California Department Of Finance

Politics

Gov. Newsom and legislators have lots of money to spend, few strings attached

The federal coronavirus relief package gives a $26 billion windfall to California. Business groups, doctors and activists all want their share.

By Ben Christopher • March 24, 2021

WhatMatters

CA GOP smooths party fractures ahead of recall

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, February 22. Trump key sticking point The California Republican Party is attempting to balance on a political tightrope by keeping its eyes on the prize: recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom. That dynamic was evident at the state GOP’s online convention this weekend, in which chairwoman Jessica Patterson — who was handily […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 22, 2021

WhatMatters

Counties to get more money for vaccinations

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, February 2. Divided using equity formula California’s flagging vaccine rollout may have just gotten a shot in the arm. On Monday, the state Department of Finance formally notified lawmakers that California had received an unanticipated $1.7 billion in federal funds to help with its coronavirus response and vaccination efforts, according […]

By Emily Hoeven • February 2, 2021

Commentary

Put students first – return $12.5 billion in deferrals to schools

It is time for the governor and the Legislature to put money back where it belongs so schools can give students an equitable opportunity to learn.

By Guest Commentary • January 6, 2021

Politics

“We’ll get that paid”: Newsom and Padilla vow to fix controversial election contract

As California’s Secretary of State prepares to take a new job as U.S. Senator, he’s not going to let a politically charged $35 million invoice get in the way of a smooth promotion. In a press conference Wednesday, Alex Padilla assured reporters that the multimillion-dollar tab his office owes to SKDKnickerbocker, a Biden-affiliated PR shop, […]

By Ben Christopher • December 23, 2020

WhatMatters

Restrictions ramp up as California coronavirus hospitalizations soar to new heights

Starting today, millions of Californians will be subject to new stay-at-home orders amid a third wave of COVID-19 infections that has hospitalized a record number of residents. Under Los Angeles County’s new stay-at-home order — which lasts through Dec. 20 — almost all gatherings are banned, and retail stores must further limit capacity. Santa Clara […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 30, 2020

WhatMatters

CA could stick ‘Team Biden’ firm with $35M bill

Good morning, California. It’s Monday, November 23. Padilla vs. Yee Remember the controversial $35 million contract that Secretary of State Alex Padilla’s office awarded to a public affairs firm tied to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign? The firm, SKDKnickerbocker, was tasked with leading a statewide campaign explaining new pandemic voting procedures. But California hasn’t paid the […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 23, 2020

WhatMatters

Is California prepared for shutdown #3?

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, November 18. State of the state As California enters its third shutdown of the pandemic, is it better prepared to tamp down the spread of the virus — and handle the economic fallout — than it was when Gov. Gavin Newsom initiated prior lockdowns in March and July? Here’s a […]

By Emily Hoeven • November 18, 2020

WhatMatters

California’s big budget bet fizzles out — will Newsom support new taxes?

Well, it doesn’t look as though California’s big bet on a federal stimulus package that would allow the state to reverse $11 billion in budget cuts is likely to pay off. In a Tuesday tweet that sent shock waves through Wall Street, President Donald Trump announced he was ending negotiations on a coronavirus relief package […]

By Emily Hoeven • October 7, 2020

WhatMatters

Unemployment department under fire — nearly 1 million claims backlogged

With federal unemployment benefits of $600 per week set to expire today and nearly 1 million claims backlogged at California’s unemployment department, millions of Californians are teetering on the edge of a financial cliff — and increasingly desperate for answers from elected officials. State lawmakers on Thursday eviscerated the beleaguered agency for leaving many residents […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 31, 2020