Single-Payer Plan's Price Tag in California: $400 Billion Per Year
Lawmakers who want to establish a single-payer health care system for California have come up with an estimate of how much it would cost: $400 billion a year. That's more than twice the amount of the entire California state budget. So where would that money come from?
Push to Limit Money Bail Gains Steam in California
If fixing our health care system seems daunting, what about updating a century-old bail system that critics say favors the rich. Every year in California, nearly 1 million people are arrested and booked into jail. If you can pay, you're free on bail. But if you can't, you're stuck in jail. Now, California and two dozen other states are looking at upending this system. KQED reporters Sukey Lewis and Marisa Lagos have been digging into the debate.
Feds Approve $647 Million Grant for Caltrain Electrification Project
Federal officials have OKd funds for a Bay Area transit project that's been at the center of a partisan dispute in the state's congressional delegation. KQED's Dan Brekke reports on a victory for commuters and California Democrats.
State Lawmakers Push for a Stricter Cap-and-Trade Plan
California set ambitious goals last year to reduce green house gas emissions. Now, how to get there? KQED's Politics and Government Desk, Guy Marzorati reports that supporters of stricter environmental rules have leverage.
Bill Would Fine Coastal Property Owners Who Don't Permanently Fix Sea Walls
Assemblymember Mark Stone wants property owners with emergency sea walls to make more permanent fixes. A bill working its way through the state Legislature would fine people who don't. Stone joined The California Report's John Sepulvado to explain why this is a priority for him.