By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Bonta blocks Trump’s plan to freeze Cal social services money
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday secured a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to freeze $10 billion in federal funding, including an estimated $5 billion to California.
This funding benefits millions of Californians, including children, families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Child Care and Development Fund, and the Social Services Block Grant.
Bonta — alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison — filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging a funding freeze imposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier in the week.
“Again and again, President Trump has shown a willingness to throw vulnerable children, seniors, and families under the bus if he thinks it will advance his vendetta against Democratic-led states,” said Bonta. “Cutting funding for childcare and other family assistance is cruel, reckless, and most importantly, illegal. Today’s emergency order is an important victory for the millions of hardworking California families who benefit from these programs — but we won’t stop fighting until we block this unlawful funding freeze permanently.”
The temporary restraining order also blocks the Trump Administration’s illegal requests in its letters for virtually all documents associated with the federal funding streams that it froze, as well as years of data — including personally identifiable information — concerning individuals who received benefits from those funding streams.
Bass gets City moving to fills potholes
Los Angeles Mayor Bass this weekend announced that more than 2,400 potholes have been repaired across the City as crews continue to respond to impacts from the recent rain.
Over the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays, L.A. saw record rainfall, with more than 7 inches of rain falling across Los Angeles since December 23. The City’s Bureau of Street Services (BSS) has dedicated additional resources to pothole repairs, including deploying personnel who are working longer hours during the week and on weekends.
“Los Angeles saw record rainfall over the holiday season, and we are increasingly seeing more extreme weather events,” said Bass. “City public works crews are out every day fixing potholes and responding to calls for service to minimize impacts to Angelenos. Angelenos are encouraged to report potholes to 311.”
Potholes are a natural outcome of wear and tear from cars and other vehicles, as well as water soaking into the asphalt, and they take time to form. The BSS is proactive in managing street conditions and ensures that streets are repaired not only for immediate repair but also to strengthen the street network and prevent future potholes.
Angelenos are encouraged to report potholes by calling 311 or by visiting MyLA311.lacity.org.
Chu lauds funding for space, science, and exploration
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Pasadena) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, last week lauded the House 397-28 vote in passing the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.
The multi-agency spending measure includes $24.4 billion (1.6% cut) for NASA, including $7.25 billion for NASA Science.
“As Co-Chairs of the Planetary Science Caucus, we were extremely alarmed by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposal to dramatically cut federal funding in FY26 for space because we know these investments are essential to scientific research and discovery, to our national security, to growing our space economy and workforce, and to maintaining the United States’ standing as the global leader in space,” said the lawmakers in a Joint statement.
The lawmakers noted that while they were proud of the House vote, they were nonetheless disappointed that the bill supports the OMB’s plan to cancel the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission to bring samples from the Mars surface back to Earth – samples which have already been collected by the Perseverance rover.
“Our nation already lost hundreds of Mars experts at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory last year due to shortsighted budget cuts to MSR, and we cannot afford to lose more. However, we are encouraged that today’s bill provides funding for future Mars missions, and we look forward to working with NASA, congressional colleagues, and all our partners to finally return these samples and maintain American expertise and leadership on the red planet.”
Chu’s district includes Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a NASA Center administered by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Gabriel cautiously optimistic about Newsom’s proposed budget
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (Encino, Lake Balboa, Van Nuys), the chamber’s Budget Chair, and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Pajaro and Salinas Valleys) last week responded to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $348.9-billion 2026-27 fiscal year budget with cautious optimism.
The spending plan includes a $3-billion deficit, while assuming strong revenues from California’s AI-driven economy, but nonpartisan analysts warn of a potential $18-billion shortfall if markets cool. It also does not include funding to replace the Trump administration cuts to Medicaid, raising concerns that millions of low-income Californians could lose healthcare.
“California’s budget calls for caution. With Trump targeting our state, we must defend vulnerable communities and protect essential programs that help families put food on the table and see a doctor,” said the two lawmakers in a joint statement.
“Today’s roaring tax revenues may not last, so this moment also should be used to strengthen schools and accelerate much-needed housing construction. Building more reserves now is key for the future, along with doubling down on budget oversight to ensure responsible spending. That is Assembly Democrats’ commitment: affordability, equity, and accountability.”
