Race to Face Gov. Brown Tight Ahead of Primary
Less than two weeks away from the June primary election, a new statewide poll confirms Gov. Jerry Brown is running leagues ahead of all rivals. What's less clear is which Republican will run against Brown in November. The top two contenders are Assemblymember Tim Donnelly, clocking in at 15 percent and newcomer Neel Kashkari with 10 percent.
Bill to Expand Health Care to Undocumented Immigrants Faces Tough Test in Legislature
The clock is ticking for legislation wending its way through the state Capitol. Next Friday is the last day for bills to pass their house of origin - or not. One bill facing a live-or-die moment this week would extend health care coverage to the undocumented. It would do so in part by allowing them to enroll in Medi-Cal. A new report released Wednesday by UC Berkeley and UCLA estimates that would increase state costs by $350 million, about 2 percent of the Medi-Cal budget. Opponents say that's too much.
Legislator Takes Action Against Sexual Harassment of Farmworkers
One measure currently pending in Sacramento attempts to address an open secret in the state's agricultural fields and packing houses: many women suffer sexual harassment, or even assault - and those who attempt to speak up about it fear getting fired. SB 1087 aims to do something about that.