Judy Lin

Capitol

Newsom wants extra pension payments as retirement liability tops $256B

The governor proposes extra payments and offers to help school districts meet their pension obligations as retirement liabilities top $256 billion.

By Judy Lin • January 10, 2019

Capitol

Gavin Newsom wants more bathrooms for kindergartners

Before Gavin Newsom can expand preschool, California will first have to get to full-day kindergarten by building classrooms with those little toilets attached.

By Judy Lin • January 9, 2019

Economy

LeBron James’ move to Lakers could cost him $20 million in taxes

Over the course of his four-year $153.3 million contract, LeBron James could pay more than $20 million in California income taxes. That’s about $1 for everyone in the state workforce.

By Judy Lin • December 28, 2018

Economy

Go local on housing, forget the surplus: Advice for the new governor from economists

The uncertainty of a U.S. trade dispute with China, which could trigger a recession, to a lack of affordable housing are among some of the chief concerns of economists as Gavin Newsom takes the helm in California.

By Judy Lin • December 12, 2018

Economy

Jerry Brown’s last stand on pension reform

The California Supreme Court is weighing a key legal precedent that could restore the generous pension formulas Jerry Brown worked so hard to tighten.

By Judy Lin • December 5, 2018

Environment

What happens if PG&E goes bankrupt?

What could happen if PG&E, which provides natural gas and electricity to 16 million people in northern and central California, goes bankrupt in the aftermath of the deadliest blaze in state history.

By Judy Lin • November 29, 2018

Environment

Jerry Brown signed $1 billion in wildfire prevention—and none of it applies to the fires this year

The $1 billion wildfire prevention bill passed in the last legislative session was supposed to "prevent catastrophic wildfires and protect Californians." Months later, the state faces another epic disaster. Why?

By Judy Lin and Laurel Rosenhall • November 14, 2018

Justice

Betty Yee to cannabis industry: Grow up and deal with stoned drivers

California Controller Betty Yee, injured in a car crash suspected to have been caused by a driver under the influence of marijuana, says the state’s nascent cannabis industry needs to stop "grousing" about state regulations and “step up” to address pot-related traffic accidents.

By Judy Lin • August 21, 2018

Explainers

The open secret about California taxes

California’s tax system, which relies heavily on the wealthy for state income, is prone to boom-and-bust cycles. Here's what you need to know.

By Judy Lin • May 8, 2018

Politics

Lt. Gov. candidates spar over who’s cleaner in messy world of campaign finance

It turned into a lightning-round contest over who was more politically pure as five of the 11 candidates for lieutenant governor faced off today before the Sacramento Press Club.

By Judy Lin • April 17, 2018