California Budget

State legislators go back to work this week with a focus on homelessness, wildfire, how to spend yet another fat budget surplus, and a Capitol baby boom.

Good morning, California. “President Trump talks a lot about America’s economic growth under his presidency, but when you look behind the numbers, you see that it’s California’s growth that has provided the economic rocket fuel for the nation.”—Gov. Gavin Newsom, on a projection that California will have a budget surplus of at least $7 billion […]

California lawmakers have wrapped their first year with Newsom in office. Here's what's been done...and what hasn't...on housing.

State budget provides learning curve for Newsom. Earned Income Tax Credit more than doubles. Canada, California join in climate fight.

State budget negotiations began as a love fest, but that didn't last long. How did rookie Gov. Gavin Newsom's experience compare with Jerry Brown's?

California lawmakers have approved more than $2 billion in new state spending on housing and homelessness. But while lawmakers and the governor have agreed to cut big checks, they're still fighting over who will actually receive the money—and with what strings attached.

Dani Carrillo, UC San Francisco: Undocumented workers comprise 9% of California labor force and contribute $3 billion in state and local taxes each year. They do some of the most arduous work, including landscaping, construction, restaurant work, and taking care of children and seniors. But if their health is compromised, they have few places to go.

Mark Herbert, California director for Small Business Majority, Concord Although California leads the nation in expanding healthcare coverage, too many middle income entrepreneurs and small business employees are struggling to afford health insurance. Something is being done about this problem, but it isn’t quite enough just yet. As part of the next state budget, California […]

Combat climate change, or clean up the water? Legislators chose to dip into a greenhouse gas fund to fight California’s drinking water problem. The move alarmed environmentalists and legislators on both sides of the aisle — but it could soon become the norm.

Lawmakers pass $215 billion budget, but more work remains. Budget includes Placerville pork. Progressives suffer some setbacks.