State GovernmentHome care workers could get more bargaining power with proposed billFebruary 27, 2023 | Kate WolffeA growing population of people need in-home care in California. Many people doing that work earn low wages and have few labor protections. A proposed new law could allow in-home health care workers to bargain with the state for better pay and more ri
State GovernmentCalifornia tripled its spending on Sacramento’s homelessness crisis. Here’s where the money went.February 27, 2023 | Chris NicholsAffordable housing accounts for the largest increase in the region’s allocated funding for homelessness.
State GovernmentCalifornia dangles bonuses for nursing homes that add staffFebruary 26, 2023Rather than simply reward top-performing facilities, the state’s Medicaid program will hand bonuses to nursing homes — even low-rated ones — for hiring more workers and reducing staff turnover.
State GovernmentNewsom’s oil profit penalty plan could face tough slog in LegislatureFebruary 22, 2023 | Nicole NixonA proposal from Governor Gavin Newsom to impose a “price-gouging penalty” on oil companies received a skeptical reception from state lawmakers during its first hearing.
Health CareIs California breaking its promise to cut health care costs?February 21, 2023The state set up a fund to cut costs for those enrolled in Covered California, but that money has been diverted.
EnvironmentFloods, fires, droughts show California needs bigger safety net for farmworkers, advocates sayFebruary 17, 2023January’s rains flooded farm fields and orchards. Many California farmworkers lost weeks of pay. Advocates say the state should help them weather such crises. A leading proposal would pay $300 a week to undocumented workers.
State GovernmentLowriding was born in California but it's restricted. Lawmakers want to change thatFebruary 16, 2023State law bars some modified vehicles and lets cities enact cruising bans. Lowrider advocates and Californian legislators say it criminalizes cultural traditions.
Race and EquityCalifornia’s historic Reparations Task Force is finalizing its recommendations to the stateFebruary 16, 2023 | Sarah Mizes-TanSuggestions for how the state can atone for the legacy of slavery and its impact include targeted funding for schools and homeownership, among others.
State GovernmentWho draws the lines? A big push for independent local redistrictingFebruary 16, 2023Advocates and lawmakers are making a major push for independent redistricting commissions in local California elections.
Health CareIn California, Democrats propose $25 minimum wage for health workersFebruary 15, 2023State Sen. María Elena Durazo and Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West want to give health facility support staffers a raise. Hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis.
