Next Steps in the Climate Change Policy Debate
Yesterday saw a strategic retreat by Governor Brown and legislative leaders on climate change policy. While disappointing to leaders who want to seize the moment, this is in truth a good time to reassess mechanisms to achieve climate and energy goals. Like most Californians, I believe our elected leaders should take sensible actions to address […]
No Gas Tax Increase for Now
There will be no immediate deal on tax increases for road infrastructure because Republicans have held fast arguing that while revenues are up road needs have been ignored. The facts appear to back them up. While 2015-16 state revenues are 37% higher than 2010-11, the last budget before Gov. Jerry Brown took office, state spending […]
Students Struggle on Test of New Standards
California gave its first statewide tests aligned with the Common Core standards last spring. The scores have just come out, with 40% of fourth-graders scoring proficient or better on the English Language Arts (ELA) test and 35% doing so in math. Scores for 8th and 11th grade are somewhat higher in ELA and lower in […]
Professional Football Has a California Problem
Pro football has a “California problem.” So say some of the most powerful people in the sport. And as a new National Football League season kicks off this weekend, they are busily pursuing thoughtless solutions to the California problem that won’t be good for the state or its biggest regions. Which makes this the right […]
Asset Forfeiture Reform: California’s Participation in Federal Program Threatened by Calling for Better Due Process
Legislation introduced in California to rein in police use and misuse of asset forfeiture laws in order to take people’s money and property (often without ever charging with them with a crime) has seen some significant changes in the Assembly since we’ve previously reported on it. A not-small amount of the text of Senate Bill 443 has been […]