Commentary
California Needs a Digital Trade Deal
It’s no secret that technology is the backbone of California’s economy. In fact, despite the roadblocks posed by the pandemic, the tech sector helped...
Record Budget Surplus Calls for Tripling Down on UI Fund Offset
Californians have traveled a bumpy road to post-pandemic recovery, with healthy employment and wage growth on the one hand, but soaring inflation and cost-of-living...
Extending CalCompetes Incentive Program Key to Job Growth, Statewide Investments
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered the deepest recession since the Great Depression. But just as the economic toll was steep, so is our economic recovery.
Much...
World Trade Month: International Trade Critical to Weather Economic Downturns
After a year of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that has been hindered by a supply chain crisis, the war in Ukraine...
We’ve Reached Peak Budget
The Legislative Analyst has cried “last call” for the state budget bash.
Even as the State Legislature enjoys the prospect of spending record budget surpluses,...
Environmental Law Abuse Hurts Students
If an investment in knowledge pays the best interest, California is failing to maximize its returns.
On March 3, the California Supreme Court rejected the...
Revenue Windfall Provides Opportunity
California’s mighty work-from-home economic engine continues to create massive value for workers, employers and entrepreneurs — and not incidentally for the state treasury.
The nonpartisan...
State Leaders Should Use Budget Surplus to Restore Tax Incentives, Repay UI Debt
Only 18 months ago, expecting a massive pandemic-induced collapse of economic activity, California finance officials predicted a staggering $54 billion state budget deficit. The...
Is Direct Democracy Under Attack in State?
Sometimes it seems that nobody likes California’s direct democracy — except the voters.
Some legislators seem to resent it. During the last legislative session (and...
Regional Collaboration Key to Keeping Power Flowing Amid Drought, Heat Waves
In May, when the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued its annual Summer Assessment of the state’s electrical grid, I used the term “guarded...
