Opinion

California budget must consider growing older adult population

Image by Rawpixel

OPINION – 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).

Opinion

Don’t let bad policy fuel healthcare inflation

Image by John Blottman

OPINION – 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.

Opinion

It’s time for California to modernize public works penalties

Image by Jair Ferreira Belafacce.

OPINION – California’s public works construction market is worth a staggering $46 billion—and growing. But behind this impressive figure lies a problem that’s costing workers, taxpayers, and responsible contractors alike: outdated penalty and registration systems that effectively reward cheaters and leave regulatory agencies dangerously underfunded.

Opinion

Ensuring AI is democratic by design

OPINION – The story of the Digital Age is one of rapid innovation, with people quickly adopting new tools while institutions meant to ensure everyone shares in the benefits often lag behind.

AI continues to advance at astonishing speed. More than 500 million people around the world—including 80,000 developers representing the next wave of business

Opinion

AB 1043 risks isolating LGBTQ+ youth even further

Image by Pranithan Chorruangsak.

OPINION – AB 1043, a bill presented as an online child safety measure aimed at protecting young people by requiring app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent for downloads, will lead to negative impacts for the very same marginalized youth it seeks to protect—especially LGBTQ+ youth.

Opinion

Cap & trade reauthorization should prioritize climate safe infrastructure

Image by Nansan Houn

OPINION – As state lawmakers begin discussing a reauthorization of the state’s landmark Cap & Trade program, a new coalition of labor, business, local government and transportation leaders is pushing to ensure climate-safe infrastructure is given top priority. 

Opinion

AB 1264 Fails Latino communities

Ultra-Processed Food as an industry formulated snack made from processed ingredients with high fat sugar and salt with artificial flavour additives and preservatives and fake colouring. Image by wildpixel.

OPINION – Food is more than fuel in Latino communities. It’s culture, connection, and survival. For California’s 1.8 million Latino-owned businesses and the families they serve, any law affecting food access is a law that affects our lives and livelihoods. Unfortunately, Assembly Bill 1264 doesn’t help us, it harms us.

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