California Budget

Commentary

California progressives forced to play defense as state faces huge budget deficits

Progressive groups in California seemed to be making headway on their agendas in recent years. But now, with the state facing huge budget deficits, those gains are in jeopardy.

By Dan Walters • April 3, 2024

Health

Foster kids miss out on sports and music. A new California plan aims to help them catch up

A new proposal from the Newsom administration would steer more money to foster children with the greatest needs while also setting aside funds for them to pursue their passions.

By Ana B. Ibarra • April 2, 2024

Commentary

California’s income-based utility charge saga began with misuse of the state budget process

For the past year, debate has raged over plans to impose new fixed charges on electric utility customers based on their incomes. The issue began with a 2022 budget "trailer bill," a process governors and legislators misuse to enact major policy changes without fully debating them.

By Dan Walters • April 2, 2024

California Divide

California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families

The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.

By Justo Robles • March 29, 2024

Commentary

When Newsom gives his State of the State, he should be candid about California’s economy

While much of the nation is enjoying a vigorous economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, California is falling behind with scant job growth.

By Dan Walters • March 28, 2024

Commentary

Newsom, legislators opt for gimmicks and wishful thinking to close California’s budget deficit

California faces a multibillion-dollar budget deficit that could last for years. Rather than treat it as a serious fiscal crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are using gimmicks to close the gap.

By Dan Walters • March 26, 2024

Commentary

Many Californians rely on this farmers market program. Newsom wants to cut it

A popular program that doubles CalFresh benefits at farmers markets is on the chopping block as California leaders try to close a yawning budget deficit. In a moment when so many Californians are food insecure, slashing the program would be devastating.

By Sarah Portnoy • March 15, 2024

California Divide

These gigs offer paths to higher wages for young Californians. Now they’re facing budget cuts

California seeded a program to place thousands of young people in apprenticeships. Just as it’s starting, a state budget deficit may delay funding.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • March 11, 2024

Commentary

Fewer students and higher absenteeism plague California’s public school financing

California's public schools depend on state aid for the lion's share of their operational income. Two trends – declining enrollment and high absenteeism – are creating financial headaches.

By Dan Walters • March 8, 2024

Mental Health

Gavin Newsom hits the road for Prop. 1 as support falls for his mental health measure

Gov. Gavin Newsom is visiting four cities to drum up support for Prop. 1, a $6.4 billion bond for mental health facilities. Opponents say the state can't afford the plan.

By Kristen Hwang and Nigel Duara • March 1, 2024