California Budget

California spends tens of millions dollars every year paying prison employees to look for smoke and fire. Replacing fire alarms costs much more.

California state workers must report to the office four days a week under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other states allow more remote work.

One law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this week encourages education about heat illness in schools. Another going into effect this month asks schools to set rules during extreme heat events.

CalPERS' investment returns are important markers because they determine whether government agencies — and taxpayers — have to kick in extra money to cover losses at the pension fund. It eclipsed its target in 2025-26.

Since Gavin Newsom became governor, state support for California’s public universities has grown by 50%.

California police and fire unions are backing bills that would create new retirement benefits or raise pay. Lawmakers approved them overwhelmingly.

Newsom and legislative leaders announced a balanced budget has been enacted, but the truth is California will continue overspending until the chronic deficit is addressed.

The state budget cut $5.5 million for school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials.

The new state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed includes $55 million for the DMV to build a data-sharing system, a program meant to bring the state in compliance with the federal REAL ID law.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers reached a final budget deal last week that largely relies on AI revenue projections and new taxes to delay social service cuts and shrink future deficits.