Gov., Legislative Leaders Reach Deal on Unspent Cap and Trade Dollars
In a last minute deal, Gov. Jerry Brown and Legislative leaders reached an agreement on how to spend nearly $1 billion in cap and trade revenues. The spending plan was announced and voted on Wednesday, squeaking through just hours before the Legislature adjourned for the rest of the year. Most of California's cap and trade revenue is already earmarked for programs like high-speed rail and affordable housing. This agreement sets aside some of the remaining money for transit projects, rebates for energy efficient cars and the creation of new urban parks.
Legislature Wraps Up Two-Year Session, Sends Hundreds of Bills to Governor
The two-year legislative session that wrapped up Wednesday saw the passage of several progressive policies favored by Democrats. Among the highlights: California increased its minimum wage, mandated vaccinations for school children and allowed people with terminal diseases the option to end their lives. Democrats also expanded paid parental leave, further regulated guns and ammunition and implemented tax credits for the state's lowest earners.
In Tahoe, Obama Underscores Climate Threats, Touts Conservation Funding
President Barack Obama used the annual Lake Tahoe Summit to talk about his environmental legacy and the threats that remain from California's changing climate.