California Budget

Gov. Gavin Newsom delayed his mandate that most state employees return to the office four days a week in a deal with unions. Labor leaders say his claim of “operational necessity” now rings hollow.

One of the most powerful political blocs in California, the Latino Caucus had to balance reining in Medi-Cal's rising costs with helping undocumented immigrants. All but four overcame their misgivings and voted to freeze new enrollment and make other cuts to immigrant health insurance.

Operators of mental health support lines are laying off staff and ceasing or curtailing services due to California budget cuts and a 2024 ballot measure.

California’s excise tax on legal weed is increasing, despite efforts to keep it lower to help the struggling industry. Lawmakers left it out of the state budget they passed Monday.

Major changes to the California Environmental Quality Act include an exemption for high-tech industrial plants and other projects. The move, fast-tracked under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, sparked fierce pushback from environmental, community and labor groups.

California has a huge long-term debt to pay for the retirement health care benefits it promised to state workers. But today, Gov. Newsom wants immediate budget savings and public employees want money in their pockets.

A state budget is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature, but it won’t take effect unless the Legislature makes changes to housing and infrastructure development rules that he has demanded.

California could lose votes in the electoral college and suffer economic setbacks if President Trump's immigration crackdown deters people from moving to the state.

State lawmakers and the governor have adopted a hide-the-pea approach to budgeting, relying on reserves, loans and payment delays to conceal a $21 billion deficit.

Lawmakers are weighing a provision that would allow developers to pay a lower wage for some construction projects, theoretically stimulating housing production in California. Unions and environmental groups are opposed.