Super Bowl LIV Socio-Economic Studies
The Kansas City Chiefs came from behind to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV. The game has been endlessly analyzed but some related economic and social issues could use similar attention. For example, nothing like the college admissions scandal was going on. Celebrity status might help stars such as Beyoncé and […]
All Eyes on March
The California Target Book’s latest California political update, “All Eyes on March”, will be this Thursday, the 13th, from 1:30 until 5:00 in the CalChamber Conference Room, 1215 K Street, 14th floor. Secretary of State Alex Padilla headlines the event that features panel discussions on Ground Campaigns, Independent Expenditures and Ballot Measures, as well as […]
CA Politicians Hate the Federal Tax Deducibility Cap. It’s Unlikely to Go Away
Recently, Dan Walters in CalMatters gave an excellent summation about how California builds its budget on the backs of rich taxpayers and the inherent dangers of doing so when the economy turns down. Within the article Walters suggested the Trump tax cut that caps state tax deductibility on federal tax forms may not be removed […]
Disinformation in Sacramento
The Washington Post’s masthead reads “Democracy Dies in Darkness” but sometimes democracy dies in plain sight in Sacramento, where unverified assertions are often employed to justify billions in spending, cover up accounting frauds, shift blame for undue political influence, and more. For example, whenever a new contract for state prison employees is under consideration, legislators […]
Boycott Real ID
Do you love your freedoms? Then defy your state and national governments—and refuse to get a “Real ID.” “Real ID” is an idea so bad it should be boycotted by patriots of all stripes. “Real ID” refers to state driver’s licenses that meet newly enforced federal guidelines. As of October 1, 2020, you will not […]
The California Primary—Missed Again?
Once again it looks like California has moved up its primary to Super Tuesday at exactly the wrong time. We did this in 2008, and ended up being an afterthought. It could be even worse for California Democrats in 2020, because it looks like a long slog to the Democratic nomination in July, and California […]
Late Voter Registration Change Encourages Possible Gamesmanship & Mischief
As Tony Quinn explained in his column today, expect delays and confusion in California’s primary election because of the state’s liberal election laws but add to that mix the possibility of gamesmanship and mischief if a bill now under consideration becomes law before the primary. Under contemplation by the legislature is SB 207 by Democratic […]
Climate Change: Moving from Fear to Shame
It’s apparent that fear of impending doom caused by climate change hasn’t moved the public-opinion needle. Pollsters tell us the issue is not viewed as a great problem or isn’t troubling most Americans. In fact, according to the Gallup organization, global climate change doesn’t even make the top 10 of matters vexing national voters – […]
Can Californians afford California? How to flatten the cost curve
Yesterday I wrote of the persistent paradox in California: a state enjoying great economic success suffering depopulation by middle class and working residents. Today I identify some of the key affordability issues and how elected officials can address them. Housing California’s infamous housing crisis lies at the center of much of the state’s ills, from […]