Economy

Hospitality workers apply for unemployment benefits at the Hospitality Training Academy in Los Angeles on March 13, 2020. Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP Photo

Economy

California unemployment checks: New report says here’s why they’re so hard to get

The state agency that handles unemployment benefits pursued lowering costs and hindering fraud over making it easy for workers to access benefits, a new report found.

By

Grace Gedye

• August 8, 2022

Fast-food workers protest for a $15 dollar hourly minimum wage outside a McDonald's restaurant in East Los Angeles on March 12, 2021. Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Economy

Want to vote on raising California’s minimum wage? Judge says not until 2024

A judge rules that a proposition to raise the California minimum wage to $18 an hour can't go before voters until 2024. The same judge gave backers of recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom more time to qualify, but in this case he backed the Secretary of State, who said proponents missed a key deadline to qualify in time for this November.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• July 22, 2022

A closed sign on the window of a beach sports store during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Encinitas on April 9, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Economy

Small business grants overshadow loan program in COVID-19 response

A state-run small business grant program caused a state-run small business loan program, launched around the same time, to fall short of expectations, a recent report shows.

By

Grace Gedye

• July 21, 2022

Food bank volunteer Betty Kimmel wears a protective mask as she hands out oranges to seniors in Martinez on March 19, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Economy

Some seniors and disabled people will miss out on new California state payments

Californians who don’t file taxes — because they don’t earn enough to owe any — won’t receive the new round of state payments. That includes some seniors and disabled people, as well as some of the lowest-income adults.

By

Grace Gedye

• July 11, 2022

A rendering of the proposed California High-Speed Rail. Courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Economy

Will a new oversight position help California’s high speed rail plans get on track?

Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature agreed to create an inspector general job for high-speed rail as part of a compromise that they hope will get the project moving and end with an actual train.

By

Ralph Vartabedian

• July 6, 2022

Supporters for equity cannabis tax reform gather at a rally at the State Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Politics

California cuts cannabis taxes to heal ailing industry

Gov. Newsom and the Legislature cut a California cannabis tax, but not everyone is convinced it's enough to stabilize the legal market. Social equity operators say the changes don't do nearly enough to help them.

By

Alexei Koseff

• July 5, 2022

Luna Walker bags chocolate croissants for patrons at Nabolom Bakery in Berkeley on Jan. 19, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

California Divide

California workers found better paying jobs, but experts warn recession puts them at risk

Experts say the “great reshuffling” of jobs during the pandemic is changing California’s economy and workforce. Here are some takeaways.

By

Levi Kalish

• June 30, 2022

Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the media during a press conference where he unveiled his budget proposal for 2022-23 in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

California budget approved: What to know about record spending plan

Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders agree to a record California budget that includes another round of tax rebates. Here are other highlights of the agreement, including spending for abortion access, public schools and small businesses.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 27, 2022

The cost of gas at an ARCO gas station in Oakland on May 25, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

After weeks of talks, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders announce a tax relief plan that includes refunds of as much as $1,050. It is part of a $300 billion budget deal announced Sunday night.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 24, 2022

The Breeders' Cup Classic race at the Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar on Nov. 6, 2021. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Economy

What happens if Californians pass two sports betting initiatives?

There’s a good chance that two initiatives to legalize sports betting will appear on the November ballot. If both pass, they might both go into effect or the result could be decided in court, depending on which one gets more yes votes.

By

Grace Gedye

• June 23, 2022