State Government‘No light at the other end’: Impending loss of pandemic CalFresh boosts could trigger hunger spikeFebruary 11, 2023For nearly three years, an increase in federal aid has allowed California to issue higher-than-usual amounts in food stamps. That ends in April.
Health CareCalifornia’s COVID-19 state of emergency to end Feb. 28February 10, 2023 | Kate WolffeThe order has been in place for nearly three years, having first been issued on March 5, 2020. California is one of only seven states that still has an emergency order in place.
State GovernmentAfter legal trouble, advocates want state lawmakers to ‘reconsider’ Capitol Annex optionsFebruary 8, 2023 | Nicole NixonA group of opponents has criticized the new building’s proposed design, its $1.2 billion price tag, a lack of transparency over plans and timelines and issues with its impact on local businesses, the Capitol’s west steps and trees in Capitol park.
State GovernmentCalifornia lawmakers try again to cap insulin costsFebruary 8, 2023California plans to roll out an ambitious plan to manufacture its own insulin, but in the meantime, legislators are proposing to cap what diabetics pay.
State GovernmentCalifornia will try to limit solitary confinement — againFebruary 7, 2023 | Kate WolffeAn effort to limit solitary confinement in California jails, prisons and detention facilities is being undertaken for a second time in the state Legislature. Lawmakers passed a similar bill last year which was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
State GovernmentRules for thee: How California Legislature skirts its own lawsFebruary 7, 2023State legislators sometimes exempt themselves from the laws they pass, but this session, they could change course on an emblematic bill: To allow their own staffers to form a union.
EnvironmentLaw banning drilling near California community areas put on hold, sent to votersFebruary 6, 2023 | Manola SecairaShortly after the law was passed, oil and gas industry leaders launched a referendum effort aimed at repealing it. It will appear on the November 2024 ballot. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
EnvironmentHow a new law is bringing more attention to natural carbon sequestrationFebruary 6, 2023 | Manola SecairaEnvironmental advocates have criticized California’s reliance on carbon-capturing technologies in its plans for carbon neutrality. This law aims to bring more focus to natural alternatives. Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Health CareMillions of Californians are at risk of losing Medi-Cal coverageFebruary 5, 2023As the nation’s massive Medicaid unwinding begins, California is using government databases, billboards, and navigators to help people who get dropped from Medi-Cal reenroll or find other coverage.
Health CareWill the state’s big Medi-Cal plan really fix mental health care for low-income Californians?February 3, 2023A year into the rollout of CalAIM, payment details are murky and obstacles remain in finding help for Medi-Cal recipients with mental health needs.