Brown’s Decision on Funding Medical Supplies Understandable at the Time, Not Later
Should Gov. Jerry Brown be blamed for the lack of California medical supplies? Hindsight is an unsympathetic observer. It often measures past events by current circumstances. Brown’s decision of not continuing the funding of the state’s built-up medical supply reserves at the time he was facing a huge budget deficit is understandable—but an opportunity to […]
COVID-19 Changes the Initiative Landscape
The hard, can’t be waived, constitutional deadline for initiatives is 131 days for the Secretary of State to certify it. (Art. II, Sec. 8(c)) That date is June 25. However, the counties have to tabulate signatures by May 1, although that date CAN be changed as it’s not in the Constitution. The only ballot measure […]
Vote Sends Mixed Message on Growth
Measure A, the initiative that would have limited development in San Diego County, was narrowly defeated by local voters – handing homebuilders, local REALTORS® and other supporters a victory on the issue of regional growth. But, voters ultimately sent a mixed signal by also defeating Measure B, which was on the same ballot to allow […]
Pension Math
Lately we are often asked about the impact on pension costs from a stock market decline. Our answer might surprise you. On December 31, 1999, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 11,497. That fiscal year, the state spent $1.3 billion on pensions. 20 years later, the DJIA closed at 28,462. That fiscal year, the […]
Pressure Mounts for Property Tax Relief
From many corners, California politicians and tax officials are under increasing pressure to extend the current April 10 deadline for paying property tax bills. The request is not unreasonable and there are many ways that government can assist homeowners who are under threat of hefty penalties or tax foreclosures. To date, our political leaders have […]