May 26, 2020

Assemblymember Mike Gipson wears a face mask with the words California Safe, as he addresses the Assembly during a committee of the whole, a parliamentary process held for the first time in 25 years to question Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration’s plan to fill an estimated $54.3 budget deficit created by the effects of the coronavirus. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo/Pool

Capitol

Assembly to Newsom: Don’t count on feds to rescue California from deep budget cuts

At an historic Assembly meeting, lawmakers on both sides criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom for proposing billions in cuts to schools, health care and safety net programs.

By Laurel Rosenhall • May 26, 2020

Sen. Maria Elena Durazo,, left, and Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins smile on the senate floor on the first day of the 2020 legislative session

Housing

Podcast: The post-pandemic housing package

On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, CalMatters' Matt Levin and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon discuss what's in California's latest housing plans...and what isn't.

By Matt Levin • May 26, 2020

CalMatters en Español

La Asamblea a Newsom: No cuentes con que el gobierno federal rescatará a California de los profundos recortes presupuestarios

En una histórica reunión de la Asamblea, legisladores de ambos partidos criticaron al gobernador Gavin Newsom por proponer recortes de miles de millones de dólares a las escuelas, a la atención médica y a los programas de protección social.

By Laurel Rosenhall • May 26, 2020

WhatMatters

Labor vs. Uber, Lyft on Nov. ballot

Voters to decide fate of Uber, Lyft. Assembly to gather for historic budget hearing. Newsom clears places of worship for partial reopening.

By Emily Hoeven • May 26, 2020

Commentary

Californians trust public health officials to keep them safe; business leaders should too

Recent poll shows nearly 7 in 10 Californians have trust and confidence in how public health officials are responding to COVID-19.

By Guest Commentary • May 26, 2020

Democratic Assembly members Adam Gray, left, Jose Medina, center, and Autumn Burke attend a hearing of the the Assembly Accountability & Administrative Review Committee, looking into the state's purchase of protective equipment to battle the coronavirus, during an oversight hearing in Sacramento on May 11, 2020. Lawmakers were looking into the state's purchase of items like face masks and what changes should be made to the procurement process after several deals went bad. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

Coronavirus

Blind spot: Lobbying behind California coronavirus contracts can stay secret

Lobbyists are not required to disclose their work on government contracts, leaving the public in the dark about who’s influencing state spending on the pandemic.

By Laurel Rosenhall • May 26, 2020

Copies of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised 2020-2021 state budget are seen at a news conference in Sacramento on May 14, 2020. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo/Pool

Capitol

Revised budget puts older Californians, communities at risk

Cuts in the May revised budget will result in more hospitalizations and higher mortality risks for California’s older adults.

By Guest Commentary • May 26, 2020

Reader Reactions

Tools available to make water supply more reliable as well as protect environment

Farmers have spent hundreds of millions over the last decade on scientific research showing us better ways to protect fish.

By Guest Commentary • May 26, 2020