Gavin Newsom is echoing the incoming Trump administration as he touts government efficiency. But the governor has expanded the size and scope of California’s government to an all-time high.
StateWatch
Posted inEducation
Small California schools brace for layoffs as Congress slashes funding for rural education
Federal funding for rural schools goes to 39 California counties. School districts in those communities consider the money a lifeline. “It’s a catastrophe that no one knows about,” one educator says.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s $20 billion unemployment debt is looking like a political hot potato
The legislative analyst has a plan to fix the “structural insolvency” of the unemployment benefits fund — but businesses aren’t happy and it’s unclear if lawmakers will get on board.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s lemon law is changing and car buyers have fewer protections in the new year
Californians who purchase a clunker car in 2025 face a confusing year as new lemon law rules take effect and the state Supreme Court limited warranty protections for used vehicles. Lawmakers are revisiting the rules, but consumers could see weaker protections until new laws are passed.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Newsom declares bird flu emergency in California
While there have been no known cases of human-to-human bird flu transmission so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local agencies “additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.”
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Troubled California teens gain protections under a new law championed by Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton, the latest celebrity to lobby the California Legislature, persuaded it to pass a law that brings more transparency on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California got millions to train workers in disaster relief, but it’s leaving money on table
When disaster strikes, California gets federal funding to hire temporary workers to clean debris. But the jobs are tough, and some agencies struggle to manage the grants.
Posted inLatest News
Federal health care dollars are helping to house homeless Californians. Trump could stop that
Gov. Gavin Newsom launched an ambitious program that uses Medi-Cal to help Californians access housing, healthy food and more. Now, its fate is in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
ICE is looking for a new detention center in blue California. The state probably can’t stop it
With President-elect Donald Trump promising mass deportations when he takes office, a possible migrant detention facility within two hours of San Francisco has some lawmakers concerned.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Californians pay billions for power companies’ wildfire prevention efforts. Are they cost-effective?
After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.
