Student Loans

Health

On hold: Loan repayment for Medi-Cal doctors, dentists awaits final budget plans

The student loan repayment program at risk of being cut from California's budget is funded by Proposition 56, a tobacco tax approved by voters in 2016.  

By Ana B. Ibarra • June 8, 2020

Coronavirus

Newsom throws financial lifelines to Californians during pandemic stay-at-home

California Gov. Gavin Newsom today said pandemic federal stimulus payments are safe from debt collectors, and payments on most private student loans can be postponed for the next 90 days.

By Jocelyn Wiener • April 23, 2020

Education

CA college students shell out $2k a month for housing, books, food alone

The high cost of college doesn't stop at tuition, according to a new state survey. More than 30% of California students said they did not have enough money to pay for housing, and another 35% said they can't afford books and supplies.

By Felicia Mello • September 12, 2019

Higher Education

VA yanks authority from California agency overseeing veterans’ education

Setting up a showdown with California, the U.S. Veteran Affairs Dept. canceled its contract with a state agency that approves colleges to receive GI Bill funds.

By Felicia Mello • September 6, 2019

Capitol

Alas, paper receipt ban, we hardly knew ye: 2019 bills get winnowed some more

With the passage of Friday's suspense file deadline, more bills were culled from lawmakers' 2019 wish list, or altered. Among them:  a push to make retail receipts electronic, an effort to encourage pets in homeless shelters and stricter rules for servicers of student loans.  

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 30, 2019

Newsletters

Taxes, the coal fight comes to California, voting, and student debt

Automakers oppose Newsom's tax bill. Newsom joins fight against coal. Legislators take step toward easing student debt, with assist from Steyer.

By Dan Morain • June 20, 2019

Newsletters

More bad homelessness news, why college is so pricey and special election day

California gets more grim homelessness news. Casinos fight to keep tax break. Higher education is no longer the bargain it once was.

By Dan Morain • June 5, 2019

Newsletters

An opioid suit, an opioid tax and a piece of history

California sues, looks to tax opioid maker. Newsom clarifies stand on vaccination legislation. "Gimme Shelter" sifts through housing bill wreckage.

By Dan Morain • June 4, 2019

Newsletters

Mercy, confidentiality, ghost guns, wildfires and the ‘Game of College’

Newsom tries to keep pardon petitions confidential. Water districts seek protection from fire liability. Legislature looks to combat 'ghost guns.'

By Dan Morain • May 29, 2019

Commentary

We now have results for key laws advocates promised would ‘protect’ teenagers. They don’t.

In 2016, fewer than 6% of California adolescents reported trying cigarettes, down from 19% in 2003. Why on earth did legislators feel the need to intervene in such a hugely positive youth trend? For no apparent reason, they did. The results aren't pretty.

By Guest Commentary • May 26, 2019