From CalMatters politics reporter Alexei Koseff: For months, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have been projecting optimism in the face of a grim budget picture. At a press conference in January where he unveiled his plan to deal with a projected $22.5 billion deficit next year, Newsom assured Californians: “We are keeping our promises.” […]
Search results
Posted inWhatMatters
Inside lawmakers’ climate trips to Egypt, Japan
Get ready for another raft of ambitious climate bills when California lawmakers return to Sacramento next month. A few days after the Nov. 8 election, bipartisan groups of more than a dozen state legislators — including some who have hit term limits and won’t be returning to the Legislature — embarked on international trips with a […]
Posted inHousing
California lawmakers approved CARE Court. What comes next?
Now that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s court system for people with severe mental illness cleared the state Legislature, counties face a series of practical questions critical to turning the fuzzy concept into a reality.
Posted inHealth
CARE Court: Can California counties make it work?
While lawmakers are still gung-ho about Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court, county officials are worried they don’t have the resources to implement the idea.
Posted inCommentary
Big Tech’s right-to-repair programs need fixing
New electronic device repair reforms don’t go far enough. We need legislation that requires manufacturers to make parts, tools and service information available to everyone who needs to fix their own devices.
Posted inWhatMatters
Lawmakers double down on mental health reform
Elected officials are zeroing in on mental health reform, as well as gun control, as voters show increasing concern on crime and homelessness.
Posted inCommentary
Britney Spears conservatorship saga is only one facet of a complex issue
Californians must change the debate about conservatorship and focus on the people and their families who are waiting for real reform. People like my son, Danny, should be the face of that reform, not Britney Spears.
Posted inCommentary
In absence of federal action, California bill addresses military sexual harassment
Proposed state legislation would make it clear that sexual harassment is punishable within California’s military ranks. Until federal reform of the military justice system takes place, California should seize this opportunity to lead by taking action.
Posted inWhatMatters
Counties face choice about forcing more mentally ill Californians into treatment
Time is running out for California counties to decide whether they want to develop programs that would give families a legal tool to get severely mentally ill relatives into treatment. After years of resistance, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to implement Laura’s Law, becoming the 21st county to do so. The […]
Posted inCommentary
A reminder about supplies and demands
Californians should remember that having abundant goods and services requires raw materials and industrial processing.