U.C. Berkeley Labor Center

California is dismantling its healthcare system due to budget shortfalls and federal restrictions, reversing decades of progress in expanding Medi-Cal coverage. Analysis projects the state’s uninsured rate could nearly double to 15% by 2030, disproportionately affecting undocumented immigrants, low-income residents, and Black and Asian Californians.

California previously achieved a 95% insured rate by expanding healthcare access, but budget shortfalls and federal restrictions are causing coverage rollbacks. Projections indicate the uninsured rate could rise to 15% by 2030, disproportionately affecting undocumented immigrants, low-income individuals, and Black and Asian Californians.

Asylon Robotics is deploying autonomous drones and robot dogs to address a security guard labor shortage, offering services at $120,000 to $170,000 annually. The security guard industry faces an 89% annual turnover rate in 2024, driven by low pay and poor benefits, creating demand for automated solutions.

Measure ER proposes a 0.5% sales tax increase in Los Angeles County to generate $1 billion annually for healthcare services amid federal Medi-Cal cuts. The tax would fund public hospitals, clinics, and safety-net health services for five years, with projections showing significant revenue loss from federal changes could lead to facility closures and layoffs.