With hours to spare before a July 1 deadline, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature agreed to the state’s 2023–24 fiscal year budget June 27, though Republicans argued against the proposal and the manner in which it was determined. “In the face of continued global economic uncertainty, this budget increases our fiscal discipline…

While California is known for its high cost of living and elevated energy prices, the state of Washington now has the most expensive average gas price in the nation, according to data released June 20 by the American Automobile Association, better known as AAA. A gallon of regular-grade gasoline in California now averages $4.86 as…

A California bill that would expand college financial aid to those seeking asylum passed the state Assembly and will now be heard in the state Senate. Currently, Cal Grant financial aid awards are available only to U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, such as those who possess a visa or those who are a part of…

Commentary As I have been writing in The Epoch Times, everything Gov. Gavin Newsom does now advances his ambition to move into the White House—probably as early as Jan. 20, 2025. So watch how he handles negotiations with the California Legislature over the budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which begins on July 1. Unlike last…

A bill to ban the use of China-based social media app TikTok and some other social media apps on state-issued or owned devices unanimously passed the California Senate on May 30. Senate Bill 74, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), would prohibit social media applications to be downloaded or installed on such devices if the…

Democratic supermajorities in both the Assembly and Senate approved a revised version of the state’s budget on June 15, the final day of the deadline based on constitutional obligation, with the proposal now on the way to the governor’s desk for review. Votes were split by party line, with all senators present and voting 32…

With some transit agencies in the state pleading for assistance facing significant budget deficits due to low ridership, California lawmakers reached a tentative agreement on June 11 to make some funding available, though not as much as requested. The handshake deal was made in the Legislature over the weekend and now awaits the approval of…

A California bill to prohibit most traffic stops for minor violations has narrowly passed the Senate. “The data clearly shows that these pretextual stops are disproportionately used against communities of color,” bill author Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) told senators on May 30. “Having these unnecessary stops puts not only the community at greater safety [risk]…

A California bill to allow Sikh motorcyclists to ride without helmets due to the wearing of headdresses, such as a turban or patka, passed the state Senate on May 31. Senate Bill 847, which would grant a religious exemption for the headwear and authored by Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) was approved on a 21–8 vote,…

A California bill to prohibit employees from confronting shoplifters or active shooters has passed the state Senate, in spite of opposition from retailers who say it would add to the state’s escalating retail theft problem. “With growing awareness of workplace violence, California needs smarter guidelines to keep workers safe in the office or on the…