Micheli Files

Using conference committees may improve the legislative process

Image by Rawpixel

In the past, the California Legislature used conference committees as a part of the legislative process. However, despite extensive rules and procedures for their use that still exist today in the Joint Rules and the respective house rules, the conference committee in the California Legislature is largely nonexistent today.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness

California State Capitol building in the warm light of the setting sun. Image by rschlie

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness. It’s going to be a really busy few days before everyone heads off to summer recess, so here’s a few things to ponder before you go.

Podcast

We ask Christy Smith: When does the California Legislature hit Gender Parity?

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We welcome Christy Smith, the former Democratic Assemblymember for California’s 38th Assembly District. Smith also ran three times for Congress. Today she is the Executive Director for Emerge California, the state’s arm of the national organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. She spoke with us about the likelihood that the California Legislature will achieve gender parity in the near future, and about the unique challenges that face women candidates.

Experts Expound

Experts Expound: Who won the debate?

Photo by Associated Press

The first – and hopefully only – presidential debate was held last night. With so much at stake in the November election, it seemed right to ask our panel of experts who they thought won the contest. Per usual, they didn’t hold back.

News

California legislative process obstacles

Image by cbies

It does not come as a surprise for readers to know there are numerous obstacles to overcome during the legislative process in the California Legislature. These obstacles are generally categorized as policy, fiscal, and political obstacles that may need to be addressed as a bill makes its way through the legislative process in this state.

Obituary

Steven Suchil: a remembrance

Steve and Jan Suchil

As he became a fixture in Sacramento’s Capitol community during a 36-year career working on insurance and finance issues in the California Legislature, State executive agencies and the private sector, Steven M. Suchil had a simple formula for success. “To be effective,” he said, “your word has to be your bond.”

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