Experts say the Supreme Court decision to restrict union organizers from farms could have an unintended consequence: an increase in labor trafficking of farmworkers.
Kate Cimini
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Legislature looks to halt child support debt collections — only for some
Lawmakers propose to stop collecting child support debt owed to the government in cases where a parent’s only source of income comes from certain cash assistance programs. But advocates had asked the Legislature to go farther by forgiving old, uncollectible debt and to stop imposing a 10% interest.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Supreme Court limits California union recruiting in favor of property rights
Commercial growers celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision in Cedar Point Nursery v Hassid, but farmworker unions say this will make it harder for them to access workers and advocate for their rights.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Stimulus, unemployment checks help child support debt collection hit new high
During the height of the pandemic, the state clawed stimulus and unemployment checks from parents who owe child support debt to the government. The Newsom administration put a stop to the practice by the time the second stimulus checks went out, but California still retained a record $430 million in 2020.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California keeps millions in child support while parents drown in debt
Welfare advocates say California places low-income and minority parents in insurmountable debt by garnishing child support payments and imposing high interest rates when they fall behind on payments, keeping a larger-than-average portion for itself. The director of the agency overseeing child support says state changes would require legislative action, but meaningful changes have failed to gain traction at the Capitol.
Posted inPandemic Life
‘We’re born Indian and we die white’: California Indigenous fear COVID deaths undercounted
New Leaf Community Markets brand manager Lindsay Gizdich said the store is moving from Pacific Avenue in order to have…
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Going underground: California business operates in secret amid pandemic restrictions
Many small business owners have taken legitimate operations underground during the pandemic. Owners say they’ve been unable to get by on government loans and stimulus checks.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
New bill pushes California to stock, distribute masks to farmworkers during wildfires
“That starts in the field,” he said. “If we’re going to make sure we’re going to maintain a viable and productive state agriculturally, it begins with having a healthy workforce.”