Image by PhonlamaiPhoto. OPINION – With workers facing such unprecedented disruption — on top of the Trump Administration’s proposed $1.6 billion in cuts to Department of Labor funding — it’s imperative that state lawmakers prioritize workforce development funding during final budget negotiations.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) being physically removed from a a Department of Homeland Security press conference. Image by AP. It was an intense day in California politics, starting with California’s senior U.S. Senator Alex Padilla being forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in the morning and then U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer agreeing to California’s request for a temporary restraining order to wrestle control of the state National Guard back from President Donald Trump in the late afternoon.
Image by BrianAJackson. Both the Legislature and the Governor in California play critical roles in the development and adoption of the state budget. Relevant provisions of state law related to the budget process are contained in Article IV of the state Constitution.
The California state Capitol at dusk. (Photo: Karin Hildebrand Lau, via Shutterstock)This was crossover week, and both chambers considered hundreds of bills that only a few days before had cleared their respective suspense hearings. Here is a smattering of some of the significant action under the dome this week.
Kamala Harris. Photo by AP. Polls have for months shown that Kamala Harris would be the strong favorite should she opt-in to the 2026 governor’s race, prompting some already-declared candidates to say they would drop out. But Republicans actually seem to relish the chance to run against her, and several Dems now say they will stay in even if Harris joins the
Image by cbiesThis weekend Democrats are meeting at their annual convention in Orange County. With just over a year before the 2026 Primary, and short of 18 months before the General Election, we wanted to take the temperature of California Democrats.
Cap and Trade image by WANAN YOSSINGKUMOPINION – Cap-and-trade extension discussions are heating up in the Legislature, with Governor Newsom proposing to extend the program out to 2045 in the May Revision to the state budget.
Image by KamionskyOPINION – As lawmakers in Sacramento increase their focus on human trafficking, we’re urging those in charge to focus on what really matters: survivor support and real recovery.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, image via YouTubeOPINION – California Gov. Gavin Newsom will be a very hard act to follow for any Democrat aspiring to take his place. Think what you will about Newsom’s personality, policies or politics, he is a charismatic, commanding figure and an exceedingly articulate and masterful communicator.
Image by HalfpointOPINION – As states, organizations, and individuals across the nation continue to brace for potentially devastating cuts to Medicaid programs from the federal level, it remains vital that the California State Budget preserve funding that supports critical and necessary services for more than 450,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.