Image by Andrii YalanskyiThere are several ways in which the Legislature can influence the rule-making activities of state executive branch agencies, primarily through the lawmaking and budgetary processes.
Seal of the State of California, image by Aaron KohrANALYSIS – Both the Assembly and Senate of the California Legislature, like other legislative bodies, utilize several rules, as well as customs and practices, for the purpose of ensuring that legislative deliberations and debate operate in a civil and orderly way. The individual house rules, as well as Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, provide guidance in this regard.
Outnumbered, image by Hernan E. SchmidtDuring one unremarkable time period of four weeks, the number of political filings was roughly 12 times greater than the total number of people working for the agency charged with overseeing the accuracy and legality of those very filings. And that was a slow month.
Image by lenetstan via shutterstockA proposal moving its way through the Legislature seeks to eliminate Medicare in California and pave the way for massive tax increases on California workers and employers.
Image by Niyazz via shutterstockMany questions can be raised when determining how intent statements, legislative findings and declarations should be viewed, particularly by the judicial branch of state government.
California Governor's sealHere are some practical tips that were shared with me for those working with the staff members of the Governor’s Legislative Unit.
Image by Adao via ShutterstockAbout a quarter of this country’s legislatures, including California, limits the number of bill introductions by their elected officials.
Image by retrorocket via shutterstockWomen have never achieved parity with their male colleagues in the California Legislature. Many advocates believe that could change before the end of the decade, but getting there is hardly a given.
Image by Adao via ShutterstockANALYSIS: In the California Legislature, there are six possible vote thresholds required for passage of bills in order to enact a statute. We look at each.
Image by Dmitry Demidovich via ShutterstockThis is the second in a series looking at efforts to reach gender parity in the California Legislature. Today we offer a closer look at one of the biggest challenges female candidates and officeholders face – parenting. Read Part I here.
Running for office was one of the scariest experiences of