Dan Walters

The Assembly floor at the state Capitol on June 1, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California politicians deciding state budget without knowing the full picture

As California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders work on a new state budget, they face a multibillion-dollar deficit, but don't really know how big it will become.

By

Dan Walters

• June 14, 2023

The state Capitol in Sacramento on Nov. 17, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Legislators will pass sham budget to protect their paychecks

The California Legislature will be playing charades this week, passing a budget bill to meet the June 15 constitutional deadline even though it's not the real budget. It will, however, protect lawmakers' paychecks.

By

Dan Walters

• June 13, 2023

The state Capitol in Sacramento on Feb. 21, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

California Senate takes rare stand against misuse of budget ‘trailer bills’

California governors and legislators routinely misuse so-called budget "trailer bills" to enact sweeping policy changes without the transparent processes that they deserve.

By

Dan Walters

• June 12, 2023

Commentary

California water rights at risk as three legislative proposals advance

The conflict over water rights has been brewing in California for decades. The Legislature is now involved as lawmakers weigh three bills to curb those rights, some dating back to the 19th century.

By

Dan Walters

• June 11, 2023

Volunteers Terry Scovil (center), and Shendi Klopfer load the car of a community member with food from the Trinity County Food Bank at the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Commentary

Despite California’s immense wealth, millions remain mired in poverty

California received another reminder this week that, despite its world-class economy, the state has millions of families mired in poverty.

By

Dan Walters

• June 7, 2023

A truck arrives to pick up a shipping container at the Port of Los Angeles, on Nov. 30, 2021. Photo by Damian Dovarganes, AP Photo

Commentary

New economic study puts it plainly: California’s competitive edge is declining

A new study analyzed California's economic competitiveness compared to other states and found that its edge is now narrowing.

By

Dan Walters

• June 6, 2023

Public comment at the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission during a meeting at city hall, on Oct. 20, 2021. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Commentary

The one big flaw in California’s local redistricting reforms

The state Assembly has passed legislation to require large cities, counties and school districts to use independent commissions to redraw districts for their governing boards, but the measure exempts five major counties.

By

Dan Walters

• June 5, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his revised budget proposal for 2023-24 during a press briefing at the state Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento on May 12, 2023. Photo by Rahul Lal for CalMatters

Commentary

Newsom’s expansive health care promises to Californians remain elusive

Five years ago, Gavin Newsom pledged support for a single-payer health care system but has since backed away. Even the universal coverage he now advocates for has become elusive goal.

By

Dan Walters

• June 4, 2023

A Sacramento Regional Transit light rail bus in Sacramento on Nov. 30, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Commentary

California transit systems’ pleas for aid haven’t moved the Capitol

California's public transit systems say they are facing a "fiscal cliff" and are pleading for state aid, but so far haven't gained much traction in the Capitol.

By

Dan Walters

• May 31, 2023

Commentary

How will California deal with budget deficits that seem here to stay?

California faces a large budget deficit for the forthcoming fiscal year and chronic shortfalls for years thereafter. How to deal with them is going to be a major problem for the state's politicians.

By

Dan Walters

• May 30, 2023