Economy

Before the coronavirus pandemic, California was already a place where millions of workers struggled to make ends meet each month. Now, shelter-in-place orders have effectively left many more workers without jobs, unable to pay rent, feed their families or pay their bills. In other words, California’s safety net just got a lot more crowded. Fortunately, […]

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many small businesses across the state to close their doors or drastically change their operations. As the crisis continues to batter the economy, CalMatters Capitol reporter Laurel Rosenhall will host a conversation with Isabel Guzman, the director of the office of Small Business Advocate at GO-Biz, and Dilawar Syed, chair […]

The demands of social distancing have revealed the digital divide to be a chasm. California is partnering with Google to close it. Here's what that means.

Income tax filers got a delay. Why not homeowners?

As millions of Americans lose jobs, shifts and other sources of income during the coronavirus health crisis, financial experts worry that people will be preyed upon by loan sharks who stand to profit. “We saw this during the foreclosure crisis, where people were in distress and scammers took advantage to promise to help people connect […]

As the number of people hospitalized in California with the coronavirus doubled in just four days, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday sent out an urgent call seeking help from the state’s 37,000 retired and part-time health care professionals.  Newsom issued an executive order that will temporarily allow retired doctors and nurses to return to work, […]

CalMatters reporters ask state leaders how Californians can file for unemployment, get paid sick leave and more during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 2 million undocumented workers, who do not quality for many state and federal benefits, are among the hardest hit Californians as the economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Congress is working to provide an emergency relief fund that could benefit U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents. However, undocumented workers are not included. Also, […]

The coronavirus is almost certain to cause the first pandemic-induced recession of the postwar era.

The pandemic collides with the state's homelessness and housing affordability woes.