2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Black Caucus Vice Chair Assemblymember Isaac Bryan

December 9, 2025

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, representing Los Angeles' 55th District and serving as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, reflects on his 2025 legislative achievements focused on equity and justice reform. His most significant accomplishments include raising wages for incarcerated firefighters from $1 to federal minimum wage and helping pass Proposition 50 to protect Black political representation against federal interference. Despite these victories, Bryan experienced frustration when Governor Newsom vetoed five CLBC priorities, including legislation that would have created university admission preferences for descendants of enslaved people.

Who is affected

Incarcerated firefighters in California
Black communities in Los Angeles and throughout California
Descendants of American chattel slavery
Seniors receiving Social Security benefits
People experiencing homelessness or financial insecurity
Incarcerated people working in county facilities
Black voters and Black men specifically
Californians relying on social safety nets

What action is being taken

No ongoing actions are explicitly described in the article. The actions discussed (passing AB 247, AB 246, AB 248, AB 1299, and Proposition 50) are described as completed in 2025.

Why it matters

This matters because it addresses systemic inequities affecting California's most vulnerable populations, particularly Black communities. The wage increase for incarcerated firefighters corrects a century-old injustice where people risking their lives earned only $1 per hour. The legislative efforts protect critical social safety nets and housing security for those facing economic hardship. Additionally, the strong support for Proposition 50 demonstrates Black voters' commitment to preserving democratic representation against federal encroachment, which Bryan identifies as authoritarian threats to state autonomy and community protection.

What's next

Bryan's stated goal for 2026 is to ensure the state budget reflects California's values and protects vulnerable populations, preventing the deficit from being balanced on the backs of struggling residents while maintaining state independence from federal government dictates.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint