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.
A wood framing company is accused of stiffing workers and the state $2.6 million, including work sites in Santa Clara County. Two employees could face penalties and jail if convicted.
President-elect Donald Trump’s housing policy for his second term is vague at best. But based on available information, many California housing experts are not optimistic about what it could mean for the state’s crisis.
Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged that residents were frustrated by economic problems and said that Democrats needed to address their concerns, especially in rural areas where support for Trump was highest.
California sued the Trump administration more than 100 times in his first term and secured some major victories on the environment, immigration and health care.
The vote is not guaranteed. Eight Senate Democrats did not vote for his bill, the oil industry and Republicans have been sharply critical of the proposal, which they say would actually drive up prices at the pump.
California was nearly $2 billion over forecast in corporate tax receipts this summer, including by $844 million in July. A tax change meant to help the budget deficit helped drive the surge.
Cal State officials are projecting a 2025-26 budget hole of about $400 million to $800 million and warning of layoffs and cuts to academic programs. San Jose State has cut $55 million the past two years, by not hiring new staff and avoiding replacing non-faculty job openings.
As part of a California reparations package, Gov. Newsom signed a bill to officially apologize for slavery, but he vetoed others sought by reparations supporters.
