Erica Werner
Washington Post
Washington, DC, United States
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Recent articles by Erica:
Surplus in Texas, deficit in California could inflame Washington debate
The diverging fortunes reflect differing philosophies, with Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom calling his state’s tax system “more fair.” → Read More
A Calif. law that takes wage-setting power from fast-food bosses sparks fight
The California law, which lets a state panel set fast-food wages, stands out at a time when efforts abound nationally to strengthen workers’ rights. Unions pledged to defend it. → Read More
How to be a widow: A guide from a wife who doesn’t know either
Since my husband, Bill, died of brain cancer in June, I’ve found myself unclear about what it means to grieve. → Read More
California is awash in renewable energy — except when it’s most needed
The state has moved quickly to build up solar power, but has not yet figured out how to store it for when demand peaks or to avert blackouts. → Read More
Advocates push nationwide movement for land return to Blacks after victory in California
Would the Bruce’s Beach case be a one-off, or a tipping point in a national struggle over Black land ownership? → Read More
In one California city, rising prices overshadow economy’s strength, spelling trouble for Democrats
Stock portfolios are up and the economy is strong in Santa Clarita, but everyone is noticing higher prices. → Read More
Los Angeles is aiming to be first major carbon-free U.S. city, but obstacles loom
Confronted by devastating wildfires, parching drought and ever-hotter summers, Los Angeles is launching an ambitious plan to combat climate change by becoming the first major U.S. city run entirely on clean energy. But it won’t be easy. → Read More
California lawmakers push to ban new drilling in wake of massive oil spill
California lawmakers demanded a stop to oil drilling off their state’s coast Tuesday as outrage grew over an enormous oil spill, and questions emerged about the timing and reporting of its detection. → Read More
Hollywood faces new crisis in strike threat from off-screen workers who keep productions running
The union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, began voting Friday morning on whether to authorize a strike, with electronic balloting continuing through Sunday night and an announcement expected Monday. A vote to authorize a strike doesn’t guarantee a walkout, but would hand union leaders a powerful tool to try to exact better terms in negotiations with the Alliance of… → Read More
Climate change lets mosquitoes flourish — and feast — in Los Angeles
Warmer weather has allowed the pesky bugs to multiply and thwart attempts to slow their spread. → Read More
In Los Angeles, price for admission at nation’s second-largest school district is a negative covid test — every single week
Los Angeles Unified’s mandatory mass testing program seen as model for nation → Read More
Southern California cities rebel against new mask mandate, hinting at delta variant drama to come
Regional rebellion shows how government response to Delta variant is dividing even liberal Southern California, a brawl that could play out all over the country. → Read More
Democrats’ messaging shifts as they pass Biden relief bill: From economic crisis rescue to poverty relief
Democrats hail legislation as the furthest-reaching social welfare bill since the Great Depression, topping even the Affordable Care Act. → Read More
Biden $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill nears finish line in Congress
Democratic leaders expressed confidence they would have the votes to approve the wide-ranging relief bill despite their slim majority and unified GOP opposition. → Read More
Senate to move forward on $1.9 trillion virus relief bill; Schumer says ‘we’ll have the votes’
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the Senate will move forward as soon as Wednesday on President Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill and pledged, “We’ll have the votes we need to pass the bill." → Read More
Minimum wage increase imperiled in covid relief bill by Senate official’s ruling
The guidance from the parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, was communicated privately to key Senate offices and confirmed by aides in both parties. It could be a major setback for liberals hoping to use Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill as the vehicle for their long-sought goal of raising the federal minimum wage from its current level of $7.25 an hour. → Read More
Focus on fate of $15 minimum wage in Senate as House prepares to take up Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill
Top Senate aides from both parties huddled with the Senate parliamentarian Wednesday morning to advance arguments about whether the minimum wage increase would be allowable under the complex Senate rules that will govern consideration of the legislation. → Read More
Schumer pledges final passage of $1.9 trillion relief bill ahead of March 14 unemployment insurance deadline
“The Senate is on track to send a robust $1.9 trillion package to the president’s desk before the March 14 expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits. We will meet this deadline,” Schumer wrote in a Friday letter to Senate Democrats. The House is prepared to take up the bill next week and pass it and send it to the Senate late in the week, perhaps Friday or Saturday. That would allow the… → Read More
Focus on Capitol Hill turns to passing Biden’s $1.9 trillion covid relief bill
Biden is participating in a CNN town hall Tuesday night to discuss the coronavirus, the economy and other issues. He is likely to use the opportunity to promote his relief plan, which includes a new round of $1,400 stimulus checks as well as hundreds of billions of dollars for schools, city and state governments, coronavirus testing and vaccine manufacture and distribution. The proposal would… → Read More
Republican Sen. Richard C. Shelby of Alabama announces he will retire in 2022
The longtime senator, who chaired the Appropriations Committee, becomes fourth GOP senator to announce retirement plans. → Read More