State GovernmentHow fresh will CalFresh be? Food benefits on the table in state budget talksJune 20, 2023A popular program doubles CalFresh benefits to buy fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. It is among the California food benefit programs on the table in the budget negotiations between legislative leaders and Gov. Newsom.
Health CareWhy ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ will be California’s next abortion battlegroundJune 17, 2023California legislators have passed a slew of laws to protect abortion rights. But after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many fear attempting to regulate “crisis pregnancy centers” is legally risky.
State Government‘Down to our last dimes’: State workers say California paychecks no longer cover the billsJune 16, 2023State workers’ say their lower salaries than the private sector were offset by pensions, better benefits, job security. Is the tradeoff still worth it?
State GovernmentCalifornia lawmakers approve a budget ‘framework,’ meeting their deadline. But negotiations with Newsom continue.June 15, 2023 | Nicole NixonThe budget bill represents an agreement between lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly over filling a $32 billion deficit. But sticking points remain between Newsom and the Legislature.
State GovernmentNewsom’s infrastructure package a main sticking point in budget negotiations, Speaker saysJune 14, 2023 | Nicole Nixon“Generally, I think it’s best when things go through our legislative process,” Rendon said in an interview with CapRadio. Several lawmakers agree.
State GovernmentCalifornia’s COVID unemployment reckoning goes nationalJune 13, 2023As Congressional factions volley responsibility for pandemic breakdowns, Silicon Valley’s home state leads off a new book about “why government is failing in the digital age.”
Health CareHospitals and counties balk at proposed bill to pay health care workers $25/hrJune 12, 2023 | Kate WolffeA bill making its way through the California Legislature would raise wages for a distressed health care workforce. Rural hospitals and counties say they’re under enough financial strain as it is. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Race and EquityA small world: How caste discrimination came to CaliforniaJune 11, 2023A bill to ban caste discrimination in California brings a global conflict to the Legislature. While many South Asian groups support the measure, some say it could backfire.
State GovernmentCalifornia ranchers intentionally violated an emergency water order. Now lawmakers want to triple the finesJune 10, 2023The legislation would expand California’s authority to fine water scofflaws who keep pumping. Even if fines had reached $10,000 a day, “I’m not so sure we wouldn’t have done it again,” one rancher says.
State GovernmentThe new payday loans? California moves to regulate cash advance appsJune 9, 2023Consumer groups say some new “earned wage access” services are similar to payday loans, but they’ve been operating in a legal gray area. A California department has proposed rules that would be the first in the country to regulate the industry.
