State GovernmentContraception Coverage Still Required in California Despite SCOTUS RulingJune 30, 2014 | Ben AdlerThe U.S. Supreme Court’s “Hobby Lobby” decision will only have a limited effect in California because it does not affect a 15-year-old California law that requires health insurance plans to include birth control. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornia State Employees Receive Pay Raises Starting July 1June 30, 2014 | Max PringleCalifornia state employees will be getting the first pay raise many of them have had in years starting Tuesday. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornia's Paid Family Leave Program Expansion Starts July 1June 27, 2014 | Max PringleA law that extends California’s paid family leave benefit to people caring for grandchildren, grandparents, siblings and in-laws will go into effect July 1. The original law took effect on the same day 10 years ago. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCapitol Roundup: New Sentencing Ballot Measure, State Help For Food IndustryJune 26, 2014 | Ben AdlerCalifornia voters will decide this fall whether some low-level drug and theft offenses should be tried as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Meanwhile, the Legislature and Board of Equalization are pushing policies to help the food industry. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentBill Would Help Some California College Grads Refinance Loan DebtJune 25, 2014 | Ben AdlerA bill moving through the California legislature could help some college graduates get help from the state in refinancing their student loans. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentDrought Gives Cities Reason To Reuse Sewage WaterJune 25, 2014 | Pauline BartoloneThe drought -- with an assist from state money -- is driving new proposals for reuse of sewage water. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentDistricts Cite Financial Concerns As Brown Signs CalSTRS Budget BillJune 24, 2014 | Ben AdlerSchool districts, teachers and state taxpayers will each chip in more money to stabilize the California State Teachers Retirement System under a measure signed Tuesday by Governor Jerry Brown. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentBrown Opposes Existing Water Bond, Wants $6 Billion ReplacementJune 24, 2014 | Ben AdlerCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown is telling legislative leaders that he opposes the existing $11 billion water bond currently slated for the November ballot and wants a $6 billion bond measure instead. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentSenate Rejects Alternate Water Bond; Brown To Weigh In?June 23, 2014 | Ben AdlerA test vote on an alternate California water bond failed Monday in the state Senate as talks enter a crucial phase. One lawmaker suggested Gov. Jerry Brown will put his own "guiding principles" forward in the coming days. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentCalifornia Legislature Considers Bill Allowing Gun Restraining OrdersJune 23, 2014 | Max PringlePeople fearing that a mentally unstable person may be about to commit a violent act could file a restraining order to have their firearms confiscated under a bill now in the California legislature. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
