A Vote Too Far: Voters Should Not “Advise” The Legislature
With little fanfare, California leaders are on the verge of breaking new ground for statewide ballot measures. This is not a good thing. Passed by the Legislature and awaiting a decision from the Governor is a bill that would put to voters this November an advisory question as to whether Congress should propose an amendment […]
Berkeley Soda Tax Proposal: Questions & Confusions
Twenty-two years ago California voters showed disdain for putting a tax on snack foods by overwhelming passing Proposition 163 to rescind what was called “snack taxes” imposed at the behest of the Wilson Administration in the early 1990s budget crisis. This came to mind when the city council of Berkeley voted just before the July […]
Is Diversity the Source of America’s Genius?
An Irishman, a Jew, and a Mexican walk into a bar. It’s a classic set-up line for a classic American joke. But it’s also a means of coping with our diversity. We need such jokes. Despite all our slogans to the contrary, diversity such as ours isn’t always easy to negotiate. Humor is just one […]
Uphold LCFF’s Democratic Process
California’s school funding system – known formally as the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) – provides the opportunity for renewed civic engagement in our schools. LCFF stands to empower citizens to fully participate in a democratic process that’s occurring right in their backyard and to have a meaningful role in local decisions for the benefit […]
West Coast Ports Negotiations are Critical to Regional Economy
The initial deadline for reaching agreement on a new labor contract governing America’s 29 West Coast ports passed a week ago today and the uncertainty of negotiations has many businesses in Southern California worried. That is why the Chamber has joined with many other U.S. business organizations in encouraging the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and […]