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: Legislature
Micheli Files
Formal roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in lawmaking
Gov. Gavin Newsom & Lt. Gov. Eleni KounalakisBoth the California Governor and the Lieutenant Governor have formal roles in the lawmaking process, despite the fact that this authority is granted to the legislative branch of state government pursuant to Article IV of the California Constitution.
Opinion
California’s students deserve climate-safe schools
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.
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
CALIFORNIA BALLOT FORUM: Experts spar over 2024 propositions and election impacts
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.
Opinion
Enough is enough: one Democrat’s take on homeless encampments
West Hollywood Homelessness Wild Tents Camp. Image by welcomiaOPINION – The problem of homeless encampments is completely out of control, and so I applaud Gov. Gavin Newson’s recent strong executive action, seeking to compel local governments to deal with the intractable issue, particularly now that the U.S. Supreme Court has given the legal green light to do so.
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.
Opinion
Getting offshore wind right means investing in science
Offshore wind farm at sunset. Image by Bjoern WylezichOPINION – With a recent vote by the California Public Utilities Commission to authorize purchase of up to 7.6 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, California is increasingly committed to a plan to pursue renewable energy offshore. The success of this endeavor hinges on a robust scientific understanding of the technology’s potential impacts.