California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, Launches a Social Security Grievance Platform
In California, there are significant changes happening across various sectors, from social programs to political appointments.
A group of Filipino leaders, including current Cerritos City Councilman Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, former Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, former Artesia Mayor Dr. Victor Manalo, and former ABC School Board President Armin Rey, have sent a letter to Gov. Newsom in support of Assemblymember Rob Bonta for California Attorney General. Bonta, an assemblymember from Alameda County, is set to be nominated as California's new attorney general, making history as the first Filipino to hold the position.
Regarding social programs, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made significant updates following the Social Security Fairness Act. Starting February 25, 2025, the SSA began adjusting monthly benefits for people affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), removing these offsets retroactively effective January 2024. Beneficiaries have been receiving increased monthly payments since April 2025, along with one-time past-due payments totaling $17 billion paid to over 3.1 million eligible individuals nationwide by July 7, 2025.
However, federal Medicaid policy changes from the Trump era are causing challenges in California. Starting from 2027, there will be work requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for Medicaid, which could negatively impact thousands of Californians and potentially lead to coverage loss for approximately 400,000 people. These changes could also strain Medi-Cal and other social program funding.
If you experience any disruptions to your Social Security benefits, please report them to the California Department of Justice. You can also contact your House Representative or California's Senators for potential assistance in restoring your benefits. For broader state-level social service issues, such as Medicaid problems, California residents can reach out to their county social services offices or utilize state-run support hotlines.
Attorney General Bonta has established a Social Security complaint page to protect Californians from unlawful actions by the Trump Administration and preserve access to Social Security benefits. He has also joined 20 other attorneys general in support of a lawsuit challenging the Social Security Administration's staffing cuts and policy changes.
In a separate development, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act took place on October 31, 2022. The Water Replenishment District's Board, which includes President John D. S. Allen, Director Vera Robles DeWitt, and Director Joy Langford, welcomed Attorney General Rob Bonta at the celebration.
For those facing issues with their Medicaid or other social programs, it's crucial to report them and seek help through the appropriate channels. The SSA typically provides notices with contact information for queries or disputes on benefit adjustments. Additionally, beneficiaries can contact the Social Security Administration directly via their official website (ssa.gov) or local SSA offices. For state-level social service issues, residents can reach out to their county social services offices or utilize state-run support hotlines.
To register your complaint or for more information, click on the provided links. Stay informed and take action to protect your rights and access to essential services.
- The California community news has reported on a significant political event: a group of Filipino leaders, including city council members and former mayors, have sent a letter to Governor Newsom in support of Assemblymember Rob Bonta for California Attorney General.
- In the realm of policy and legislation, changes in federal Medicaid policy are causing challenges in California from 2027, with work requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations potentially leading to coverage loss for approximately 400,000 people.
- Attorney General Bonta has established a site for general-news updates, focusing on social programs and policy-and-legislation developments, such as his Social Security complaint page to protect Californians from unlawful actions by the Trump Administration and preserve access to Social Security benefits.
- Upcoming events in the health-and-wellness and science sectors include the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act; Attorney General Rob Bonta attended the celebration organized by the Water Replenishment District's Board in October 2022.
