Census Deadline Approaches; Count Affects State Clout, Federal Funding
The unremitting pandemic and economic crises of 2020 have overshadowed what would normally have been a dominant event of community action: the decennial census....
Legislature Should Stick to COVID-19 Priorities
Despite their leaders’ vow to concentrate their attention on the pandemic and economic crises, it’s business as usual at the California Legislature.
In early spring,...
Poll Shows Strategies Voters Favor to Restore Economy
California voters are understandably anxious about the health and economic crises facing families and workplaces. The California Chamber of Commerce commissioned a brief survey...
How to Sabotage a Recovery: Raise Taxes
Even before COVID-19, many Californians were struggling with the high cost of living here. The long-time willingness of many Californians to pay the “sunshine...
2020 State Budget Depends on Borrowing, New Taxes and Action by Congress
The new state budget went into effect on time last week, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed 20 bills enacting hundreds of pages of new...
6 Things Legislature Can Do to Help State Recover from Economic Devastation
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the California economy, especially public-facing businesses. Entertainment—including motion pictures, television, live shows and theme parks—restaurants, accommodations and retail sectors...
Governor Lays Out Plan for Solving Record State Budget Deficit
Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed solving a record budget deficit by tapping reserves, borrowing money from special funds, deferring spending and raising some targeted...
Voters Putting Brakes on New Taxes, Bonds
After several election cycles opening their wallets, Californians used the March 3 ballot to express skepticism of new tax and bond measures.
Perhaps the biggest...
Homelessness, Public Safety Top Concerns for State Voters
California voters are anxious.
Reports of steady growth and low unemployment cheer political leaders, but voters are disturbed by decaying public order and an unaffordable...
Poll Shows Dropping Support for Split Roll, Largest Tax Hike in History
Backers of an initiative for the 2020 ballot to increase business property taxes have changed their measure twice since introducing it in 2017. The...
Split Roll Property Tax Increases: Several Proposals Pending for 2020
Proponents of an $11 billion split roll property tax increase refiled their ballot initiative last week, claiming “notable improvements to implementation dates, expansive new...
Employers Can Help Improve Skills Gap
California employers face major workforce challenges, especially a skills gap as high school-aged students enter the workforce without the tools necessary to succeed.
One strategy...
Robust Budget, Key Programs Rely on Private Sector Success
Taxes continue to pour into the state treasury, like spring snowmelt into Lake Oroville. Thanks to the engine of California’s private economy—the creativity of...
One-Year Countdown to Census
In just one year, the U.S. government will fulfill its once-a-decade duty to count every American. April 1, 2020 is Census Day.
Armed with a...
Governor Unveils Carrot-and-Stick Approach to Boost Housing Production
“The number one driver of cost of living is housing—housing is the issue. Unless we get serious about it, the state will continue to...
CalChamber Poll: Optimism on Jobs, Anxiety over Cost of Living
California voters are feeling better about the economy, but are still anxious about the cost of living, according to the recently released 2018 CalChamber...