Mauricio Torres. Photo by Ellie Appleby for Capitol Weekly. Whether he’s deciphering complex policy language or hiking renowned trails like the Inca Trail or the W Trek in Patagonia, Mauricio Torres Jr. approaches it all with confidence, curiosity and a deep connection to the communities he serves.
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Senator Suzette Valladares, Photo by Ellie Appleby for Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Republican Suzette Martinez Valladares was elected to the California State Assembly in 2020 and served for two years, narrowly losing a reelection bid for the newly drawn 40th Assembly district, then winning a seat in the Senate in 2024. She spoke with us about pursuing policy goals during a year that has been, to put it mildly, a wild ride, (with no end in sight) and offered her perspective on the Immigration raids in Los Angeles and elsewhere.
Image by wildpixel. OPINION – California needs to get smart about its transportation policies. Our state’s myopic focus on statewide emissions lacks any clear connection to global climate goals or strategies.
Vacaville Correctional Medical Facility. Photo by AP.Without emergency legislation, a little more than two dozen disabled people, including veterans, who work as janitors at a state prison facility in Vacaville are poised to lose their jobs at the end of this month due to a protest lodged by the Service Employees International Union Local 1000.
Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Image by RawpixelOPINION – Governor Newsom’s release of the May Budget Revise included a shortfall of $12 billion and proposed reductions that would have affected older adults and people with disabilities. We had deep concerns about these proposals, especially those related to health care and home and community-based services (HCBS).
Image by John BlottmanOPINION – Now is the worst time for California’s leaders to inflict unforced errors and bad laws that will make the healthcare system even more unstable—especially when they will do nothing to lower costs. Senate Bill 41 (SB 41)—a bill currently under consideration in the State Capitol—is exactly such a mistake.
California Lowrider Holiday, June 2024. Photo by Mike Rafter, Capitol WeeklyThings have slowed down a bit now that we are past the house of origin deadline, but there is still plenty going on in California politics.
Image by nilimageOPINION – Even though the state estimates payments for children in subsidized programs only cover 30% of the time and expense providers put into keeping children safe and learning, the Administration is walking away from a commitment to reimburse child care providers for the full cost of the care we provide.