October 23, 2025—Politico California Reporter Eric He covered Public Advocates’ lawsuit against the state of California, alleging its process for funding school construction projects discriminates against poor communities. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, seeks to halt $4 billion in funding approved by voters until lawmakers reform how money is allocated for school modernization.

Lead plaintiff Miliani Rodriguez, a student at Coachella Valley High School, described classes in trailers with leaking ceilings and broken windows. When she visited a neighboring wealthier district’s school, she said, “It just seemed like it was a college campus compared to mine.”

The complaint argues that wealthiest districts receive eight times more funding than the poorest districts.

“If that doesn’t happen, then we are prepared to go forward and seek some form of relief before another $4 billion goes out in a grossly inequitable way,” said John Affeldt, managing attorney at Public Advocates.

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