California Budget

Protesters call for an end to the Israeli-Gaza conflict and interrupt the first day of session in the Assembly's chamber on Jan. 3, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

Politics

California Legislature starts 2024 session with big budget deficit and big protest

State lawmakers reconvene with a lot of problems to fix, but not a lot of money to spend on solutions with a projected $68 billion budget deficit. The first day is cut short by a protest over the Gaza war.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Sameea Kamal

• January 3, 2024

Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner, speaks during a press conference with Los Angeles labor leaders and advocates in Commerce on Sept. 26, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Commentary

How will California respond to the home insurance market meltdown?

California politicians face two pressing crises this year: a massive state budget deficit and the decline of the homeowner insurance market.

By

Dan Walters

• January 3, 2024

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

Commentary

It’s a new year, but California will continue to struggle with existential issues in 2024

As California enters a new year, its most striking public policy issues remain unresolved, and an immense budget deficit will make dealing with them more difficult.

By

Dan Walters

• January 2, 2024

Two people wearing face masks sit across from each other at a desk in an office. One person, holding a highlighter, appears to be explaining something, while the other listens. Papers with highlighted text lie on the desk between them, and a computer monitor, desk organizer, and cardboard box are visible in the background.

Health

California expands health insurance to all eligible undocumented adults

Undocumented Californians are leaving health care clinics with “smiles” after they learn they’re newly eligible for Medi-Cal insurance. The health insurance expansion was decades in the making for immigrant advocates.

By

Kristen Hwang

• December 28, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils his budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year during a press briefing at the California Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Economy

Year in review: California descends into budget deficit

After record budget surpluses during the pandemic, the California budget deficit could mean painful spending cuts going forward. The projection for 2024-25 has risen to $68 billion in the red.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• December 18, 2023

The offices of the Employment Development Department in Sacramento on Jan. 10, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Economy

Year in review: Danger signs for California’s economy

There are warning signs for the California economy: Unemployment is inching up, tech layoffs continue and IPOs are waning. Experts expect a downturn, but it's still possible the state will avoid a recession.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• December 18, 2023

Volunteers Terry Scovil (center), and Shendi Klopfer load the car of a community member with food from the Trinity County Food Bank at the Trinity County Fairgrounds on Feb. 8, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

California Divide

California’s food insecurity rises as pandemic aid ends

The California food banks association warns of rising food insecurity, but its pleas for more state aid face a tough slog next year due to the projected budget deficit.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• December 13, 2023

Commentary

Progressives frustrated by failure to enact their agenda in deep blue California

Although Democrats dominate California's politics, left-leaning organizations feel frustrated in their efforts to remake the state.

By

Dan Walters

• December 13, 2023

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

Commentary

Politicians refused to fix California’s boom-and-bust tax system. They now face a $68 billion deficit

California politicians have steadfastly refused to deal with the volatile revenues that plague the state budget. They now face a whopping $68 billion deficit.

By

Dan Walters

• December 11, 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

Politics

California budget rollercoaster: Analyst predicts $68 billion deficit

California's Legislative Analyst's Office projects a 2024-25 budget deficit twice as large as 2023-24. It says the state could dip into reserves and cut some one-time spending.

By

Alexei Koseff

• December 7, 2023