Posted on April 10th, 2009 — in Public Finance :: State Budget :: Taxes
Looking at trends in employment, income, consumer spending, and housing, California Forward predicts that the state’s budget crisis will be longer and more difficult than generally anticipated. Forecasting a drop of 11% over the next two years in the state’s three major revenue sources (sales and use taxes, income taxes, and corporate taxes), the authors argue that more serious, systemic reforms are necessary to prevent further fiscal turbulence.
Posted on April 10th, 2009 — in Ballot Measures :: Elections and Voting
Since 1973, six statewide special elections have been called (three of them since 2003). The Public Policy Institute of California looks at the issues, voter turnout and final results for each.
Posted on April 8th, 2009 — in Politics
Water shortages, a longer forest fire season, and significant cropland loss could be in store for California as the climate warms in the coming decades, according to a new report. The Climate Action Team Report examines the impact of global warming on California’s public health,
infrastructure, and natural resources — and warns that “severe and costly climate impacts are possible and likely across California” if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed.
Posted on April 1st, 2009 — in Public Finance :: State Budget
The record setting budget stalemate of 2008 has revived the debate over requiring the budget to pass with two-thirds legislative majority. Public Policy Institute of California looks at this and other fiscal policy restrictions, finding that California ranks first among states in the number and types of constraints it places on taxing and spending.
Posted on April 1st, 2009 — in Governor :: Public Finance :: State Budget
As legislators grapple with the state’s current fiscal crisis, Adam Summers’ report looks back at the policy decisions that led to this point. Analyzing the budgets and spending patterns of previous three governors, he asserts that excessive spending (not lack of revenue) is to blame for the state’s historic budget deficit, and makes recommendations for reform.
Posted on April 1st, 2009 — in Ballot Measures :: Elections and Voting :: State Budget
Proposition 1A would make significant changes to the size of the state’s reserve (“rainy day”) fund, and place new restrictions on its use. The California Budget Project examines the proposition’s complex formulas, and describes its potential impact on state budgeting practice and existing state programs.