Micheli Files
What is a substantive change in the law?
Image by Andrey_PopovWhether a bill proposes to make a substantive or non-substantive change in law has several implications. Inquiring legislative minds want to know.
Image by Andrey_PopovPodcast
Changemaker: Kristina Bas Hamilton
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: As California stares down the largest budget deficit in a decade, lawmakers – most of whom have never governed during a down time – will be facing hard choices. Labor lobbyist Kristina Bas Hamilton remembers the rough days of the Great Recession, and sat down with us to talk about what this go round might be like, and how it will differ from the past. She also talks with us about her podcast, and her new book, Changemaker: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol, a How-To guide for working with lawmakers.
Micheli Files
Judicial branch glossary of terms
The judicial branch of government has its own unique language. The purpose of this glossary is to provide a listing of terms and phrases related to the judicial branch of California state government for those who work in and around the State Capitol.
Experts Expound
Experts Expound: Making the Capitol work better
Image by Robert SchlieWe’re down to just a few days left in 2023, which makes it a good time for a bit of reflection…and one final question for the year for our stable of Capitol experts: If you were king for a day, what would you change about the Capitol to make it work more effectively?
Micheli Files
Pilot projects and sunset dates in California legislation
The idea behind pilot program legislation is to give a public policy proposal a try. As part of this effort, there is usually an effort to collect data and determine whether the temporarily adopted program is meeting expectations.
Micheli Files
Constitutional rules for the state budget
Image by esferaLike all things with government, there are a plethora of rules related to the California budget process. The provisions of law related to the State Budget are primarily contained in Section 12 of Article IV of the state Constitution. What are these provisions?
Rising Stars
Rising Stars: Maxie Holmberg-Douglas, Senate Republican Caucus
Maxie Holmberg-Douglas has had a passion for public speaking and storytelling from the age of 11, when she competed to be the local rodeo queen of her small town. Now at just 27 she is drawing high praise as the Director of Communications for the California Senate Republican Caucus.
News
CA 120: California’s confusing primary voting process explained
Image by Jim ValleeEven if former President Donald Trump stays on the California Republican primary ballot, there will be more than a quarter-million voters who have previously voted in a Republican Presidential primary who won’t find him on their ballot. And over 650,000 voters who previously voted in the Democratic primary who won’t find President Joe Biden on theirs.
Micheli Files
Practical tips for working with Office of Legislative Counsel
Image by r.classenThere are a lot of practical tips for working with the attorneys at the OLC. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating.
News
Rare stem cell success gives young girl life outside the bubble
Sheersha Sulack and Donald Kohn (with glasses) earlier this year on the day she received a cell treatment.One year ago this month, five-year-old Sheersha Sulack asked Santa to bring her a suitcase to carry her toys with her for an arduous treatment that her parents hoped would save her from a rare, life-threatening affliction known as the bubble baby disease. Development of the therapy is part of a unique effort that has put the Golden State at the forefront of the development of gene and cell therapies.