Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

The Legislative Analyst’s Office says the state’s $16-an-hour minimum can’t dispel poverty or inequality, though it’s among the highest in the U.S.

California’s poverty rate climbed and its working poor grew this spring, says the Public Policy Institute of California. Safety net programs played a major role in poverty rate changes.

After years of planning a broadband system to bridge California’s digital divide, officials deprioritized some low-income areas due to unexpected costs. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he’s committed to funding the entire network, but advocates are skeptical.

More workers are filing claims with the state alleging employers are retaliating against them for engaging in legally protected activities, such as seeking overtime pay or reporting wage theft or discrimination. The state’s waitlist for investigations and hearings is growing, and few workers have won their claims.

Many California caregivers are aging immigrants making near-minimum wage. Two bills to improve pay and safety could benefit elderly Californians facing a caregiver shortage.

As pandemic relief dollars dwindle, low income families still need help recovering, advocates say. Two bills would expand California’s earned income and young child tax credits for families making as much as $30,000.