The State of California

California Budget Crisis Forces Newsom to Scale Back Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants In a significant policy reversal, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed freezing enrollment of illegal immigrants in the state's Medi-Cal program beginning in 2026 and implementing a $100 monthly premium for those already enrolled starting in 2027. This decision comes as California faces a growing budget deficit that could reach $73 billion, with the state's ambitious healthcare expansion costing billions more than initially projected. The Evolving Expansion of Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants California has gradually expanded Medi-Cal coverage to illegal immigrants over the past decade through a series of legislative actions: In 2015, Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) extended full-scope Medi-Cal coverage to illegal immigrant children under 19 years old In 2019, Senate Bill 104 (SB 104) expanded coverage to young adults aged 19-25, at an initial projected cost of $98 million annually In 2022...

  San Diego's Water Future: Supply, Demand, and Rising Rates May 3, 2025 Water Security Amid Rising Costs: The San Diego Paradox San Diego County finds itself in a paradoxical position in 2025: water secure but financially strained. Despite having sufficient water supplies for the foreseeable future, residents face steep rate hikes that threaten affordability for many households. This complex situation stems from decades of infrastructure investments, changing usage patterns, and the ongoing transition toward water independence. Current Water Supply Situation San Diego County currently has ample water to meet demands regardless of weather conditions, thanks to strategic investments and consecutive wet winters in 2023 and 2024. Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano confirmed, "San Diego County's water supply remains stable and reliable to support our region's people, economy, and quality of life." The region's reservoirs are well-stocked, with member a...

Utilities loose billions by keeping Net Metering California Assembly Committee Advances Amended Solar Bill AB 942, Raising Concerns Over Property Transfers By Claude Reporter May 1, 2025 In a divisive 10-4 vote Wednesday evening, the California State Assembly's Utilities & Energy Committee passed an amended version of Assembly Bill 942, a controversial measure that solar advocates say would break contractual agreements with solar customers across the state. Changes to Original Bill The bill, initially introduced by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), has undergone significant amendments since its introduction. The original version would have forced all customers who installed solar panels before April 2023 (under NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0 programs) to lose their net metering benefits after 10 years, pushing them onto the less favorable NEM 3.0 rate structure that pays approximately 80% less for electricity exported to the grid. The amended version approved by the committ...