The state will find the money for increased benefits by removing a payroll tax shield on earnings above $145,600, effectively raising the contributions from higher earners.

Two days before the Sept. 30 deadline, after vetoing a similar bill last year and resisting months of marches, vigils and posturing, including a note from President Biden, Newsom changed his mind on a farmworker labor bill.

Supporters swayed moderate Democrats by removing a provision that would have put fast food corporations on the hook for labor violations at franchise locations, but industry lobbying and opposition from his own Department of Finance could convince Newsom to veto the bill.

Push to pass a labor-sponsored bill is a key ‘Fight for $15’ priority and a potential organizing foothold in an industry where unionization has long been elusive.

A $300 penalty that California courts tack onto traffic and minor citations can cause the cost of a ticket to balloon. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to reduce it by half but lawmakers want it gone.

California is trying to make its cash assistance program more flexible for low-income parents. Advocates say a federal rule is hindering that.

Anti-poverty organizations are calling for the state to target some of its projected surplus to families making up to $30,000 a year. 

The Campbell Democrat and former Santa Clara County supervisor wants to send no-strings-attached checks to 15,000 homeless high school seniors in California.