Sign in

Western Center on Law & Poverty

@westerncenter.bsky.social
331 followers 62 following 71 posts

Fighting poverty in California.⁣ Advancing economic & racial justice.⁣⁣ Advocating & litigating for change. LINKTREE: linkin.bio/western_center

PostsRepliesMedia
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Parents shouldn’t lose support for working more. AB 1755 is now law, ending California’s “100-hour rule.” Starting in 2027, CalWORKs eligibility will reflect what a family earns—not hours worked. Proud to co-sponsor this win. #AB1755 #CalWORKs
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Calif. Senate Bill 716 increases fines for city and county ordinance violations involving large nonresidential structures of 20,000+ sf. Fines can be multiplied by up to ten times—up to $50,000 per violation—if it occurs during a declared state of emergency or federal disaster.
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The new public charge rule is discriminatory, racist and unlawful. It strips away safeguards and gives immigration officials sweeping discretion—opening the door to bias, inconsistent decisions and discrimination. Read our position statement. #PublicCharge #Immigration wclp.org/public-charg...
wclp.org
Public Charge: WCLP Position Statement   – Western Center on Law & Poverty
Alongside our immigrant rights and anti-poverty partners, Western Center condemns the Federal Administration’s finalized public charge rule, which takes effect on Friday September 18, 2026. The new ru...
011
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
TAKE ACTION ASAP! Federal cuts in H.R. 1 strip food aid from refugees, veterans, families with kids and former foster youth. As Dolores Huerta reminded us: "There is no excuse why these programs should not be fully funded." Submit a comment to the Governor to fund CFAP now! -- gov.ca.gov/contact
000
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
National Immigration Law Center @nilc.org · 27/08/2026
Our co-counsel in the case: @democracyforward.org, @legalaidnyc.bsky.social, @westerncenter.bsky.social, @ccrjustice.org, and Colombo & Hurd.   Full statement: www.nilc.org/press/mass-v...
nilc.org
Amid Reports of Mass Visa ‘Pause,’ Groups File Emergency Motion to Enforce Court Order Striking Down 75-Country Visa Ban
221
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
Katie Bergh @katiebergh.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
New: In the 10 months after the Republican reconciliation law enacted the deepest SNAP cuts in history, SNAP enrollment fell by roughly 5 million people. The number of people receiving SNAP is at its lowest point in 17 years & is expected to keep falling. www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
cbpp.org
SNAP Tracker: People Are Losing Food Assistance as the Harmful 2025 Republican Reconciliation Law Is Implemented
SNAP participation nationwide fell by roughly 5 million people (12 percent) between the law’s July 2025 enactment and May 2026, based on the latest month of data.
612080
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
This Women’s Equality Day, we asked WCLP staff what women’s equality means to them—through the lens of their own lives, their work, and the communities we fight alongside. What we found it that it's something we build together and keep pushing forward. Read the blog here: wclp.org/womens-equal...
010
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
Andy Craig @andycraig.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
USPS’s job is to deliver the mail even if some mailed ballots genuinely are fake, illegal, fraudulent, or otherwise invalid. It’s on election administrators to catch and reject those, and they do. USPS has no role in it and the very idea mucks up the systems we actually have for election integrity.
242055496
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Hunger doesn't wait for Congress to catch up. Feeding families isn't optional. Tell your Senators to reverse the SNAP cuts and protect families and farmers. 📩 Take action: secure.everyaction.com/76ItkRZL70ae... #SNAP #FarmBill #EndHunger
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
76% of the 30 SoCal cities reviewed place homeless shelters in the most polluted, hardest-to-reach areas—far from transit, doctors, services. That's not accidental. It's a choice about whose health and dignity counts. Housing is a right. So is clean air. Read more here--https://shorturl.at/AqaFn
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Please join us for our final two sessions in our Summer Training Series! Trainings are FREE and interactive. 1.0 hour of General MCLE credit will be provided for each training. Register at the link to attend. wclp.org/summer-train...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
California has spent BILLIONS fighting homelessness, yet lawmakers still lack statewide eviction data. With 58 counties using 58 systems, billion $ housing decisions are being made in the dark. Our co-sponsored bill SB 1160 could change that. #HousingPolicy #SB1160 capitalandmain.com/how-many-cal...
capitalandmain.com
How Many Californians Face Eviction Each Year? The State Can’t Say For Sure.
A bill moving through the Legislature would improve eviction tracking and could help California better target homelessness prevention funding.
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the 14th Amendment’s promise: nearly every person born in the United States is a U.S. citizen. Born from the struggle to end slavery, it made citizenship, equal protection, and due process constitutional guarantees. A vital civil rights victory! shorturl.at/bfsc2
shorturl.at
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits
The Supreme Court has upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people in the United States illegally or t...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
WCLP has fought for housing, healthcare, economic dignity, and a more just CA for nearly 60 years. That commitment has never wavered, we invite you to join us this October for an evening of celebration and declaration. Sponsorships are available now: igfn.us/form/pFAIuA
030
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
CA is the most prosperous state in the nation and the workers and families who make that happen deserve to see a share of the prosperity they are building. We need @governor.ca.gov , Pro Tem Monique Limón, @caspeakerrivas.bsky.social and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to stand with the people.
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
MAY REVISE STATEMENT: California should not respond to federal cruelty by deepening hardship at home. Governor Newsom’s May Revision fails to meet this moment. This is a moment that demands bold investment and political courage. Read our full statement: wclp.org/may-revision...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
CA’S #AB1790 makes corporations pay what they owe instead of hiding billions in tax loopholes while Californians face cuts to food, healthcare & housing. Legislators, vote YES! @mgipson2014 @KateSanchezCA @AsmJuanCarrillo @carldemaio @AsmTinaMcKinnor @QuirkSilvaCA @AsmMRodriguez. #CALeg
010
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
National Center for LGBTQ Rights @nclrights.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
TODAY: We just helped California families sue Rady Children’s Health to fight back against hospitals stopping transgender youth care.  
nclrights.org
Families File Lawsuit to Stop California’s Rady Children’s Health from Cutting off Health Care for Transgender Youth
New lawsuit follows the temporary restraining order secured by Attorney General Rob Bonta to keep care in place and protect transgender youth from discriminatory denial of medically necessary care SAN DIEGO, CA — Today, California families publicly filed a lawsuit against Rady Children’s Health...
184
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
#HomeVisiting improves the health of infants, children, and parents. It also advances #HealthEquity by supporting diverse and underserved families. #HVDayLA @HomeVisitingLA
000
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
End Child Poverty California powered by GRACE @endchildpovca.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
At the #AB2299 (Calderon) press conference, @westerncenter.bsky.social Executive Director Cori Racela warned federal SNAP cuts could create a “looming humanitarian crisis” for hundreds of thousands of Californians. “If we are the California we want to be we must pass AB 2299.”
012
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
TAKE ACTION NOW. Congress is negotiating funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Tell Congress to vote “NO” without strong and enforceable guardrails and keep our communities safer. Our rights are on the line. Your voice matters. Use it. unidosus.org/take-action/
unidosus.org
Take action
Join UnidosUS and local partners, take action NOW!
020
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
California’s proposed 2026–27 budget will strip health care & food support from 3M Californians. Join us March 23, 12PM PST as Western Center and CA Budget & Policy Center break down what’s at stake—and what we can do about it. bit.ly/4ub8J4N #MeetTheAdvocates #Healthcare #CABudget
010
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund @dredf.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
A court has ruled LA cannot unlawfully expand RV seizures and destruction. This protects thousands of unhoused Angelenos who rely on RVs as their only home. Proud to stand with @legalaidla.bsky.social, @westerncenter.bsky.social, and ACLU SoCal. Read on @laist.com:
tinyurl.com
LA has 'no such authority' to roll out new RV removal program under state law, judge says
The judge ruled the new law that went into effect in January gives that authority to the county — not the city.
052
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Capitol Press Conference Thursday, Feb 26, 10am
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
This Thursday, Feb 26 at 10am at the Capitol in Sacramento. Join us to stand up for equity and justice! Speakers include: California Senator Anna Caballero (D-14) California Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) California Senator Aisha Wahab (D-10) California Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland)
020
Reposted by Western Center on Law & Poverty
End Child Poverty California powered by GRACE @endchildpovca.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
This morning, Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens introduced a six-bill legislative package focused on improving outcomes for foster youth, calling the effort both fiscally responsible and morally necessary. “Poverty in CA is a policy choice. It’s completely preventable.”
011
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Poverty isn’t a personal failure—it’s engineered by policy. Racist systems, punitive rules, and bureaucratic barriers deny housing, healthcare, and income, locking families into crisis. Our 2025 CalWORKs reforms target discriminatory policy at its root. #PovertyAwarenessMonth #ReimagineCalWORKs
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
"The Governor’s proposed budget is a sobering about face after the aspirational State of the State rhetoric. Instead of a beacon of California values, the budget represents a continued assault on low-income communities." Read our analysis of the proposed CA 2026-2027 budget here. shorturl.at/upVGS
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
"This moment demands clarity: What kind of California are we building? A state that invests in the stability of its people, or a state that mimics the cruelty and austerity of the federal government?" Read our analysis of the budget proposed by @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social. wclp.org/proposed-bud...
wclp.org
Western Center Statement: The Governor's Budget Doesn't Move Us Forward – Western Center on Law & Poverty
The Governor’s proposed budget is a sobering about face after the aspirational State of the State rhetoric. Instead of a beacon of California values, the budget represents a continued assault on low-i...
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
California is a global economic powerhouse—yet 17.7% of residents lack the resources to meet basic needs, roughly 7 million living in poverty. Since 1967, Western Center has worked aggressively on solutions to transform systems that fail the people they’re meant to serve. Poverty is preventable.
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Make today the day you contribute to the vital work of Western Center. As we cross the horizon to a new year, our fight for economic and racial justice continues. Donate here: wclp.org/donate/
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
Our vision for a more just California has faced a storm of policy and systemic failures this year. From increasing instability in health care and renter protections, the challenges rage around us. Your support expands racial and economic justice for all Californians. DONATE TODAY! wclp.org/donate/
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
TOGETHER, there is HOPE—and YOU are part of it. Your support helps Western Center fight for access to food, housing, and healthcare for millions of Californians. GIVE by Dec 31 to build a more just, inclusive California for all. youtu.be/zsFVog6CQe0?...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Our advocacy has successfully fought to protect health care funding, to ensure disabled Black and Latine young people get the services they need, and to build economic and racial justice that lasts. But we can’t do it alone. Stand with us. Stand with all Californians. GIVE TODAY. wclp.org/donate/
020
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Your support fuels legislative advocacy and impact litigation that protects tenants, ensures access to healthcare, and stands up for families who deserve stability and hope. Your donation contributes to a greater future where everyone thrives. We urge you to DONATE NOW. wclp.org/donate/
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
As we near the end of Native American Heritage Month, we honor the shared purpose that indigenous cultures celebrate. As we look forward with hope, may the wisdom and perspective they provide guide us toward a just future. Read this month's blog by Exec. Dir. Cori Racela. wclp.org/making-all-t...
wclp.org
Making All Things Work – Western Center on Law & Poverty
As I honor this year’s Indigenous Peoples Month, my thoughts zoom out to how much devastation and injustice our country has wrought on native populations, immigrants, Black Americans, and so…
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
Everyone should be able to live the life they want. When people don’t need to worry about their health, or having a roof over their head, or where their next meal will come from, we all thrive. Please GIVE TODAY to preserve and build a democracy that protects everybody. wclp.org/donate/
020
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Western Center's 2025 Annual Campaign may be more critical than most. ⁠ ⁠ Every dollar you donate fuels the work we do, the team we build, and the communities we strengthen.⁠ ⁠ DONATE TODAY at the link in our bio to help us to continue the fight!⁠ #WesternCenter #BeTheChange #socialjustice
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
During federal shutdowns, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is refusing to pay out full SNAP benefits, jeopardizing access to food for 42 million low-income households. We're suing to challenge this. Read more about our lawsuit here. wclp.org/snap-2025-fi...
020
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Today is the #SNAPDayOfAction, and we need you to join us and act now. 42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov 1st. USDA has a contingency fund but hasn't released it. Contact your Members of Congress today.
062
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
TONIGHT! Garden Party 2025 See you all there-
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
JOIN Western Center in the fight for justice and equity! JOIN US in transforming lives as we challenge unjust systems and uplift communities. Listen to how we’re driving change. STAND WITH US in solidarity to demand justice for all. 💪🏽 #EndPoverty #SocialJustice #LegalAdvocacy #WesternCenter
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Garden Party is one week away! Join us as we celebrate another year of fighting for a more just California. Tickets and sponsorships are available this week only: wclp.org/annual-garde...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
This year's World Mental Health Day emphasizes the urgent need for mental health and psycho-social support for people affected by crises like conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics. Western Center supports providing and improving access to critical care particularly during times of need.
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening of community, culture & justice at Garden Party on Oct. 22. We’re honoring Jason De León, John Pollock & Doreena Wong, leaders shaping a more just future. Featuring Son Jarocho music by Jarochelo & Friends. wclp.org/garden-party...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
The success of our advocacy efforts in the California legislature led to 11 bills teed up to be signed by Governor Newsom, who has until Oct 13 to sign or veto. We support policies that keep families together and keep people out of poverty. See our Legislation Tracker for a list-- shorturl.at/8GWOs
010
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
We are thrilled to present Doreena Wong with the Mary Burdick Advocates Award at Garden Party on Oct. 22. For nearly 40 years, she has led efforts to expand language access, advance health equity, and champion LGBTQ+ rights. Tickets available now: wclp.org/garden-party...
020
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Join us on Oct 22 at the Garden Party as we honor John Pollock with the Earl Johnson Equal Justice Award. For over a decade John has defended the civil right to counsel for low-income families across 45 states. Tickets are available now: wclp.org/garden-party...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
We’re honored to present the 2025 Derrick Bell Award to Jason De León: National Book Award winner, anthropologist, and archaeologist. Join us Oct. 22 as we celebrate not only his work, but also the legacy of Derrick Bell. wclp.org/garden-party...
000
Western Center on Law & Poverty @westerncenter.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Garden Party! wclp.org/garden-party... Join us on Oct 22 at The Ebell of LA where we’ll come together to celebrate the trailblazers advancing racial and economic justice. Support the largest and most celebrated social justice event in California!
010