News
Special interests, otherwise known as “lobbyist employers,” paid lobbying firms a little more than $76 million to lobby California state government in the first quarter of 2024, according to a Capitol Weekly analysis of lobbying firm reports.
Micheli Files
When drafting new laws in California or in other jurisdictions, sometimes interest groups and those drafting legislation may turn to model laws or uniform acts. They may also review similar laws adopted by the federal government or other states, or even other jurisdictions around the globe. As readers might imagine, there are positive and negative aspects of using these other laws when drafting legislation.
Podcast
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Nationwide, over half of all high school students are required to take a course on personal finance to graduate. In California, it’s just 1%. A ballot initiative proposed for the November ballot would change that: Backers submitted 900,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot in March, and the measure appears poised to be certified by the Secretary of State. Tim Ranzetta, teacher, entrepreneur and one of the leading proponents of The California Personal Finance Education Initiative tells us why he believes the measure is necessary.
Micheli Minute
Lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Opinion
OPINION – California is the premier state to watch for regulating kids’ online safety. From its robust data privacy law to the contentious Age Appropriate Design Code (AADC), the state presents a wealth of opportunities to get kids’ online safety right. However, crucial First Amendment concerns have blocked the implementation of the AADC, and critical questions remain on the best path forward to keep kids safe online.
Capitol Spotlight
A professional communicator with decades of experience, this month’s Capitol Spotlight subject Brian Green helps the California State Senate Democratic shape the stories it wants to tell.
Opinion
OPINION – Prior to the pandemic there was a clearer delineation between traditional schools and more flexible “nonclassroom-based public charter schools.” The old-line educational world looked down on teaching that did not involve 100% in-person instruction. But the pandemic changed the point of view of many teachers, parents, and students and realigned the education world around recognizing the value and benefits of more innovative, flexible, and personalized learning models that have demonstrated a track record of success with diverse populations of students for decades.
Opinion
OPINION – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has found his way on to the California Presidential ballot, but typical of his image, it was the most desperate, head-scratching, and absurd launch imaginable.
Flag of California in a mixed stack of coins. Image by eyegelb
