Here's your daily briefing...
Budget nearing reality: With a deadline just days away legislators and Governor Jerry Brown are hammering out the final details of the state’s annual budget. Among the fine print: increased funding for primary and secondary schools, along with the 23-campus California State University system, meanwhile the University of California’s Office of the President will see it’s spending separated from UC’s overall budget following a blistering state audit of the UCOP’s spending.
Tax authorities could see wings clipped: Following a scandal where members were caught illegally using state money for political events, language shoved into the proposed state budget would strip just about all powers from the state Board of Equalization, other than those granted by the state constitution. If approved, the powers would bounce to the Governor’s office.
Costly coffin nails to boost Medi-Cal: Officials are finalizing plans on how they’ll spend revenue from the additional $2 cigarette tax. A few of the details to emerge: chronically underpaid Medi-Cal serving doctors and dentists will see a bump in reimbursement rates, which should convince more practitioners to accept the subsidized insurance. More money will also go to fund Medi-Cal generally—though the Trump administration could nix both initiatives.
Smoke clearing on weed bill: A few of the many unknowns surrounding how marijuana legalization in California are coming into focus as a legislative deadline approaches. Like other agricultural commodities, small scale pot growers will be able to form agricultural co-ops, like Blue Diamond nuts or Land O’ Lakes dairy. The current proposal also allows growers to market weed, like wine, by appellation. Will Berry Creek Reserva provide better value than Transcendental Trinity? Only time will tell.
And, on the California Report: California Arts Council announces record-breaking grants worth $15 million…New app helps job seeking ex-cons clear their records ... Congressman Brad Sherman drafts articles of impeachment against President Trump …and, cannabis tourism budding after statewide legalization.