The Debate Over Extending Proposition 30
One of the most controversial issues that the governor and legislature face in 2015 is what to do about the Proposition 30 tax increase. This citizens’ initiative passed with a 55% yes vote in November 2012. The governor says this tax increase is meant to be temporary. But others say that the state budget situation […]
Who Cares What Voters Think?
A new PPIC poll finds that more Californians think their elected officials are doing a good job. But what do Californians know? Not much, as the same poll found. Indeed, it’s hard to give much credit to the opinion of Californians when it comes to government since they don’t know the first thing about their […]
Senate District 7 – All Democrats, Hardly Boring or Predictable
About 9 months ago, the race for State Senate in District 7 seemed boring. Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla would face term-limited Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan. Each Democrat woman would garner predictable endorsements from labor unions as well as regional officeholders. It would be a horse race between two well established Democrat women, both of whom are friendly […]
Veteran Lawmakers Embrace New Committee Assignments
As the new class of state lawmakers settles in to their jobs, Sacramento’s old hands are getting a jump start on the 2015-16 legislative session. Each session brings a biennial reshuffling of committee assignments. But some lawmakers aren’t waiting to get acquainted with their new perches. New committee chairs have already introduced legislative proposals to increase privacy rights, change the way transportation projects are […]
The U.S. Cities Where Hispanics Are Doing The Best Economically
Since 1980, the percentage of Americans who claim Hispanic heritage has grown from 6% to 17%. By 2040, Latinos will constitute roughly 24% of the population. Many Democrats no doubt see President Obama’s executive actions on immigration as a step not only to address legitimate human needs, but their own political future. But perhaps a more […]