
Nicole Nixon
CapRadio ReporterNicole covers politics and government for CapRadio. Before moving to California, she won several awards, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, for her political reporting in her hometown of Salt Lake City. Besides public radio, Nicole is passionate about beautiful landscapes and breakfast burritos.
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Just one of the bills would raise the penalty for dealers carrying at least a kilogram — or a little than two pounds — of fentanyl, aligning it with penalties for possessing large amounts of heroin and other drugs.
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Though the budget deficit has grown to nearly $32 billion, Newsom said he does not plan to dip into the state’s rainy day fund, instead proposing a mix of funding delays, cuts and renewing a tax on health insurers.
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A year after spending a $100 billion surplus, California lawmakers must fill a deficit. Recent bank failures, climbing interest rates and a high-profile fight over the federal debt limit all pose considerable risks to the state's economy and budget.
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Nearly 6,000 Californians died from a fentanyl overdose in 2021, but some Democratic lawmakers are hesitant to raise criminal penalties and repeat policies of the war on drugs.
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The bills’ passage signals the end of a special legislative session, which some lawmakers described as a rushed process with little opportunity for input or debate. Newsom called it “a great day for consumers.”
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A handful of bills introduced this year aim to crack down on hidden fees on concert tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, small business loans and more
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A measure to bring California’s concealed carry laws in line with a U.S. Supreme Court Ruling — while banning guns in a swath of public places including parks and businesses — has support from the governor and attorney general.
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Art, property, stocks, cash and investments owned by Californians worth more than $50 million could be subject to a wealth tax proposed by Assembly member Alex Lee (D-San Jose).
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It’s “full speed ahead” on programs like universal pre-kindergarten and health care for undocumented workers, the governor said, pledging to fund them this year despite economic uncertainty.
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Gavin Newsom will take the oath of office Friday. In his second term he will likely drill down on priorities like homelessness and social issues, which could also serve as a springboard for a platform for higher office.