2023

Economy

California missed chances to stop EBT theft. It’s lost tens of millions of taxpayer dollars since

Amid pandemic, California pushed off a plan to prevent EBT theft. Now $10 million a month is stolen from the poor, at taxpayer expense.

By Jeanne Kuang • November 8, 2023

Housing

‘Prompt action’ on fire insurance has yet to help California homeowners

While state regulators craft new regulations and consult with the insurance industry, many Californians are paying extra-high premiums — or going without insurance entirely.

By Levi Sumagaysay • November 8, 2023

Commentary

My son’s decision to retake algebra made me rethink California’s new approach to math

California students are among the nation's lowest performers in math, prompting a controversial new framework adopted earlier this year. CalMatters contributor Julie Lynem reflected on her son's algebra experience and how it shaped her views on the new guidelines.

By Julie Lynem • November 8, 2023

Commentary

Will Gavin Newsom wind up as one of California’s unpopular ex-governors?

Some California governors leave office on a high note and some in clouds of disdain. New polling suggests Gavin Newsom may become one of the latter.

By Dan Walters • November 8, 2023

CalMatters en Español

El costo duradero de los despidos por COVID en California

Read this story in English. Pierde tu trabajo, solicita el desempleo, recibe unos cientos de dólares a la semana del estado para pagar lo esencial mientras encuentras un nuevo trabajo. Suena simple, en teoría. Pero eso está lejos de la realidad que experimentaron muchos trabajadores cuando la red de seguridad laboral del estado se desmoronó […]

By Lauren Hepler • November 7, 2023

CalMatters en Español

Un análisis de la apuesta de miles de millones de dólares que California invertirá para reformar el sistema del desempleo

Read this story in English. Cinco años, unos 1,200 millones de dólares. Y un nuevo modelo de contratación gubernamental en el estado del país que es sede del Silicon Valley pero que enfrenta problemas tecnológicos. Eso es lo que los funcionarios de California dicen que se necesitará para reformar una red de seguridad laboral que […]

By Lauren Hepler • November 7, 2023

CalMatters en Español

El dinero del desempleo que llegó demasiado tarde

Read this story in English. 20 de abril de 2020: Nueve llamadas telefónicas realizadas. La semana siguiente, otras seis llamadas desde el teléfono celular de Shane Balogh, de 28 años, a las congestionadas líneas telefónicas del desempleo de California. Dos más en mayo. Quince a principios de junio. Patti Balogh está más atormentada por las […]

By Lauren Hepler • November 7, 2023

Economy

The lasting toll of California’s COVID layoffs

From lost homes to mounting debt, workers from across the state share how they were impacted by payment delays, fraud panic and mass confusion about unemployment benefits.

By Lauren Hepler • November 7, 2023

College Beat

California wants every high school senior to apply for student financial aid. Will a federal delay slow efforts?

A new California law required all high school seniors to complete a financial aid application last year, leading to a record number. Now, everyone’s waiting for the federal government to overhaul the online FAFSA application, which won’t be ready until December.

By Haydee Barahona and Li Khan • November 7, 2023

Commentary

California’s unemployment insurance system is so poorly funded it pays 2004 wages

There are plenty of examples California can emulate to fix its unemployment insurance system. The governor and Legislature just need to summon the courage to do it.

By Thomas Rankin • November 7, 2023