked current foster families and encouraged more Californians to open their homes. “It takes a village to raise a child, and California is proud to play its part in doing so,” he said.
