Posts Tagged: participate

The census: ‘Don’t let anyone count you out’

The 2020 census form, international edition. (Photo: Tada Images, via Shutterstock)

by LISA RENNER posted 03.11.2020

Amid the piles of bills and other notices in the mail, a special invitation to complete the national census is coming to Californians beginning this week. The census, which happens once every 10 years, is a mammoth effort to get a snapshot of who is living here as of April 1. The results will be used to determine everything from Congressional representation to federal funding for health, education, child care and transportation.

New administration should focus on consumer protection

An illustration depicting the law and consumer protection. (Image: create jobs 51, via Shutterstock)

by SHARON VELASQUEZ posted 10.09.2018

OPINION: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, California today ranks as the 5th largest economy in the world, surpassing the United Kingdom. To flourish, great economies like California’s need consumer protections and oversight of financial markets. California has one single state agency charged with both, the Department of Business Oversight. 

Influencing lawmakers: A primer on special interests’ muscle

State Capitol, Sacramento. (Photo: Wikimedia)

by By CHRIS MICHELI and TOM NUSSBAUM posted 03.12.2015

ANALYSIS: When we think of “special interests,” we most often associate them with lobbying legislators. However, interest groups not only actively lobby in the legislative arena, but also they are active in efforts to influence state agencies and their regulatory activities. These interest groups vary depending on the role and function of the particular state agency.

OPINION: The new version would impose a costly scheme to redefine community benefit standards at California’s not-for-profit hospitals, limiting consumer access to special health care services through neighborhood programs.