Micheli Minute
The Micheli Minute for September 23rd
Lobbyist and author Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week in Sacramento.
Posts Tagged: legislative
Micheli Files
Can the public be excluded from legislative committee hearings or floor sessions?
No access. Image by Mary HerronSome in the Capitol community believe there are unnecessary limitations on the public’s ability to access some of the committee hearings and floor sessions of the California Legislature. Are these limits on public participation permissible under state laws?
News
Rising Stars: Dana Cruz, California Judicial Council
Dana Cruz. Photo by Scott Duncan, Capitol WeeklyAt 32 years old, Capitol Weekly Rising Star Dana Cruz has already served in the military, passed the California Bar Exam, and worked in all three branches of California State Government.
Opinion
Why AB 884 is a vital step for California’s diverse democracy
Diverse cultures, image by BobbozOPINION – As the author of Assembly Bill 884, I am committed to ensuring that every Californian, regardless of their language preference, can fully engage in our democratic process. In a state as diverse as ours, it’s clear that our voting system needs to evolve to truly represent all voices.
Opinion
Strengthening enforcement against illegal flavored vaping products
e-cigarettes, vaping, image by Yana Tikhonova OPINION – As students return to campus this month, the presence of vaping is becoming normalized and more prevalent. It’s shocking that our youth’s awareness about the harm these products can cause remains stubbornly low.
Micheli Files
Role of the judiciary in the lawmaking process
California courts, image by NanoStockkMembers of the state and federal judiciary branches play a role in the California lawmaking process as a part of our government’s system of “checks and balances.” When California statutes or regulations are legally challenged, for example, then the state or federal court that makes a determination establishes a policy for the state.
Opinion
Securing California’s future water supply is critical
The California Aqueduct Located in the Desert City Palmdale. Image by Brandon BoucherOPINION – Unless a new bill to grow California’s essential water supply, SB 366 (Caballero), is signed into law, our only progress on water supply this year – as this summer’s record temperatures foreshadow potential droughts to come – will be another, dubious conservation mandate, which is a multi-billion-dollar effort for a miniscule volume of water.
Capitol Briefs
Capitol Briefs: Admissions, AI and dyes, oh my!
California State Capitol dome at dusk. Image by WallentineLawmakers are rapidly filling up Gov. Gavin Newsom’s September dance card, sending him scores of bills before they adjourn on Saturday. Here’s a list of some of the ones from yesterday that caught our eye.
Experts Expound
Experts Expound: Ballot measures
Image by SvanblarThere are 10 ballot measures set to go before voters in November. Which of them, if passed, will have the most long-term impact on Californians? Our experts weigh in.
Opinion
Ensuring park and beach access for all
View of a public park in Santa Barbara. Image by Jack N. MohrOPINION – Studies have continuously shown that spending time in nature does more than just refresh the body, it renews the spirit and mind. Parks and beaches offer a place to play and they offer a place to belong by knitting our communities together in ways that are hard to quantify, but easy to feel.