Economic Inequality

As the minimum wage for fast food workers increases in California, many headlines are predicting mass layoffs and price increases. These headlines are based on an outdated theory that doesn't apply to fast food restaurants, argue two economists.

An LA partnership that is supposed to place 200 Black trainees in city jobs is falling short. One worker whose desk job offer was revoked was told to try sanitation.

A decade ago the state remade its school funding system to funnel more money to low-income students, English learners and foster youth.

A popular program that doubles CalFresh benefits at farmers markets is on the chopping block as California leaders try to close a yawning budget deficit. In a moment when so many Californians are food insecure, slashing the program would be devastating.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office says the state’s $16-an-hour minimum can’t dispel poverty or inequality, though it’s among the highest in the U.S.

In recent decades, the logistics industry has flourished in Southern California, but there's a backlash over the industry's low wages and the pollution it creates.

At least 24 Black women are running for seats in the California Legislature this year, resulting from years of work cultivating new leaders and growing confidence among voters.

The long history of redlining and downzoning helped create the racial disparities in California's homeless population. The barriers impeding housing development and access for Black communities must be addressed – and fast.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget would cut at least $25.5 million of rental support for young people who have been in foster care. Approving the cut could put their housing security at risk.

California's latest Master Plan for Aging commendably underscore the need for policies to address the challenges aging populations face. But it fails to portray the realities for older adults in rural, low-income areas, who are at greater risk of poverty and homelessness.