California Budget - CalMatters

A guard tower at the California Health Care Facility prison in Stockton on March 2, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Some of California best-paid employees will get bonuses of $40,000 or more in new contract

by Kristen Hwang September 6, 2023September 6, 2023

California prisons are badly understaffed when it comes to doctors and psychiatrists. A new contract attempts to boost retention with substantial bonuses.

Calling for an end to severe understaffing and poverty wages for state workers represented by SEIU Local 1000, marchers rally in State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden in Sacramento on June 8, 2023.

The high price of California state worker contracts

by Lynn La August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

Guards and inmates in the yard at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

As California closes prisons, correctional officers land a $1 billion contract with raises and more

by Byrhonda Lyons August 29, 2023August 30, 2023

Families carry boxes full of fresh produce during a food bank event at El Verano elementary on Nov. 1, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

How hungry is California? Millions struggle to eat well in an abundant state

by Rya Jetha, Jeanne Kuang and Jeremia Kimelman August 8, 2023August 7, 2023

Illustration by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters; iStock

Why California cities use your tax dollars to lobby the Legislature

by Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman August 3, 2023August 3, 2023

The state Capitol in Sacramento on July 6, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

Should California use bond money to cover its budget deficits?

by Dan Walters July 31, 2023July 27, 2023

The state Capitol on May 31, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Budget deficits could plague California for years. When will Capitol leaders take it seriously?

by Dan Walters July 25, 2023July 24, 2023

The State Capitol on Jan. 3, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Slow roll to finish California budget

by Lynn La July 5, 2023July 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, CalMatters

California’s winners and losers in bids for more state budget aid

by Dan Walters July 3, 2023June 29, 2023

Tiny homes used as residences at Community First! Village in Austin, Texas on May 12, 2023. Photo by Jordan Vonderhaar for CalMatters.

Can California find solutions to homelessness in Texas?

by Lynn La June 28, 2023June 28, 2023