Health Insurance Rate Shock Looms for California Consumers
State-run health insurance exchanges are one of the most important developments from the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). True to form, California was an early adopter of insurance exchanges, approving legislation in 2010. Called “Covered California,” the exchange is up-and-running with the help of federal grants and state administration support. California has also opted in […]
Who Needs CEQA When You’ve Got Local Ballot Measures?
CEQA reform could be a good thing for California. But it’s also overrated. Especially in a state with direct democracy. So let me offer the following prediction: if CEQA is changed to reduce the ability of businesses to use the law to frustrate competitors and to make it harder for local communities and environmental groups […]
Separating Fact from Fiction in the Plastic Bag Debate
The debate taking place throughout California about plastic bags continues to grab headlines. This is especially true in San Mateo County. Incorporated cities are considering joining a county-wide plastic bag ban and now a statewide ban has been proposed for the state. These bills are based on common misperceptions about bags. As a retired captain […]
Prescription for an Ailing California
Only a fool, or perhaps a politician or media pundit, would say California is not in trouble, despite some modest recent improvements in employment and a decline in migration out of the state. Yet the patient, if still very sick, is curable, if the right medicine is taken, followed by the proper change in lifestyle […]
Some Important History on California High Speed Rail
Governor Brown in his State of the State address saved advocating for High Speed Rail until the very end. Trying to impress, he made sure that everyone knew he had authored the original legislation over 30 years ago. One really should examine that history and learn the result of that legislation. With these facts in […]