"California's Controversial Proposal: Paying Striking Workers from Insolvent Taxpayer Fund"

California Democrat Anthony Portantino is pushing for a new version of Senate Bill 799 that would provide unemployment benefits to striking workers in the state. Despite California's unemployment insurance program being $18 billion in debt, Portantino believes it is necessary to support workers during labor unrest. He argues that the end of the pandemic and changes in the marketplace have contributed to the recent strikes in California. Critics, including a policy expert from the California Chamber of Commerce, argue that striking workers are not in the same vulnerable position as those seeking employment. The legislation previously failed in 2019 but Portantino is optimistic about its chances this time.