Biweekly Policy Briefing: Issue XXXVI

Hello again.

In today’s 36th issue of the Policy Brief, you’ll see a refreshed look and feel, alongside the same trusted news you count on.

This June and November, we again have the opportunity to voice our values at the ballot box. In partnership with our Philanthropy California colleagues, we encourage you to stay informed and engaged in protecting and strengthening election integrity and democratic institutions.

Regardless of philanthropic priorities, free and fair elections are foundational to every mission — and to ensuring all people have the opportunity to build lives of dignity and possibility. We’re here to help you identify the most effective strategies for your giving.

And with that, here’s a look at what happened this week. Catch up on previous installments of this briefing here.

THE FACTS

Budgets & Taxes

• ​​​$70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol
  ​​​​​The Senate voted 50-48 early Thursday to pass a $70 billion bill funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol for the next three years. The measure largely omits Democratic demands for enforcement guardrails that have stalled funding and contributed to a partial government shutdown since February. The bill still needs to pass the House and it’s expected to come to a floor vote next week.
• $146M San Diego city budget shortfall addressed
  Mayor Todd Gloria released a first draft of the city’s fiscal 2027 budget April 15, addressing a $146 million shortfall.
  • The proposal would cut $11.8 million in arts funding, reducing it from $13.8 million to about $2 million — a move expected to significantly impact grants for local arts and cultural organizations.
  • More than 300 supporters rallied at Civic Center Plaza on April 21 to protest the proposed cuts. Arts leaders warned the reductions would affect hundreds of nonprofits and cultural programs.
  • New parking fees at Balboa Park, intended to help close the deficit, are already affecting attendance. Since implementation, museum attendance has dropped 34% as of April 21, with some institutions reporting steeper declines. Delayed rollout, reduced fees, and declining attendance are contributing to projected revenue losses and raising concerns about broader budget impacts.
• Regional transit agencies approve fare increases
  Regional transit agencies approved fare increases April 16 to address budget shortfalls and avoid service cuts. The plan would raise one-way fares and monthly passes by about 30%, the first increase in years. Final approval rests with SANDAG’s Transportation Committee, with a vote expected June 12.

The Courts

• Hate group investigators charged 
  The Justice Department charged the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit organization best known for investigating hate groups, on April 21 with financial crimes related to donor funds. Prosecutors allege the organization defrauded donors by paying informants affiliated with extremist groups.
  • The organization said its informant program has shared information with federal law enforcement and helped prevent violence. CEO Bryant Fair said in a statement: “The actions by the DOJ will not shake our resolve to fight for justice and ensure the promise of the Civil Rights Movement becomes a reality for all.”
• High School District faces discrimination lawsuits
  The Grossmont Union High School District is facing lawsuits alleging discrimination and an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda as of April 14. The suits claim district leaders banned LGBTQ+ content and retaliated against staff, particularly library personnel. The district cut most librarian positions in February 2025, and an investigation into trustee actions found private messages referencing efforts to eliminate a DEI and “woke” agenda.

Local

• A charter overhaul is coming to the November ballot
  San Diego voters will consider a county charter overhaul after an April 21 vote to place the measure on the November ballot. The proposal would restructure county government by creating new budget and auditor offices, establishing an ethics commission, and extending term limits for supervisors.
• Tax on nonprimary homes set to go before voters
  Measure A, which would tax nonprimary homes in San Diego left unoccupied for most of the year, is set to go before voters in June.
• Imperial data project decision could center on the irrigation district 
  The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) could determine the future of a proposed data center project. While the agency has not taken a public position, the developer lacks contracts for water and energy — both required for the project to proceed. Those agreements would need approval from the district. Three of the five director seats at the IID are up for reelection this year, and both supporters and opponents are backing candidates they believe will influence the project’s outcome.
  • Community opposition to the project is intensifying, including a recall effort against Imperial County Supervisor Peggy Price following her vote to approve a related land-use action. Organizers cite concerns that community input is being disregarded, while Price maintains the decision followed legal requirements and reflects mixed public feedback. 

Redistricting

• Balance of power could be shifting 
  A Democratic victory in Virginia redistricting could shift the balance of power. Voters approved a new map April 21 that could flip up to four Republican-held seats, raising concerns among GOP lawmakers about potential national implications of midcycle redistricting.
  • With seven states currently redrawing districts, the projected net impact in the House would be a gain of one Democratic seat.

Other

• New proposed data privacy framework 
  Republican lawmakers released a national data privacy framework on April 22 that would override state laws. The proposed SECURE Data Act and GUARD Financial Data Act would require companies to limit the amount of data they collect and allow individuals to access their personal data.
• Healthcare access for rural communities extended
  The House passed a bill to extend a key program expanding health care access in rural communities, reauthorizing support for preventive care, telehealth, and chronic disease management, including services in San Diego.
• Mandatory flu vaccinations eliminated for some
  The Pentagon ended mandatory flu vaccinations for service members April 21, making the annual vaccine voluntary for active-duty and reserve personnel.

Actions & Resources

• Meet the candidates for governor
  CalNonprofits is launching a webinar series to introduce California gubernatorial candidates. All candidates polling above 5% and qualified for the ballot were invited to participate in this nonpartisan series. A recap of the gubernatorial debate is also available.
• Understand the current state of healthcare in CA
  In California, 60% of children lack access to comprehensive care, and one-fifth of residents do not have a trusted source for medical care. A new report from the Primary Care Collaborative outlines the state of health care and potential improvements.
• Help shape San Diego’s budget
  Explore opportunities to help shape San Diego’s budget and share your priorities with the city.
• Don’t miss it! Register for Catalyst’s 50th celebration
  Please join us on Wednesday, May 6, to raise a glass, share a story, and celebrate five decades of doing the work together. (Get $50 off if you buy a group of four or more!)
• Hear from a coalition of local immigrant organizations
  On Thursday, May 7, join us to learn about a countywide plan to support and protect communities. Email Megan for more information. The event will be held in person and virtually. 

Talk to you soon,

Megan Thomas
President & CEO
Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties