California gas prices ‘shaping up to be the highest on record.’ What you’ll pay
The Sacramento Bee – Gas prices are climbing across the country as ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran continue to put pressure on global oil markets.
California’s invisible ‘port tax’ is costing every American
Orange County Register – The ships idling off the California coast aren’t just waiting for a dock—they’re waiting on government policy. The cost of these delays is embedded into every American taxpayer’s bill, as products needed for basic utilities and everyday groceries take longer and cost more to reach American households.
What California’s Next Governor Needs to Know about Affordability
Public Policy Institute of California – California’s next governor will lead one of the most productive, wealthy, and expensive places to live and do business in the nation. Affordability concerns remain top of mind for Californians: 96% of likely voters say affordability and cost of living are very (61%) or somewhat (35%) important in determining their […]
California’s Tax Showdown: Billionaires Tax, Millionaires Tax, and More on November Ballot
Daily Signal – A lot is at stake on the November ballot, as Californians will decide whether to approve a series of tax-related ballot measures that could reshape how the state raises and spends money as lawmakers grapple with multibillion-dollar budget deficits.
California employer health premiums will cost as much as a new car in 2027
Los Angeles Times – Employers are bracing for what could be the highest rise in health insurance premiums in 16 years in 2027, driving up the average cost of family coverage in California to more than $30,000 — the price of a new compact car.
A $10B Medi-Cal question looms over California’s race for governor
San Francisco Chronicle – For decades, Californians have generally said that immigrants, who make up more than a quarter of the state’s population and a third of its labor force, are beneficial to the state and its economy. But budget instability and concerns about rising costs are spilling into a debate over the controversial and […]
Californians Get Stingier at the Ballot Box as Costs Rise
The New York Times – Californians say they can’t afford housing. They find gas prices too high. And when they were asked at the polls this month to pay higher taxes, fewer voters than usual were willing to do so in the liberal state.
America’s Economic Anxiety Is Rising Up the Income Ladder
The Wall Street Journal – America’s economic anxiety is rising up the income ladder. A new Wall Street Journal poll finds that even those who consider themselves among the wealthiest classes in America carry high levels of concern about their current finances, the years ahead and the prospects for their children.
Southern California inflation hits 5-month high as gas prices jump 27%
Orange County Register – Balancing a household budget became trickier this spring as rising gasoline prices boosted Southern California inflation to its 2026 high. My trusty spreadsheet reviewed May’s Consumer Price Index report, averaging results for local regions – Los Angeles and Orange counties, the Inland Empire and San Diego – and comparing local cost-of-living […]
Another sales tax hike? Rising costs a concern for L.A. voters in healthcare measure
Los Angeles Times – It’s been years since Los Angeles County voters met a sales tax they didn’t like. They agreed to pay half a cent more at the cash register to fund buses, trains and pothole fillings in 2016. The next year, they gave a quarter-cent more to fund homeless services. In 2024, voters […]