Author Archives: Jackie Botts

Jackie covers income inequity and economic survival for the The California Divide collaboration. She was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting in 2021 for a Reuters data-driven investigative series that examined “qualified immunity,” a legal doctrine that shields police who use excessive force. Jackie is a Report for America corps member.

jackie@calmatters.org

Immigrant Supporters Rally outside Immigration & Customs Enforcement Office San Francisco

As California strikes back, what does President Trump’s latest immigration crackdown mean for the state?

by Ben Christopher and Jackie Botts August 12, 2019August 16, 2019

Antoinette Martinez does her weekly grocery shopping at FoodMaxx, and worries that new proposed Trump administration cuts to food stamp eligibility will make it harder for her to stretch her food budget. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

California Divide

“We’re not going to be able to survive:” Why Californians could bear the brunt of Trump food stamp cuts

by Jackie Botts July 29, 2019February 27, 2020

A Bay Area woman fills out paperwork to show she is eligible for CalFresh, California's food stamp program.

California Divide

California’s struggle to get food stamps to the hungry

by Jackie Botts July 18, 2019February 27, 2020

Berenice Solis volunteers as a tax preparer to help low wage earners in Kern County claim tax credits. Photo by Susana Espinoza, via Berenice Solis.

California Divide

Newsom doubled down on a tax credit for the working poor. Why does he think it will work?

by Jackie Botts June 26, 2019June 23, 2020