Economy

Technology

California plans to use AI to answer your tax questions

A state tax agency wants to use generative AI to give business owners tax advice. The state of California calls it an opportunity. Risk assessments are forthcoming.

By

Khari Johnson

• February 8, 2024

Economy

New California ruling targets pension ‘spiking’ as retirees appeal for relief

Some California retirees are losing income as their pension funds make adjustments to comply with a 2013 law that attempted to curtail "spiking."

By

Adam Ashton

• January 26, 2024

Bill King stands outside his home in Arrowbear Lake on Jan. 15, 2024. Photo by Julie A. Hotz for CalMatters

Economy

350,000 Californians are now on the FAIR Plan, the last resort for fire insurance. Now what?

As the FAIR Plan writes more fire-insurance policies, homeowners complain about poor service, rising costs and threats of getting kicked off.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 23, 2024

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Economy

Tech is growing as a source of California tax revenue — that’s the good news and the bad news

Top tech companies’ stocks helped boost state revenue last year, making the health of the tech industry more important to California than ever.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 11, 2024

A person walks by a local shop in downtown San Francisco on July 13, 2022. Photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

Economy

California new laws for 2024: Consumer protection beefed up

A new law, sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, will create a fund designed to fully compensate victims of false advertising or unfair competition.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• December 28, 2023

Cannabis products on display at A Therapeutic Alternative in Sacramento on July 19, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Economy

California new laws for 2024: Employees get protection for using cannabis

Under two new laws, employers in California can’t ask workers about their use of cannabis outside the workplace and can’t use hair or urine tests. Employees in construction are excluded, as are applicants for federal jobs with background checks.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• December 27, 2023

Economy

California new laws for 2024: Workers get more paid sick days

Under a new law, employees in California are guaranteed five paid sick days a year, two days more than previously. Worker advocacy groups say the benefit is needed, but business groups warn of additional costs.

By

Sameea Kamal

• December 27, 2023

Economy

California threatens penalties over insurers’ stalling tactics against car insurance buyers

Drivers’ complaints about difficulty getting insurance coverage prompt state to reiterate laws, signal possible enforcement actions.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• December 22, 2023

Fast food workers rally at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 31, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Economy

New California laws raise the minimum wage for 2 industries. Others could see pay hikes, too

California fast-food workers will earn a $20 minimum wage in April. Other employers might have to raise their pay floor to recruit and retain staff.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

and

Shreya Agrawal

• December 21, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year during a press briefing at the California Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Economy

Year in review: California descends into budget deficit

After record budget surpluses during the pandemic, the California budget deficit could mean painful spending cuts going forward. The projection for 2024-25 has risen to $68 billion in the red.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• December 18, 2023