Dan Walters

The state still hasn't fixed problems with its unemployment and workers compensation funds, both of which faltered during the COVID pandemic and haven't recovered.

State lawmakers and the governor have adopted a hide-the-pea approach to budgeting, relying on reserves, loans and payment delays to conceal a $21 billion deficit.

New laws, a future Supreme Court decision and consumer hesitance are some of the obstacles California must overcome if it's going to see a carbon neutral future.

California is still No. 1 in agriculture, generating $60 billion a year, but other industries have more clout. The state plans to double subsidies to films, which amount to half that.

The Legislature's and governor's budget proposals agree to spend $80 billion on schools. There've been few discussions about how to boost students' persistently low test scores.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislators negotiate a final version of the budget, their differences on transit financing will be a key issue.

President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant drive is a political gift to Newsom, a springboard for him to fill a vacuum and claim leadership of the opposition to Trump.

California is losing its war on homelessness because state and local governments are operating in political silos rather than combining their resources effectively.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fellow Democrats in the Legislature usually let him use the budget process to push his priority bills and minimize debate. Not this time.

The budget proposal that legislative leaders countered with this week would increase spending even more than the governor's revised plan, which was unveiled last month.