California Budget

Medical personnel working in the nurse’s station in the Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister on March 30, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

California delayed a minimum wage bump for health workers. Some are getting raises anyway

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that set health care workers on a path to a $25 minimum wage. Lawmakers then delayed it, but some hospitals are raising pay ahead of schedule.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• July 29, 2024

Nursing students Ashley Jensen, left, and Courtney Houtz practice injection procedures in the clinical skills lab at University of San Francisco in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2023. Photo by Amir Aziz for CalMatters

Economy

California’s ‘weak’ job market propped up by public money as private sector sheds jobs

Private-sector jobs in California have declined since their post-pandemic peak, while public-sector employment has shown gains, the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office says.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• July 9, 2024

Dentist Ann Chen, left, and dental assistant Phuong Truong, right, work on a student patient at the Shop 55 Wellness Center at Oakland High School in Oakland on May 10, 2024. Through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), Oakland High is able to offer a variety of medical services such as dental care to students. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters

Commentary

California faces a variety of workforce shortages. It can’t afford to cut training programs

Most job training initiatives in California are government-funded, but many are grappling with cuts as the state and local governments face budget deficits. A Latino immigrant who entered the dental industry after completing job training programs shares what's at stake.

By Edgar Alas • July 9, 2024

The Beginning sculpture at the Carol Tomlinson Keasey Quad at the University of California Merced campus on Nov. 4, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Health

A UC Merced medical program is slowly taking shape. Why California wants more doctors there

A doctor shortage in the San Joaquin Valley drives many residents far out of the region for health care. That's one reason California is developing a medical program at UC Merced.

By

Ana B. Ibarra

• July 8, 2024

A doctor treats a patient at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo on Jan. 27, 2022. Photo by Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

Health

California voters will decide who wins on health care tax: Gavin Newsom or doctors

The health care industry put a measure on the November ballot that would raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from spending it on general government services. Billions of dollars are on the line.

By

Kristen Hwang

• July 1, 2024

A homeless encampment on W Street and Alhambra Boulevard in Sacramento on April 11, 2023.

Commentary

Under Newsom’s governorship, homelessness crisis still haunts California

Homelessness has plagued Gavin Newsom's political career ever since he was mayor of San Francisco. Under his governorship, it has continued haunting him.

By

Dan Walters

• June 28, 2024

Prisoners from the McCain inmate crew from San Diego prepare to clear brush from a road in Calistoga on Oct. 11, 2017. Photo by Ben Margot, AP Photo

Politics

Californians will decide — in 2024 — whether to ban slavery. What will the measure do?

California's constitution allows forced labor as a form of criminal punishment. That would change if voters approve an anti-slavery amendment this fall.

By

Shaanth Nanguneri

• June 27, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom will deliver a pre-recorded State of the State address via YouTube on June 25, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Politics

Gavin Newsom warns that dark forces are threatening California

The governor posts a pre-recorded State of the State speech online and fulfills his duty by sending a text of his remarks to the Legislature. He emphasizes how California is standing up against threats to the state’s success: pluralism, innovation and diversity.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 25, 2024

Inmates pass a correctional officer as they leave an exercise yard at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville on June 20, 2018. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Justice

A nonprofit got jobs for disabled workers in California prisons. A union dispute could end them

Workers hired through a nonprofit could lose their jobs at a California state prison this fall. The State Personnel Board found their contract violated state outsourcing rules.

By

Shaanth Nanguneri

• June 25, 2024

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his 2024-25 January budget proposal at the Secretary of State Auditorium in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

California’s self-inflicted fiscal crisis produces a budget full of gimmicks and favors

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have struck a deal to close a budget deficit, but it was ultimately a self-inflicted crisis, and the budget remains unbalanced when the gimmicks and reserves are taken out.

By

Dan Walters

• June 25, 2024