Economy

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

California Divide

California’s white households get bigger property tax breaks than Black, Latino homeowners under Prop 13, study says

While homeownership remains a challenge for people of color in California, those who do achieve it don’t equitably reap the benefits, a new report argues, because of the state's landmark law limiting property tax increases.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• June 22, 2022

The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Economy

Calls overwhelm disability benefits call centers

Calls to California’s Employment Development Department disability insurance call centers surged to 12 times their normal volume in late 2021 and early 2022 as the department dealt with fraud. Many went unanswered, leaving some Californians in the lurch for months.

By

Grace Gedye

• June 14, 2022

Ashley Raveche stands in her front yard thinking about the future of fire for her neighborhood in Mill Valley on Friday, May 20, 2022. Photo by Nina Riggio for CalMatters

Economy

California wants to force insurers to reward homeowners for fireproofing homes

New rules proposed by California’s Department of Insurance would require insurers to take homeowners’ efforts to reduce wildfire risk into account when setting premiums. But they would still allow non-renewals.

By

Grace Gedye

• May 26, 2022

Mayra Paniagua and her three children inside their home in Oxnard on May 14, 2022. “With the stimulus payments we were able to continue making the car payment and the other household bills,” Paniagua said. “That helped us a lot.” Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

California Divide

With inflation, California worries about progress on poverty

California lawmakers and activists are pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom to spend more to help the state’s poorest residents.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• May 16, 2022

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Economy

Are California companies about to get more transparent?

California legislators are advancing two bills that would require companies to report more data about pay and internal practices. Business groups oppose the bills and say the data could be taken out of context.

By

Grace Gedye

• May 9, 2022

Betting odds are displayed on a board in the sports book at a hotel casino in Las Vegas on May 14, 2018. Sports betting isn't legal in California, but there are efforts to legalize it. Photo by John Locher, AP Photo

Economy

California sports betting initiative backed by FanDuel, DraftKings would block small competitors

Of the different efforts to legalize sports betting in California, one would require over $100 million in fees — a move experts say limits competition in what is forecasted to be a multi-billion dollar industry.

By

Grace Gedye

• April 27, 2022

A woman and two children wear masks at a playground in Los Angeles on July 11, 2020. Photo by Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP Photo

California Divide

Advocates say California should send $2,000 per child to poorest families

Anti-poverty organizations are calling for the state to target some of its projected surplus to families making up to $30,000 a year.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 19, 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court, in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2022. Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA

Economy

A California labor law that lets workers sue on the state’s behalf faces its toughest test

A pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling could hollow out a California law that lets employees collectively sue their employers over workplace law violations. Thousands of workers have used the law to address workplace issues, sometimes winning large settlements and changing company policies. But critics say the law mostly benefits the private attorneys doing the suing.

By

Grace Gedye

• April 11, 2022