“Mental illness. Substance abuse. Homelessness. These are all existential crises we have to address with urgency.” That was Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to a key legislative committee on Tuesday passing his controversial proposal to allow courts to compel people with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders into treatment — the state’s latest attempt to […]
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Posted inPolitics
Succession: How California lawmakers play the election game
In a year of unprecedented turnover in the California Legislature, several lawmakers are trying to bequeath their seats to relatives and staff members. Critics say they’re trying to game the system.
Posted inCalifornia Divide
California farmworkers march to ask Newsom to sign voting bill
Farmworkers and marchers in 13 California cities asked Gov. Newsom to sign a bill that would make voting easier in union elections.
Posted inWhatMatters
Kounalakis becomes first woman to sign a bill into California law
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis signed an eviction protection measure, becoming the first woman in California history to sign a bill into law.
Posted inWhatMatters
Inflation threatens California’s economic recovery
California’s economic recovery was better than expected, but gas prices are shooting up, threatening the state’s hard-fought gains.
Posted inCommentary
Don’t shut down efforts to close the justice gap
The state bar is considering whether to disband or suspend a task force exploring how to close the justice gap for many Californians.
Posted inPolitics
What’s behind the ‘Great Resignation’ of California lawmakers?
An unusually high number of influential state legislators are retiring or running for higher office. The reasons include a combination of new electoral districts, term limits and political ambition.
Posted inEconomy
Here’s what’s ahead for California businesses in 2022
Legislators may work on paid leave policies, employee data protections, farmworker elections, and more. There are ballot measure proposals that could impact businesses, and business groups will raise the issue of California’s unemployment insurance fund debt.
Posted inEconomy
Farmworkers may be able to vote at home in union elections
California lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would give farmworkers more ways to vote in union elections. Business groups have labeled it a job killer but United Farm Workers, which sponsored the bill, says it’s akin to the state’s new vote-by-mail system.
Posted inJustice
Can California fix long waits in jail? These bills may help
A CalMatters investigation found that at least 1,300 people have been locked in county jails for longer than three years awaiting a trial or sentencing. The findings are “surprising and embarrassing,” said State Sen. Tom Umberg, chair of the Judiciary Committee.