Senator Steve Glazer. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol WeeklyPanelists at Capitol Weekly’s Covering California: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State conference on Thursday were blunt in their assessment of the news business these days – it’s not good, and it probably won’t get better anytime soon.
Image by mnbbOPINION – Both the nation and state of California have committed to generational investments in transportation, energy, broadband and other types of public infrastructure. Reams of academic evidence tells us that when this happens, it is a boon both to the economy and to public budgets. But when it is done wrong, workers, taxpayers and businesses can all lose.
Image by wildpixelOPINION – Social scientists recognize that different people view issues differently and these perspectives are determined by their lived experiences. That’s why legislation currently being considered in Sacramento, Senate Bill 1137 (Smallwood-Cuevas, SD- 28), represents an important step toward preventing discrimination through the lens of intersectionality.
Image by dontree_mOPINION – California is leading on equitable decarbonization that uplifts vulnerable communities instead of imposing new burdens on them. Gutting our state’s visionary program would undermine our climate commitments and housing equity goals.
Coins and banknote in a glass jar placed on the textbook. Concept money saving for education.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.
Image by Sepp photographyOpinion – Climate change has clear causes and proven solutions but California’s investments in them are inadequate. Unless we square our investment with the scope of the challenge, the lives we build face dire but preventable risk.
Image by Yuriy KSome Capitol observers have posed the question whether budget trailer bills in the California Legislature are “shielded” or protected from a referendum challenge. The answer to this question has not been addressed by the judicial branch, but we can certainly make an educated guess. Let’s consider a few points.
CIRM chair Vito Imbasciani at the January CIRM board meeting, which was both online and in-person. California Stem Cell Report photoCalifornia’s $12 billion stem cell agency is under “’unprecedented strain” and is ready to impose a five-month hold on applications for the key, $15 million research awards that support the final steps in bringing revolutionary treatments to patients.
Image by MMD CreativeOPINION – CHCs and primary care physicians have long served as a safety net for communities of color. For far too long, our physicians, nurses and staff have witnessed the devastating challenges our patients face to access regular care for chronic health conditions, finding specialty care doctors who accept Medi-Cal, and accessing affordable medications.
Sen. Mike McGuire, photo by APNew Senate pro Tem Mike McGuire announced his Senate Democratic Leadership Team and committee membership assignments for the 2024 Legislative year. The Senate Rules Committee will ratify the committee memberships next Wednesday, February 14, 2024.