Podcast

The Townsend Plan: The forgotten movement that shaped Social Security

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: In September 1933, in the depths of the Depression, Dr. Francis Townsend wrote a letter to the Long Beach Press-Telegram with an idea that would end the Depression and alleviate the endemic poverty for the nation’s elderly. Two years later his idea was a bill in congress. Our guest today, Dr. Edwin Amenta is the author of When Movements Matter: The Townsend Plan and the Rise of Social Security. He tells the story of the Townsend Plan, how it became a movement and how it changed the conversation about old age pensions in America and ultimately shaped the Social Security we know today.

Experts Expound

Experts Expound: Ballot measures

Image by Svanblar

There are 10 ballot measures set to go before voters in November. Which of them, if passed, will have the most long-term impact on Californians? Our experts weigh in.

Analysis

CA120: Harris surges – and softens – in latest polls

(AP Photo)

As Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on Thursday as the official presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, she will face a short 74-day campaign, with California voters getting their ballots in just over 6 weeks.

The Capitol Weekly poll has continued to survey California voters as the campaigns have navigated the twists and

Micheli Files

Second year end-of-session rule reminders

Image by Fokusiert

As the 2023-24 Legislative Session comes to a close on Saturday, August 31, there are a number of reminders of key rules to keep in mind during the final four weeks of the Session.

Podcast

A look at jobs, wages and workforce training with Lisa Countryman-Quiroz

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz is the CEO of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) – a San Francisco nonprofit that helps jobseekers gain the skills and confidence to secure high quality jobs at a living wage. Since 1973, JVS has helped more than 100,000 Californians find quality jobs and gain economic mobility. While the organization is rooted in Jewish tradition, JVS serves individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.

News

Capitol Briefs: Suspense actions, Big Prop 36 news

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolie

The suspense files have been cleared and one major bill package has been too. But there are still two weeks of high intensity action to come in this year’s legislative session.

News

The Capitol Weekly Top 100: Sweet Sixteen!

Photo by Mike Rafter, taken at the California Lowrider Holiday. Design by Ted Angel

We bring you the 16th Edition of The Capitol Weekly Top 100. First published in 2009, the Top 100 is our annual analysis of the unelected political power structure in California. We rank the behind the scenes players who influence policy, elections and governance, including Capitol staff, lobbyists, Agency staff, donors, business leaders, activists, Labor leaders – and even journalists.

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