Blog

Nov. 05, 2010

Election Night Scores: Reform - 5 Status Quo - 0

by Michael Binder

Of the five “reform” minded propositions on the ballot (20, 22, 25, 26 and 27), the “reform” team posted a W in all five races. Now that a few days have passed and the exhilaration (or exasperation) of Tuesday night is behind us, it’s time for a...

Oct. 28, 2010

What a Difference Two Years Makes

by Michael Binder

While the political pundits analyze bellwether congressional races and the president chats with Jon Stewart on the Daily Show about health care, reform in California just isn't what it used to be. Two years ago the country was excited about a...

Oct. 13, 2010

In Proposition 22, a Cautionary Tale of Piecemeal Reform

by Vladimir Kogan

This November, voters will be asked to consider yet another constitutional amendment to restrict state discretion over the use certain tax proceeds. Advocates for Proposition 22 argue the amendment is necessary to stop "state raids" on local...

Oct. 12, 2010

Let's get High on the Budget

by Michael Binder

As usual, California finds itself on the national stage during an election. This time it’s not because of our movie star gubernatorial candidate or 55 electoral votes, we are the lead story on CNN and MSNBC because of marijuana. Yup, good ol’ pot,...

Jun. 23, 2010

The Pale, Male Face of Reform

by Vladimir Kogan

Political reform has a storied -- and also troubling -- history in American politics. During the first half of the 20th century, "reform" organizations formed to take on party machines that dominated many large American cities, putting in place new...

Jun. 09, 2010

Election Roundup

by CA Choices Admin

While turnout for yesterday’s primary election was unfortunately low, government reform advocates can still celebrate the passage of Prop. 14, which will institute a top-two primary system in California. Props. 16 and 17, sponsored by PG&E and...

Jun. 07, 2010

Election Day is Here – Vote!

by CA Choices Admin

Today is Election Day and across the state California voters will make their choices in various races and ballot campaigns, including Propositions 14 and 15 which would change voting and campaigns in California. You can’t change California unless...

May. 27, 2010

Why is the California of Tomorrow Missing from the Constitutional Debate of Today?

by Thad Kousser

The voters who applied last month to redraw the state’s legislative districts look very different from the Californians who will live in them. While the demographic contrast between applicants for the new Citizens Redistricting Commission and the...

May. 26, 2010

Time for California to Ditch Its Ghosts

by Joe Mathews

Californians are governed by ghosts. Literally. That does not mean that the specter of Hiram Johnson flies through the Capitol, negotiating budget language and vetoing bills (though maybe that would be one possible explanation of how this happened...

May. 26, 2010

The Spirit of 1993?

by Vladimir Kogan

(a) California's budget process has become crippled by a complex entanglement of constraints that interfere with an orderly and comprehensive consideration of all fiscal matters. ... (b) The legislative process has at times become mired in gridlock...