California's $68 Billion Deficit Sparks Urgent Calls for Healthcare Wage Law Reform

California Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking "major reforms" to the healthcare wage law in order to address the state's projected $68 billion budget deficit. The law, which aims to raise the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 an hour, may be narrowed down to fewer workers or its implementation may be delayed. The budget deficit was revealed in a report by the Legislative Analyst's Office, which also suggested various measures to reduce the shortfall. Newsom's office plans to meet with lawmakers and stakeholders to discuss healthcare wages in the coming weeks, and he is expected to unveil his budget plan on January 10.