Election 2024

WhatMatters

California Republicans take center stage for 2024 election

California is at the center of the political universe this week — at least in Republican circles.  Wednesday night at the Ronald Reagan presidential library in Simi Valley, seven GOP presidential contenders showed up for the second televised primary debate. But one very large elephant wasn’t in the room — former President Donald Trump, who […]

By Lynn La • September 28, 2023

WhatMatters

What changes will California voters see in 2024 election?

The 2024 primary election is less than six months away, and, thanks to a series of measures over the last few years, the process will look a little different for voters.  For one, it’s the first presidential primary in which everyone can vote by mail. Because California’s top-two primary system — in which the two […]

By Sameea Kamal • September 20, 2023

WhatMatters

That’s a wrap for California Legislature

The California Legislature finished its 2023 session late Thursday night, but not before lots of lobbying by advocacy groups, some controversy and quite a bit of last-minute deal-making. The most significant agreements are also big wins for Big Labor — and defeats for Big Business — as CalMatters state Capitol reporters Alexei Koseff and Sameea […]

By Lynn La • September 15, 2023

Politics

Last-minute deal: Wage hike for fast food workers, no ballot measure in 2024

A deal announced today by labor groups and the fast food industry would give workers a $20 minimum wage and pull a measure off the 2024 ballot. The Legislature has until Thursday to approve it.

By Jeanne Kuang and Alexei Koseff • September 11, 2023

WhatMatters

Final week frenzy for California Legislature

It’s the final week of the 2023 legislative session, so anyone connected to the state Capitol — lawmakers, staffers, lobbyists and, yes, reporters — will be super-busy.  Key dates: Thursday (or early Friday) — the Legislature is set to end its session with about 740 active bills to get through. And today — the final […]

By Lynn La • September 11, 2023

WhatMatters

More California ballot measures try to go around Legislature

State lawmakers are passing many, many bills before they end the legislative session next Thursday. But under California’s system of direct democracy — and happening at the same time — advocates for various causes are trying to go straight to the voters when their elected representatives won’t do what they want. Tuesday, victims’ families filed […]

By Lynn La • September 7, 2023

Politics

Why a Colorado ambulance company wants to limit California taxes

American Medical Response has poured more than $3 million into a November 2024 initiative to raise requirements for levying taxes and fees. The company says it’s looking out for patients, but local officials say it’s about the money.

By Alexei Koseff • August 24, 2023

Commentary

California Democrats emulate Ohio GOP to undermine tax limit ballot measure

A chess move by California Capitol leadership last week could undercut a pending ballot measure seeking to restrict new taxes. A similar strategy was used by Republicans in Ohio attempting to restrict abortion rights.

By Dan Walters • August 22, 2023

Commentary

Ballot proposal and court ruling open new front in California’s never-ending tax wars

California's 45-year-long war over tax restrictions will be placed before voters next year. But a new appellate court ruling has also opened a new source of conflict.

By Dan Walters • August 15, 2023

WhatMatters

How California voters don’t look like their state

From CalMatters’ state Capitol reporter Sameea Kamal:  California has taken a number of steps over the past decade to make voting easier: Mailing ballots to all registered voters, plus allowing early voting and same-day registration.  Yet, the electorate hasn’t shifted to match the state’s growing diversity: Frequent voters are far from representative of the majority […]

By Lynn La • August 9, 2023