Californians Need Unbiased Information to Make Informed Decisions
In a recent piece commenting on the Public Policy Institute of California’s latest poll, Fox & Hounds editor Joel Fox raised an important question: “How do we educate voters to the actual working of government so that they can offer wise thoughts to pollsters and cast educated votes in elections?” In other words – how can we […]
CA Legislature Must Stop Bullying UC
As the State Legislature holds a hearing about the University of California, consider the following: UC will collect $3.5 billion from the state this year, just six percent more than a decade ago. Since 2010, state spending on UC is up just two-thirds of the growth rate of state revenues and just a fraction of […]
Auditor Report a Reminder that UC Compensation is Out of Control
Last week’s report from State Auditor Elaine Howell reveals some disturbing budgeting and compensation practices at the University of California’s Office of the President (UCOP). But the problem isn’t just limited to UCOP; it is a systemwide phenomenon. We have previously reported that Robert Reich makes close to $300,000 annually to teach one class at […]
Middle Class must be Higher Priority for California Leaders
For years, economists, business leaders and policymakers warned that the decline in blue-collar manufacturing jobs in California would leave us with a shrinking middle class, limited economic mobility and a plethora of social ills traditionally equated with systemic poverty. A recent report by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation demonstrates that those warnings have become […]
I’m a Millennial and a Republican, and I believe we can win – here’s why…
When out-of-control legislatures, often controlled by Democrats, put their states’ future in danger, voters are electing business oriented, Republican governors to lead a turnaround – in historically progressive blue states. There are now 19 businessmen-governors in state houses across the country. Many of them are serving in elected office for the first time. Some prominent […]
Will Trump’s Proposals Destroy California Republicans?
In 1994 and again in 2010, Democrats suffered historic loses in the House of Representatives because newly minted Presidents Clinton and Obama forced their members walk the plank with unpopular votes on tax and health care bills. Now President Trump seems to be doing the same thing to his Republican backers, and the results look […]
Climate Change and Our Inner Elephant (Part 2): Measuring Success for the Climate and the Economy
In yesterday’s edition of Fox and Hounds, I explained that Californians see climate change as a serious issue, but do not favor regulatory actions that unfairly penalize them. Today, we’ll explore if there are opportunities for California to lead without placing the burden on the most vulnerable Californians and/or cause displacement of middle-income jobs to […]
Is CA a Good Place to Start a Small Business?
Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. We are in the midst of Small Business Week 2017 now and it’s important to know if California cities are welcoming to small business. Important because according […]
AB 1679: Reining in Insurance Department’s Regulatory Authority
After years of falling rates, the cost of auto insurance is now once again increasing across the nation. The problems of distracted driving and rising repair expenses are acting together to force rates up. Legislators in Capitol buildings throughout the country are directing their attention at the trend in an effort to ensure that their constituents have […]