California Budget

Commentary

Economic reality bites as Newsom faces a big California budget problem

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that the state's economy is "booming" in a recent debate. A new report shows that it is actually slowing, and that the governor faces a huge budget problem as income tax revenues lag behind.

By Dan Walters • December 5, 2023

Health

Minimum wage hike for California health workers will cost billions. Workers say they need it

More than half a million California health care workers are expected to see a pay increase in January thanks to a law raising the minimum wage for their industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law without a clear estimate about how much it would cost the state.

By Shreya Agrawal • November 13, 2023

Commentary

California’s budget whiplash showed the pitfalls of forecasting revenue

California Gov. Gavin Newsom boasted of a $97.5 billion budget surplus in 2022, but a year later, it morphed into a $31-plus billion deficit. What happened?

By Dan Walters • October 25, 2023

Commentary

California’s economic outlook worsens as Newsom travels overseas

When Gov. Gavin Newsom returns from his overseas travel, he will find a state whose economy seems to be slowing.

By Dan Walters • October 24, 2023

Commentary

Economic uncertainty prompts more Newsom vetoes as California tax deadline nears

While many wait to see how Gov. Gavin Newsom handles hundreds of bills on his desk, others await the looming deadline for tax returns to see whether the state will face another multibillion-dollar deficit.

By Dan Walters • October 10, 2023

Health

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

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

By Kristen Hwang • September 6, 2023

WhatMatters

The high price of California state worker contracts

Despite warnings from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office and concerns from some labor-friendly Democrats, the Senate budget committee on Wednesday approved two bills to fund new contracts for three-fourths of the state’s rank-and-file workers.   The misgivings? Extra goodies in the tentative deal for prison guards, the lack of time to review the contracts negotiated by […]

By Lynn La • August 31, 2023

Justice

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom has closed two state prisons and he has plans to shut two more by 2025. A new contract for correctional officers offers new perks to the guards who stay.

By Byrhonda Lyons • August 29, 2023

Explainers

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

How bad is California hunger? A lot depends on your access to food aid, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic but is being reduced.

By Rya Jetha, Jeanne Kuang and Jeremia Kimelman • August 8, 2023

Politics

Why California cities use your tax dollars to lobby the Legislature

Local governments account for about 10% of total spending on lobbying state lawmakers and agencies. Often, they’re seeking state money. Sometimes, they’re trying to get a say on specific bills.

By Sameea Kamal and Jeremia Kimelman • August 3, 2023