Journalist Greg Lucas as State Librarian? Yes!
When Governor Jerry Brown nominated journalist Greg Lucas, as state librarian there was an immediate backlash from some in the library community. They charged that Lucas was unqualified for the job. However, in this corner, Brown’s nomination is an inspired choice. Lucas will bring uncommon insight and a fresh perspective to the job. Lucas served […]
California’s Taxing Dilemma
As the April 15 deadline for filing taxes looms, we asked Californians in the latest PPIC Statewide Survey how they view their state and local tax burden. Their responses point to a disconnect between public opinion and the views of many fiscal reformers. A record-high 60 percent say that they pay more than they feel […]
Bullet Train Not All that Environmentally Friendly
Governor Brown wants to use cap and trade fees to help pay for the state’s high speed rail project. Those fees are assessed against enterprises in California that emit greenhouse gases and are supposed to be spent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Governor Brown argues that the bullet train will reduce greenhouse gases, so spending […]
California – Lack Of Business, As Usual
Nearly 8.0% of Californians are currently unemployed compared to the national average of 6.7%. Using an alternative method of looking at poverty, which includes factors such as cost of living and public benefits, the official rate released by the U.S. Census Bureau this past September determined that over a three year period, California has more […]