California’s 2016 Ballot Could be a Tax Blitzkrieg
If voters were a bit underwhelmed by the measures on the California ballot last week, just wait for the 2016 election. Already there is talk of potential initiatives on legalizing recreational marijuana, public pension reform, minimum wage increases and a basket full of tax hikes. The machinations around the tax issues could be most compelling […]
New Era for Initiatives?
California’s exceptional nature was on display again last Tuesday, as Democratic candidates swept the statewide races while Republicans scored big victories in the national midterm elections. An analysis by my PPIC colleagues Eric McGhee and Daniel Krimm shows that the state’s legislative races were closer this time around and a few competitive seats switched parties. […]
Why Can’t Older Californians Act Like Grown-Ups?
At a moment like this, younger Californians should read Mona Simpson. The novelist, who is also a UCLA English professor, may be best known these days as Steve Jobs’ biological sister; it was Simpson who told the world that the Apple chief’s final words were, “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow,” before he departed for […]
Buzz is Back for Brown 2016
In just a handful of weeks, speculation has returned, and hype has built, around the idea of a Jerry Brown candidacy for president. From one perspective, he has succeeded so much in California politics that he has disqualified himself. As the soon-to-be four-time governor of one of the most indelibly blue states, Brown has developed a reputation as a […]