The California Legislature has rejected a chance to save California taxpayers and their cash-strapped state more than $200 million. Unlike previous backroom deals that resulted in waste, this one took place in full view. Read more
There currently exists a device capable of reducing water bills for millions of California renters and conserving water to boot. Too bad it’s not available in the state, even though a stroke of a pen would make it happen. Read more
The California Housing Consortium and California Coalition for Affordable Housing recently told Governor Schwarzenegger that affordable housing in California “continues to lag far behind the desperate need.” Fortunately, there is a way to alleviate the problem. Read more
Despite the recent passage of legislation to reform California’s workers’ compensation system, skyrocketing system costs remain a major obstacle to job creation and economic growth in the state. California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, a Democrat, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, have each released reform plans. The governor convened a special session of the state Legislature on November 18 to address the workers’ comp crisis, and legislation has been introduced modeled after the governor’s plan. Read more
SACRAMENTO, CA – A case filed in Superior Court here this week could reveal which state legislator or legislators are responsible for avoiding the competitive bidding process mandated by the California Public Contract Code. Read more
Lost in the chatter about California’s budget crisis, electricity crisis, water crisis, and now recall crisis, is the workers’ compensation crisis. Yet it threatens to do more damage to the state’s business climate than any other factor. And workers’ comp will soon get worse. Read more
While California laments a bad economy and massive budget deficit, organized labor is celebrating recent legislative victories that include paid family leave, changes in overtime rules, and a living-wage law. Bills high on labor’s agenda this year such as “play or pay” health care and extending unemployment benefits are moving through the Legislature. Read more
The California Victim Compensation Program is bankrupt after spending its reserve fund of $96.7 million over the past four years. It now faces a deficit of $80 million by June 2004. Program officials claim they are victims of their own success. In reality, crime victims are now victims of the program’s financial mismanagement. Read more
California governor Gray Davis received the first California Golden Fleece Award for his failure to protect the state’s fiscal health by cutting waste from the state budget. The award, presented quarterly by the San Francisco-based Pacific Research Institute, spotlights wasteful California state or local spending programs or regulations that fleece Californians. Mr. Davis well deserves the award. Read more
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