Image by zimmytwsOPINION – California’s homeowners insurance crisis is making it more difficult to build and buy affordable homes — and in some cases impossible. By restricting the supply of housing, particularly condominiums and multi-family housing, lack of insurance availability is driving up consumer housing costs and limiting the lowest priced homeownership option for consumers.
Longtime Capitol lobbyist and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Chris Micheli is a “self-professed legislative geek.” To that end, he has collected and is now sharing with us the following statistics from the recently-concluded 2023-24 California Legislative Session:
Image by Serhej CalkaOPINION – Veterans, like all Californians, deserve leaders who take constructive actions to create opportunities and empower them to succeed. Supporting the Kroger-Albertsons merger is one such action—one that will protect jobs, support businesses, and help ensure a brighter future for our communities.
Image by Sansert SangsakawratOPINION – This summer in California has been full of both impressive renewable energy milestones and concerning climate change impacts. These contradictions prove that we still have a long way to go on the road to 100% clean, renewable energy, and how important it is for California to drive quickly toward its goals.
Image by Associated PressWhile state lawmakers and local government electeds have been complaining about the Governor’s more aggressive actions on cleaning up homeless encampments, the fact is that he has the voters on his side.
Image by LUNAMARINAOPINION – AB 1755 represents a necessary step forward in modernizing the state’s lemon law, keeping it strong and effective while making the legal process faster and more efficient for everyone.
Image by Oleksandr FilonOPINION – With each passing year, the impacts of climate change become more severe, and the need for reliable, affordable energy becomes more urgent. The “Unlock the Grid” package of bills offers a practical and forward-thinking solution that addresses both the immediate needs of our communities and the long-term sustainability of our energy system.
PImage by megafloppTight regulations over the California cannabis industry disallow the preparation and sales of food and beverages in licensed cannabis consumption spaces. This puts them at a severe disadvantage compared to bars, clubs and other venues that can serve alcohol along with food.
Image by EyeEm Mobile GmbHOPINION – Upgrading California’s schools to be climate-safe will be a monumental task, but it begins with a plan. That’s why we support SB 1182, recently passed by the California legislature, which would require the state to create a master plan to enhance the health, safety, and resilience of our schools.
Asm. James Gallagher speaks at Capitol Weekly's California Ballot Forum. California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks, left; Capitol Weekly editor Rich Ehisen, center. Photo by Joha Harrison, Capitol WeeklyIn the wake of Tuesday’s heated presidential debate, Capitol Weekly’s CALIFORNIA BALLOT FORUM: 2024 Election Preview brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss some of the most contentious issues on this year’s ballot: minimum wage, rent control, and penalties for theft and drug crimes.