Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson and fellow Assembly Democrats moved with urgency on Monday to protect the economy, vulnerable Californians and immigrant workers in the face of threats from the White House and Republicans in Washington.

Democrats voted overwhelmingly to pass two bills:

• A legal defense fund that allocates $25 million for the California Department of Justice to protect California taxpayers and the state’s economy from hostile action in Washington, including the recent “Republican Freeze.”
• Funding for immigration Legal Aid and Servicesorganizations, which assist veterans, students, renters, families, victims of domestic violence and law-abiding immigrants who pay more than $130 billion annually in state and federal taxes and contribute over $1 trillion yearly to the California economy. In a letter of direction, the Legislature stated that this bill’s funding does not go to legal defense for people convicted of violent and serious felonies.

The legislation will strengthen California’s ability to fight unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration. The bills pass on the heels of President Trump’s reckless attempt to freeze Congressionally approved federal funding, loans and grants last week, which jeopardizes funding for small business loans, schools, housing assistance, nonprofit grants, wildfire protection and Southern California wildfire relief, and health care and research.

“The vote reaffirms our commitment,” said Assemblymember Corey Jackson. “Every person deserves the right to dignity and self-determination. In the face of forces seeking to spread chaos and hate, we must stand up for our communities. I will work with my colleagues to use every available resource to protect those targeted and ensure that common-sense governing prevails over political noise. Our focus remains on lowering the cost of living and building opportunities so that everyone in California can thrive.”

 “At a time when Washington is being dragged-down by unprofessional, chaotic behavior, here in California we are focused on results,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “This year, our priority is cost of living and housing. But Californians are being threatened by an out-of-control administration that doesn’t care about the Constitution and thinks there are no limits to its power. That is why we are delivering legislation that will allocate resources to defend Californians from this urgent threat. We are here today because we do not trust President Donald Trump.”

 “While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, we also have a responsibility to protect California taxpayers and to defend the fundamental rights of all Californians,” said Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel. “For that reason, we cannot – and will not – stand idly by if the Administration breaks the law or violates the U.S. Constitution. Californians should rest assured that we will vigorously protect both their fair share of federal dollars and their fundamental constitutional rights.”

• SBX1-1would amend the 2024 Budget Act to include a State Litigation Fund, allocating $25 million to the Department of Justice to assist in protecting California residents and taxpayers. For instance, if the federal government withholds emergency aid after a natural disaster, such as the L.A. firestorms, the fund will allow the DOJ to pursue legal recourse to secure the emergency aid from the federal government, providing California taxpayers with billions of dollars.
• SBX1-2amends the Budget Act to add funding for Legal Services, including $25 million for legal assistance for Californians and immigrant communities. Our Assembly’s direction is crystal clear and in writing: This funding goes toward supporting free legal services for especially vulnerable Californians, including veterans, people with disabilities, unhoused youth, those facing eviction, seniors, and victims of domestic violence, wage theft and human trafficking. Per the Legislature’s direction, funding will not be used for legal services defending those convicted of a violent or serious felony.

How a Legal Defense Fund Protect California’s Businesses, Workers and Families

• It is estimated that the Department of Justice spent approximately $40 million on legal defense to protect billions of dollars for California between 2016 and 2021 (according toCalMatters). Successful defenses included:

○                   California ensured the Department of Energy could finalize efficiency rules, generating more than $8 billion in savings for ratepayers (NRDC)

○                   DOJ secured nearly $60 million in federal public-safety grant reimbursements (SacBee)

○                   According to CalMatters: “Trump lost about two-thirds of cases filed against his administration” between 2016 and 2021

Economic Impact of California Immigrant Workers

• California immigrants pay nearly $130 billion annually in state and federal taxes (USC CA Immigrant Data Portal 2021)
• 88% of farmworkers in CA are immigrants—that’s 880,000 people. Approximately half are undocumented. (JBS International for the US Department of Labor)
• Immigrants hold one-thirdof all tourism and hospitality jobs in California. (LA Times Analysis of 2022 US Census Data)
• We must rebuild LA and increase affordable housing. Neither will happen without immigrants, who make up 41% of the construction workforce. (National Association of Homebuilders 2023)
• 50% of certified nursing assistants in CA nursing homes are immigrants. (Health Affairs 2021), and about 40% of child day-care workers. (LA Times Analysis of 2022 US Census Data)
• California immigrants contribute $715 billion in gross domestic product. (CA Immigrant Policy Center 2016)

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson represents Assembly District 60, which includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, a small portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet.