California Black Media

Gov. Newsom, Legislature Reach $50 Million Deal to Counter Trump-Era Policies

Half of the funding, $25 million, will be allocated to the state Department of Justice to litigate against federal actions. The remaining $25 million will fund legal nonprofits and immigration support centers to defend immigrants against deportation, detention, and wage theft. Senate Budget Chair Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) praised the initiative, calling it a necessary step to counter “Trump’s extremist agenda.”

Published

11 months ago

January 25, 2025

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, have reached a $50 million agreement to counter the impact of potential federal policies from the incoming Trump administration, including mass deportations. The deal, announced before President Trump’s inauguration, aims to protect immigrants and strengthen legal defenses against the White House.

Republicans have criticized the move, accusing Democratic leaders of prioritizing partisan issues over addressing devastating wildfires in Southern California. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher called the fund a “slush fund” for government lawyers and expressed concern about the state’s focus during a crisis.

The funding proposal is part of a larger special session package, with floor votes expected this week. Newsom, while addressing criticism, has remained active in wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles and hinted at the possibility of a fire-focused special session.

The urgency of the immigration-related funding stems from Trump’s previous pledges to enact mass deportations. Under President Biden, immigration enforcement actions have intensified in California’s Central Valley, adding to the concern.

Democrats argue the funding reflects California’s leadership in resisting federal policies they view as harmful. Wiener highlighted the importance of supporting legal aid services that can effectively assist millions of vulnerable residents.

If approved, the deal positions California as a national leader in opposing federal actions and protecting immigrant communities, underscoring its role as a stronghold against Trump administration policies.

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Activism

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Black Women’s Think Tank Founder Kellie Todd Griffin

As the president and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Griffin is on a mission to shift the narrative and outcomes for Black women and girls. She founded the nation’s first Black Women’s Think Tank, securing $5 million in state funding to fuel policy change.

Published

1 day ago

December 14, 2025

Oakland Post

Kellie Todd Griffin. CBM file photo.

By Edward Henderson
California Black Media

With more than 25 years of experience spanning public affairs, community engagement, strategy, marketing, and communications, Kellie Todd Griffin is recognized across California as a leader who mobilizes people and policy around issues that matter.

Griffin spoke with California Black Media (CBM) about her successes and setbacks in 2025 and her hopes for 2026.

Looking back at 2025, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

Our greatest achievement in this year is we got an opportunity to honor the work of 35 Black women throughout California who are trailblazing the way for the next generation of leaders.

How did your leadership, efforts and investments as president and CEO California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

We’re training the next leaders. We have been able to train 35 women over a two-year period, and we’re about to start a new cohort of another 30 women. We also have trained over 500 middle and high school girls in leadership, advocacy, and financial literacy.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

Getting the question, “why.” Why advocate for Black women? Why invest in Black people, Black communities? It’s always constantly having to explain that, although we are aware that there are other populations that are in great need, the quality-of-life indices for Black Californians continue to decrease. Our life expectancies are decreasing. Our unhoused population is increasing. Our health outcomes remain the worst.

We’re not asking anyone to choose one group to prioritize. We are saying, though, in addition to your investments into our immigrant brothers and sisters – or our religious brothers and sisters – we are also asking you to uplift the needs of Black Californians. That way, all of us can move forward together.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

I’ve always been amazed by the joy of Black women in the midst of crisis.

That is really our secret sauce. We don’t let the current state of any issue take our joy from us. It may break us a little bit. We may get tired a little bit. But we find ways to express that – through the arts, through music, through poetry.

What is one lesson you learned in 2025 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Reset. It’s so important not to be sitting still. We have a new administration. We’re seeing data showing that Black women have the largest unemployment rate. We’ve lost so many jobs. We can have rest – we can be restful – but we have to continue the resistance.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians faced in 2025?

Motivation.

I choose motivation because of the tiredness. What is going to motivate us to be involved in 2026?

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2026?

I want to get Black Californians in spaces and places of power and influence – as well as opportunities to thrive economically, socially, and physically.