The Drain 015 - Newsom's California budget: Prison closures, Ozempic cuts, Hollywood tax credits, and ending Medi-Cal for undocumented residents

Today we're doing a deep dive into Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed budget for the state of California. Facing a $12 billion deficit--due in large part to President Trump's tariff wars and rising costs--Newsom is tasked this year with making some big cuts. Many of these moves will serve as an outline for the direction he takes in his presumed 2028 presidential run. We tackle two of the biggest budget headlines today: Severe slashes to health care for undocumented Californians Closing another prison (the fifth since Newsom became governor) We also take a look at some of his quirkier decisions, such as increasing tax credits for Hollywood and cutting miracle weight-loss drug Ozempic from Medi-Cal. We also discuss some big news for The Drain--we're going to start airing weekly on KUTZ FM! Speaking of KUTZ, it looks like Sacramento's freeform radio station is roaring back to the airwaves, with a new antenna coming up on top of the Warehouse Artist Lofts downtown, and two more antennas in the pipeline. When all is said and done, the station is looking to reach listeners way up in Tahoe. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe to The Drain on your favorite podcast platforms. Questions? Comments? Pitches? Email us at [email protected]. And subscribe to our Patreon for premium Friday episodes of The Plug :) Oh, and we're on Bluesky: @thedrain.bsky.social, @palma.ltd, @yeshelloitskempa.bsky.social