[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Samuel S. Kang
Legal Counsel
The Greenlining Institute

California is facing a record budget deficit of over $15 billion. Many of the state’s poorest communities have already started to make painful cuts to vital services like education and public transportation. Despite all the debate in Sacramento, good ideas seem to be in short supply.

Governor Schwarzenegger, for example, is proposing ideas that largely burdens low and moderate income families to close the gap, such as increasing college tuition, mortgaging the state lottery, and increasing the sales tax. Each of these ideas has been soundly criticized by legislatures and non-partisan fiscal watchdogs. All the while, the Governor has conveniently overlooked tax loopholes that allow California’s wealthiest residents avoid paying sales tax on their new yachts.

One idea, however, has the potential to help maintain vital public services while saving California’s taxpayers billions of dollars. That idea has now turned into a reality under the courageous leadership of State Treasurer Bill Lockyer.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) asked California likely voters for their opinions on the two statewide ballot propositions on the June election ballot, and the results show Prop 98, which would abolish renter protections is already losing while a rival measure to reform eminent domain, Prop 99, is ahead with the voters.

In their 33 page survey just released, the PPIC found Prop 98 losing amongst all voters 37% to 41% with 22% expressing no opinion, when asked the following question:

“Proposition 98 is called ‘Eminent Domain Limits on Government Authority Initiative Constitutional Amendment.’ It bars state and local governments from taking or damaging private property for private uses. It prohibits rent control and similar measures, eliminates deference to government in property rights cases, and changes condemnation rules. Fiscal impact includes increased costs to many governments due to the measure’s restrictions. The net statewide fiscal effect, however, probably would not be significant. If the June primary election were held today, would you vote yes or no on Proposition 98?”

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By TrafficBulldog

Carpooling. Seems simple enough. We build the HOV lanes, so why is participation dropping? It is all about people’s ability to find a carpool partner. The government terms it “rideshare matching”.

We have State and Local governments that oversee problems of : Traffic Congestion, Air Pollution, Global Warming, High Oil Prices, and the expectation that Californian domestic crude oil will run dry in 26 years, which fuels War over Oil.

There is CalEPA, California Air Resources Board, California Climate Action Team, the various Air Quality Management Districts, Caltrans, California Energy Commission, National Guard, the various Metro/Regional Transportation Authorities, and of course our elected leaders.

So far, we are starting to look like we are in the 1970’s again. The air is brown, traffic congestion continues to get worse, and oil prices are skyrocketing. Those were the ingredients that caused a Federal EPA take action and create carpooling programs. It was either that or even/odd day driving privileges.

Well, here we are 30 years later, but things have changed.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I've seen some sniping about driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in the presidential race, and I just don't get it. Perhaps granting driver's licenses is a reasonable framing for the state level, but it simply is not an issue that our president will need to address. And at any rate, both candidates support them. You see they both support comprehensive immigration reform.

From Senator Clinton:

Hillary has consistently called for comprehensive immigration reform that respects our immigrant heritage and honors the rule of law. She believes comprehensive reform must have as essential ingredients a strengthening of our borders, greater cross-cooperation with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, federal assistance to our state and local governments, strict penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar. (Emphasis added, HillaryClinton.com)

From Senator Obama:

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By John Garamendi
Lieutenant Governor
State of California

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]