As California's budget surplus swells, Governor Gavin Newsom wants to dole out more stimulus checks to families and middle-income workers.

Story by Nicole Nixon.

(Photo: California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Oakland, Calif., on Monday where he announced a new round of $600 stimulus checks residents making up to $75,000 a year. Newsom also announced a projected $75.7 billion budget surplus compared to last year's projected $54.3 billion shortfall - Justin Sullivan / Getty Images).

A new bill would establish a State Office of Health Care Affordability, which would set targets to keep costs down and require accountability.

Story by Suzanne Potter.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has just signed a bill that bans seabed mining, which destroys marine habitat in that state's coastal waters. Now California advocates are pressing for a ban in Golden State waters as well.

Story by Suzanne Potter.