LOCAL, STATE, AND

NATIONAL STORIES

Your weekly deep dive into the stories shaping our communities—plus how you can make a difference. Presented by the Placer County Democratic Party.

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• We're now on Substack! Follow us @Placerdems
• Add your name to support the Election Rigging Response Act
• PROTEST: This Saturday, Corner of Galleria + Roseville Pkwy

Thank you, Cathy Rodgers, founder of

RiverCrest Ranch

The Placer County Democratic Party extends a huge thank you to Cathy Rodgers, founder of RiverCrest Ranch, for her generous wine donation for our Roosevelt Kennedy Dinner wine pull.

Cathy's contribution played a significant role in making the event a success, helping us raise crucial funds for our local candidates.

Cathy is a fantastic example of a community-minded entrepreneur. While she still manages her Oregon-based winery, which operates with a sustainable and biodynamic philosophy, she has quickly become a valuable part of the Placer County community.

Her repertoire of wines includes the RBG Rose, An Albright Pinot Noir and other thoughtfully named selections. In addition to her winery, Cathy is a co-founder of the non-profit Rooted in Hope and has just released her first book. We are proud to support local entrepreneurs like Cathy who fight for our shared values.

Stop Election Rigging

FAQ

Q: Why are Gov. Newsom and other leaders proposing a redistricting ballot measure?
A: To counter Republican-led gerrymandering efforts—especially in Texas—aimed at gaining House seats before 2026. Newsom’s plan allows California to adjust its maps if GOP states rig theirs.

Q: What’s the emergency?
 A: Donald Trump and Texas Republicans are making an unprecedented power grab to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election before voting even begins. Other Republican states are following suit.

Q: Why does California have a duty to act?
A: California has a duty to defend democracy.  We can’t unilaterally disarm or fight with both hands tied behind our backs. This is democracy’s best bet against partisan power grabs.

Q: What does the measure propose?
 A: The Election Rigging Response Act would:

• Level the playing field, ensuring the 2026 mid‑term elections are conducted on a level playing field without an unfair advantage for Republicans.
• Give voters the power to approve emergency congressional maps that only take effect if GOP states redraw theirs.
• Be fair and proportional—maps trigger ONLY if Republicans move forward with their power grab.
• Be temporary, with maps expiring in 2030, while reaffirming the California Citizens Redistricting Commission’s authority post‑2030 census. 

Q: Who supports the plan?
 Leading supporters include:

• Governor Gavin Newsom
• U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff
• House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
• Speaker Nancy Pelosi
• California Labor Federation, California Teachers Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, SEIU California

Q: What’s the timeline and process?

• Legislature introduced the legislation on Monday
• Ballot placement must be approved by August 22.
• If certified, voters decide on November 4 (special election).
• If passed, emergency maps apply for 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

Q: What’s at stake in 2026?

A: Democracy. Redistricting could be the difference between checking Trump’s power or handing him a blank check.

Q: What can I do?

• Spread the word
• Support the campaign
• Vote in the November 4 special election

Democrats in Sacramento introduce redistricting bills over Republican objections / capradio

Democratic state lawmakers formally introduced legislation on Monday to establish a new California congressional map and bypass the state’s independent redistricting rules.

NATIONAL NEWS

Kaiser Family Foundation New and Noteworthy Brief

Summary:  Affordable Care Act Marketplace Healthcare Plans nationally are seeking a Median 18% Premium Increase for 2026. Aside from the rising cost (inflation) and utilization of services, insurers cited the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits as a significant factor in their rate hikes for next year. The expiration of those tax credits will lead to an average increase of more than 75% in what healthcare consumers pay out-of-pocket.

Quiz: True or False - All but three Congressional Republicans voted for Federal HR1 (B/Budget Bill), and 50 Senators, with Veep Vance breaking the tie for eventual passage. The Republican Federal Budget HR1 included reductions in healthcare funding.  For details on the Federal Budget votes: Click PCDCC Comms Email

WEED WHACKER

This Week's Deep Dive

Fourth in a series of Safety Net Programs Reduced by Republicans
"I didn't vote for this..."

After a series of expansions over the past decade, Medi-Cal provides health insurance coverage for about one-third of California’s population. While the federal government supplies about 70% of program funding and the state determines aspects like the scope of benefits and payment rates, county governments are vital partners for administering the program and for organizing and delivering health services. But the resources available to counties for health programs, along with their responsibilities for providing and funding services, have also shifted over this time.

In several counties, more than half of residents are Medi-Cal enrollees. Medi-Cal provides health insurance for the majority of residents in Colusa, Tehama, and Lake Counties in the Far North, in several counties in the San Joaquin Valley, and in Imperial County at the southern border.

By PPIC - Independent , Objective, Nonpartisan Research

🔥Sat, Aug. 23 @ 10AM-12PM: Galleria Corner Protest, End the ICE Age

Sun, Aug. 24 @ 2PM-4PM: Common Grounds Community Meet-up. RSVP

📘Sun, Sept. 7 @ 10 AM: Playdate and Book Reading + Book Drive at Luken Park in Roseville. Must RSVP

Paid for by Placer County Democratic Central Committee
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee

P.O. BOX 423

Roseville, CA, 95678

[email protected]
FPPC # 1244471 FEC# C00433318

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