John Laird
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019, file photo, California state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, of San Diego, speaks on the floor of the Senate in Sacramento, Calif. On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, Senate Democrats outlined their plan to spend the state's projected multi-billion dollar budget surplus this year. It includes giving government-funded health insurance to low-income adults living in the country illegally and expanding tuition grants to help students pay for college without going into debt. Atkins, a Democrat from San Diego, said the plan was "more ambitious than any legislative budget proposal in memory." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
Immigrant health care is on California Senate's wish list

By Adam Beam Apr. 14, 2021 06:49 PM EDT

FILE — In this Thursday June 25, 2020 file photo State Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove, of Bakersfield, talks with Sen. John Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa before at the Capitol, in Sacramento, Calif. When the Legislature reconvenes Monday for the first time since last month's election, Grove will have two less members in her caucus. Both Moorlach and Sen. Ling Ling Chang, of Diamond Bar, lost their reelection bids leaving the Senate just 9 Republican Senators as compared to the 31 Democrats. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
Coronavirus, depleted GOP shape new California Legislature

By Don Thompson Dec. 06, 2020 11:39 AM EST