stimulus

Gov. Gavin Newsom talks to media after touring the North Complex Fire zone in Butte County on Sep 11, 2020 outside of Oroville. Newsom has declared a statewide emergency due to the widespread fires and extreme weather conditions, and secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response to the Northern California wildfires. Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee, Pool

WhatMatters

Good morning, California. It’s Thursday, June 24. Things go up in flames The wind wasn’t blowing in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s direction Wednesday. First came the CapRadio investigation that found the governor vastly overstated the amount of land treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns to prevent wildfires from harming California’s most vulnerable communities. Newsom claimed in January […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• June 24, 2021

California Divide

Some disabled Californians feel abandoned by Newsom’s Golden State Stimulus

Gov. Gavin Newsom sent $600 Golden State Stimulus checks to some Californians with disabilities, but passed over others. As the Legislature negotiates with Newsom over his proposal to expand the program, Californians who receive Social Security Disability Insurance say they’re fed up with being overlooked during the pandemic.

By

Jackie Botts

• June 24, 2021

If passed, the Legislature's plan would allocate $550 million to offer food assistance to all Californians, regardless of immigration status as part of Newsom's spending plan. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

California Divide

Advocates hope for expanded immigrant aid in final budget

As Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders finalize California’s new budget, advocates hope for expanded health care, food and financial aid to undocumented immigrants who are excluded from federal safety net programs.

By

Jacqueline Garcia

• June 8, 2021

Medical assistant Letrice Smith fills syringes during a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic run by Ravenswood Family Health Network at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park on April 10, 2021.

Politics

Vax for cash: Newsom offers big bucks for Californians who get their shots

Facing a recall election, Gov. Newsom announces a $116.5 million COVID-19 vaccine incentive program, including a $15 million lottery with 10 winners. Californians who get a shot by June 15 and those already vaccinated can win the big prize.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 27, 2021

California Divide

Measuring California’s progress on income inequality

California has an opportunity to leverage surplus and stimulus funds to bridge income inequality. Our dashboard from the California Divide team tracks whether the state can turn the tide.

By

Erica Yee

• May 19, 2021

California Divide

Newsom proposes $7 billion expansion in broadband internet

Lea este artículo en español. Gov. Gavin Newsom is pitching a three-year, $7 billion broadband expansion to get California households connected to high-speed internet. “Let’s get this done once and for all, so that no future administration is talking about the scourge of the digital divide,” Newsom said Friday as part of California’s $100 billion windfall. […]

By

Jackie Botts

• May 17, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a press conference at The Unity Council in Oakland to announce an estimated $75.7 billion surplus and in addition to stimulus checks, tax rebates and additional rent relief on May 10, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

WhatMatters

California is overflowing with money

Good morning, California. It’s Tuesday, May 11. Good timing for Newsom The message was clear Monday when Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has attended recent public events in jeans and a bear-emblazoned jacket, stood behind a podium bearing the slogan “California Roars Back” while wearing a suit and tie. The message: I mean business — and the […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• May 11, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom says his tax rebate plan follows the constitution. Image via iStock

Politics

Facing recall, Newsom uses anti-tax amendment for his own devices

Does the governor's tax rebate plan follow California's constitution? His finance director says yes, but an anti-tax activist isn't so sure.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 11, 2021

California Capitol, home of the Assembly and Senate. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Newsom’s relief plan might thwart recall

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's $100 billion "California Comeback Plan" might help him beat a recall effort.

By

Dan Walters

• May 11, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a press conference at The Unity Council in Oakland to announce a budget surplus in addition to new stimulus checks, tax rebates and additional rent relief for Californians on May 10, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

California Divide

Newsom proposes expanding Golden State stimulus to middle class

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing to use federal relief money and California’s record-setting tax revenue from the wealthy to send $600 stimulus checks to four out of five tax filers, pay down back rent for tenants and help millions catch up on utility bills.

By

Jackie Botts

• May 10, 2021