Image by Renata Hamuda. OPINION – Despite what many think, California spends a mere 1% of its total budget on housing and homelessness. Until we take bold action by dramatically increasing public investment and strengthening tenant protections, this crisis will only worsen.
Image by Albina GavrilovicOPINION – Over the past decade California’s homeless residents have endured a catastrophic addiction epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives and spread despair in communities across the state. Compassion requires a new course. AB 255 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) is a commonsense reform to support addiction recovery and save lives.
Image by Francesco Scatena. OPINION – Reintroduced this year without addressing previous critical concerns from legislators and stakeholders, SB 682 would create a vague and overly broad regulatory framework that could put California’s economy at risk.
Image by LightFieldStudiosOPINION – For Black and Brown Californians, the digital divide is a reflection of systemic inequities that persist across education, health care, and economic opportunity. Too many of our students struggle with remote learning, elders are cut off from telehealth, and working families can’t afford reliable internet. As we push for racial justice, we must also fight for digital equity.
Image by utah778OPINION – Controlling costs in health care is important. But it must be done in a way that acknowledges the complexity of delivering care in one of the most diverse and expansive states in the country.
Image by Benjamin Robinson. OPINION – Electronic waste is the fastest growing part of our waste stream, and there is one cause that California can put a stop to: single-use, “disposable” vapes.
Image by Daniele MezzadriOPINION – In an era of skyrocketing living costs and soaring energy bills, it’s more important than ever to seize opportunities that reduce unnecessary expenses for consumers and lay the groundwork for a more affordable future. Fortunately, California legislators have the chance to do just that—by reducing the costs of expanding vital infrastructure to meet our growing energy needs and climate goals.
Image by peterschreiber.mediaOPINION – Our electric grid is the backbone of modern life—from powering homes and businesses to driving technological innovation. SB 540 ensures that this backbone remains strong, dependable, and cost-effective for California consumers.
Image by JJ GouinOPINION – When used as intended, the federal 340B program can combat deep systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities; however, it is being exploited by bad actors and Californians aren’t benefiting.
Image by gorodenkoff. OPINION – Californians are concerned about crime. But Californians also know that incarceration cannot make our neighborhoods safe without significant investment in solutions that address the root of these issues.