State GovernmentLawmakers attack governor’s plan to streamline Delta tunnelMay 21, 2025Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers representing the Delta say Newsom is trying to upend existing water rights and land acquisition laws, while the governor says “we’re done with barriers.”
State GovernmentCalifornia’s food and diaper bank funds face federal and state cutsMay 20, 2025Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget aims to give food banks less funding for local produce and replace an existing diaper program with its own. That’s as the federal government makes and debates cuts to food assistance.
Health Care‘Shocking’ and ‘plain cruel’: Health advocates say Newsom’s Medi-Cal budget could cripple women’s reproductive careMay 19, 2025Planned Parenthood would lose a third of its funding if the state budget is approved by the Legislature next month.
EnvironmentShould California’s climate budget pay for high speed rail and firefighters? Newsom’s new plan triggers fiery debateMay 19, 2025Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to extend California’s landmark cap and trade program through 2045. But earmarking half of this year’s funds to the beleaguered rail project and Cal Fire would leave too little for other climate projects, critics say.
State GovernmentGovernor Gavin Newsom leaves Prop 36 funding out of revised budgetMay 15, 2025 | Megan MyscofskiNewsom says counties and cities should step up to fund the voter-approved measure.
Health CareMedi-Cal coverage of weight loss drugs on chopping block under governor’s proposalMay 15, 2025Weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy would no longer be covered by California’s health insurance for low-income people under the governor’s proposal.
State GovernmentSecuring funding at California’s Capitol is no easy feat for grassroots advocates during budget seasonMay 15, 2025 | Laura FitzgeraldA group of parent advocates travels to the Capitol to advocate for childcare funding, though securing time to speak with lawmakers is a challenge for families. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareNewsom proposes to freeze Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrantsMay 14, 2025To save more than $5 billion, the California governor wants to shut down new enrollment for adults who lack legal status and charge premiums. The Legislature has resisted such changes.
State GovernmentCalifornia budget is $12 billion in the red amid Trump tariffs and rising costsMay 14, 2025California is experiencing unexpectedly shaky economic conditions, as health care costs rise and Trump’s tariffs create ongoing uncertainty.
State GovernmentCalifornia braces for a big decline in federal funds as Biden-era spending programs wind downMay 13, 2025 | Megan MyscofskiMany federal infrastructure and health programs are coming to an end and even seeing clawbacks. At the same time, the Trump administration is making massive cuts to state funding. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
