Initiative Reform is Only the First Step for the Think Long Committee
Governor Brown signs SB 1253 with representatives of the initiative reform coalition. The author, Nathan Gardels, is on the far left. The passage of SB1253 by a wide bi-partisan margin in the Legislature, and its signature into law by Governor Jerry Brown, marks a milestone for California’s 100 year- old […]
Jerry Brown’s Veto Rate is Actually Quite Low (and What that Could Mean)
September 30th was the deadline for Governor Brown to sign or veto the 1,074 bills sent to his desk by the legislature, officially ending the 2013-2014 legislative session. And most of them he signed; vetoing 13.3% of the bills. But how does Jerry Brown 2.0’s veto rate compare to past Governors and what does it […]
Brown Should Apply Logic of Ethics Bills Vetoes to the Rainy Day Fund
Gov. Jerry Brown should re-read his very strong language vetoing ethics bills. And then he should think hard, again, about his rainy day fund, Prop 2. Applying the wisdom of the ethics bills vetoes – that adding more ethics rules would make the already existing rules too complex – might lead him to reconsider a […]
Lawsuit Abuse Wastes Tax Dollars Meant For Education
As president of the Robla School District Board of Trustees, I take my duty to spend taxpayer dollars as effectively as possible very seriously. That’s what makes it so frustrating when attorneys file abusive lawsuits against the district in search of a quick payday – something that happens across the state with alarming frequency. With […]
2013 CalPERS Payouts Online at Transparent California
CalPERS financial struggles are draining state taxpayers. The ever-increasing contribution rates it demands from state and local governments have already bankrupted several cities. Even for more financially stable agencies, increased CalPERS contributions have crowded out other spending priorities or tax relief. While discussions about unfunded liabilities and projected rates of return are necessary and important, […]