After a tragedy 25 years ago, state lawmakers and the California Highway Patrol acted to make farmworkers’ commutes safer. But workers still die in crashes — in vans the law doesn’t cover.
StateWatch
Posted inLatest News
Big cuts, no new taxes: Newsom lays out plan to fix California’s budget deficit
In a news conference Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a mix of spending cuts and using reserves to balance the state budget. He said core services will be largely untouched, but some existing programs would be affected.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Californians will see lower electricity rates and a new fee that won’t vary with power use
California utilities will shift billing to a fixed fee starting in 2025. Most Californians won’t see much change, or will have a lower bill.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California passed a law to stop ‘pay to play’ in local politics. After two years, legislators want to gut it
A 2022 law limits campaign contributions to $250 to local elected officials from a donor with a license, building permit or other proceeding before the officials. Now there’s a bill to raise the limit to $1,000 and loosen other restrictions.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
California sets nation’s first water standard for cancer-causing contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs of the State Water Resources Control Board approving a standard for hexavalent chromium will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
Posted inLatest News
California requires new homes to have solar panels. Should wildfire victims get a break?
A California Republican’s bill would exempt low- and middle-income wildfire victims from solar panel requirements on rebuilt homes that didn’t have them when they burned down.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California fails to track its homelessness spending or results, a new audit says
There’s so little data available, it’s impossible to even tell if several of California’s largest homelessness programs are working, according to a statewide audit released Tuesday.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Power is never having to say ‘no.’ How California Democrats kill bills without voting against them
Democrats in California’s Assembly and Senate rarely vote against bills, yet few seem willing to discuss their voting records, as well as the controversial practice of declining to vote instead of saying “no.”
Posted inLatest News
Newsom, Legislature get a $17 billion jump on California budget deficit
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the Legislature announced a deal Thursday on early action to shrink the state’s budget shortfall by $17 billion. Votes are expected next week, ahead of action on the 2024-25 budget in May and June.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California may gut two CalWORKS programs helping thousands of families
The state is considering zeroing out funds for CalWORKS family stabilization and job subsidy programs to help balance the budget.