Economic Inequality

Higher Education

If the state cannot afford to expand the Cal Grant program, key trade-offs loom  

Some advocates believe the state should expand the Cal Grant program next year, even if that means pulling money from a financial aid program that benefits middle class students.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn • October 27, 2023

K-12 Education

A shortage of teachers for computer science classes puts California near the bottom of a national instruction ranking

Only 40% of California high schools offer computer science classes. A new law aims to make it easier to certify computer science teachers.

By Carolyn Jones • October 27, 2023

California Divide

More working Californians slipped into poverty as pandemic aid expired

California’s poverty rate climbed and its working poor grew this spring, says the Public Policy Institute of California. Safety net programs played a major role in poverty rate changes.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • October 26, 2023

California Divide

‘Back of the line again’: California’s broadband plan deprioritized underserved regions, advocates say

After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • October 19, 2023

Commentary

Los Angeles neighborhoods choked by pollution need California to extend clean transportation program

In neglected areas such as South Los Angeles, the freeways that crisscross neighborhoods are choking residents with harmful pollution. A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk would extend a clean transportation program that can aid these communities.

By Guest Commentary • October 10, 2023

Commentary

Why California courts need to pay low-income jurors more than $15 per day

California courts give low-income jurors $15 per day. As a result, people with financial hardships are excused, leading to juries that often fail to reflect local demographics. A bill on the governor's desk would expand a San Francisco pilot program and up the rate to $100 in four new counties.

By Guest Commentary • October 3, 2023

Commentary

California’s ability to count its population is under fire – with or without a government shutdown

The budget-cutting efforts in Congress putting the U.S. government on the verge of a shutdown could become a fixture. The current spending proposals put Census Bureau funding on the chopping block, which could have lasting impacts if California's population remains undercounted.

By Guest Commentary • September 29, 2023

California Divide

Gavin Newsom signs law boosting minimum wage for fast-food workers. Is $20 enough?

More than half a million fast food workers, mostly minorities and women, will earn higher minimum wage because Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a fast food bill Thursday. But some say that’s not a living wage.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • September 28, 2023

Commentary

California will fail to address poverty as long as false narratives shape the policies

After Congress did not extend a pandemic-era tax credit, California's poverty rate for children rose from 7.5% to nearly 17% in one year. The false narratives that describe people in poverty often don't reflect research or reality, and further harm them by stalling policy solutions.

By Devon Gray • September 26, 2023

Commentary

California’s EDD has enough problems. Giving jobless benefits to striking workers is the last thing it needs

California's beleaguered Employment Development Department could be asked to dole out benefits to striking workers if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill providing them the right. Critics say the EDD has enough problems to address before the next economic downturn.

By Guest Commentary • September 25, 2023