Image by MehaniqMICHELI FILES: It is not the role of the legislative or executive branches of government to determine a statute’s constitutionality. Rather, that role is reserved to the third branch of government – the judicial branch.
Litigation image by Brian A JacksonMICHELI FILES: As a general rule (sometimes referred to as a “custom and practice”), the California Legislature prefers not to enact legislation that specifically makes a determination one way or the other regarding ongoing litigation that is pending at the same time that a piece of legislation is being considered.
Image by Manuela DursonOPINION – California is well-known for its bold and innovative policies that create equitable economic opportunities for all. But California does not have a similar tuition policy for Mexico students.
Image by PureRadiancePhotoOPINION: The “fourth wave” of the opioid epidemic is crashing through the state, causing a dramatic increase in overdose deaths. To address this, addiction treatment professionals, law enforcement, behavioral health advocates, and families impacted by overdose have come together to call on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign Senate Bill 641 by Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside) into law.
Cooperation image by metamorworksMICHELI FILES: In talking with former staff from the Department of Finance (DOF) the past few weeks, the following are the key practical tips that were shared with me for those working with the staff members of the Governor’s Finance Department. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating.
Kapri Walker, photo by Scott Duncan PhotographyBorn and raised in an exceptionally close family in sunny San Diego, Kapri Walker was initially hesitant to take the leap and begin building career roots in Sacramento. But our latest Capitol Weekly Rising Star couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return after her Capitol Fellowship position ended and she was offered a job as a legislative aide in Sen. Nancy Skinner’s office (D-Oakland).
Chris Micheli photo by Scott DuncanMany Capitol observers are aware of the single subject rule. Some know that the California Constitution, in Article II, Section 8(d), provides that “an initiative measure embracing more than one subject may not be submitted to the electors or have any effect.” But does a similar rule exist for bills considered by the California Legislature?
Public policy, image by AlexLMXANALYSIS – Readers of bills and statutes will regularly come across statements of legislative intent, such as paragraphs that usually begin with either “It is the intent of the Legislature to …” or “The Legislature finds and declares that …” On other occasions, readers may come across statements that “it is the policy of the state.” Both are expressed opinions or state desires of the Legislature.
EV charging network, image by rawf8OPINION – California is the “lab” for so many programs designed to fight climate change with other states and countries eagerly watching, ready to replicate our work. This is why the state needs to hit the reset button and ensure our EV charging networks are serving both our climate goals and the expectations of California drivers.
Image by PHOTOCREO Michal BednarekOPINION – In a state as large and important as California, it makes little sense for us to continue allowing ourselves to be so vulnerable to the vagaries of each shifting budget cycle. Instead, it makes much more sense to develop a more strategic, long-term social investment approach.