As California moves closer than ever to offering free health care to low-income, undocumented adults — at a potential cost of $1 billion — battle lines are being drawn about who should benefit and who ultimately will pay the price. On the surface, the arguments are familiar, with supporters insisting...
Newsom’s Budget Proposal Tackles Homelessness in California
SACRAMENTO — Calling it "a stain on the state of California," Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday vowed to use part of a historic budget surplus to tackle homelessness in the nation's most prosperous state. "This homeless issue is out of control," Newsom told reporters on as he unveiled his revised...
When the Next Recession Hits, Will California Be Able to Count on Washington?
They don’t call it the Golden State for nothing, at least not lately. California’s fiscal health is in extraordinary shape. Income tax receipts surpassed expectations for the pivotal month of April. Projections of a $21 billion-plus surplus are not out of the question. Nearly 3 million jobs have been added since the depths of...
Housing-Strapped California Debates Density Near Job Hubs
SACRAMENTO — A controversial proposal to increase housing near transportation and job hubs faces a key test Wednesday as California lawmakers search for solutions to the state's housing affordability crisis. Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener's bill is one of dozens on housing before lawmakers this year that attempt to the slow...
Kamala Harris Backs Idea to Unionize Child Care Workers
Democratic presidential contender Kamala Harris was just about to take the stage Monday night at Sacramento’s Sheraton Grand Hotel ballroom when she spotted and ran over to a group of women sporting yellow t-shirts sitting on the right side of the auditorium. They were California child-care workers hoping to win collective...
Newsom Pushes for Up to $10 Monthly Tap Tax to Clean Water
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to charge California water customers up to $10 per month to help clean up contaminated water in low-income and rural areas, but he will face resistance from some legislative Democrats hesitant to impose new taxes. The Democratic governor says up to 1 million California...
California Raised Taxes to Pay Doctors for the Poor. It’s Still Waiting for Them.
It’s been two years since Californians voted to raise tobacco taxes so the state could pay doctors and dentists more when they treat low-income patients. But it’s unclear if the money is achieving a related purpose: getting more medical providers to accept the government’s health plan for the poor. The Department of...
Halo Cafe Feeds Pets in Need and Nourishes Family Bonds
"No one should have to choose between feeding their pets...or feeding themselves." That's the mission statement behind Halo Cafe, a unique food pantry concept. Jennifer Quinn-Yovino formed the nonprofit to help struggling individuals and families feed their beloved pets in times of need. Standing in the Gap If they are in...
Judge’s Ruling on ‘Obamacare’ Poses New Problems for GOP
WASHINGTON — A federal judge's ruling that the Obama health law is unconstitutional has landed like a stink bomb among Republicans, who've seen the politics of health care flip as Americans increasingly value the overhaul's core parts, including protections for pre-existing medical conditions and Medicaid for more low-income people. While the decision...
OMG! California Considers Fees on Text Messaging.
SACRAMENTO — California regulators are considering a plan to charge a fee for text messaging on mobile phones to help support programs that make phone service accessible to the poor, according to a newspaper report Wednesday. The proposal is scheduled for a vote next month by the state Public Utilities...