Topic: Public Policy Institute of California

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Will Californians trust Jerry Brown enough to vote for his tax increase?

After outlining drastic cuts Monday, Gov. Jerry Brown pleaded with California voters to approve a temporary sales-tax increase. Some experts, but not all, think he can get it through.
Jerry Brown proposes billions in cuts. Are Californians getting his message?

With California's budget shortfall soaring, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) proposes broad, painful cuts for state workers and programs. Without new taxes, he warns voters, the cuts will be even worse.
How new redistricting maps could reshape California politics

California handed redistricting to a nonpartisan commission to help break the state's chronic gridlock. The new political maps, it is becoming apparent, could do more than that.
Did California just take a big step toward political sanity?

California's gerrymandered political districts have been a primary cause of the state's partisan gridlock, experts say. New, nonpartisan redistricting maps released Friday could help.
California budget: A sign that the Golden State is finally on the right track?

Several voter-approved propositions helped resolve the typical California budget dysfunction this year. With new reforms, a new budget, and fix-it Gov. Jerry Brown, the future of the Golden State could be brightening.
Jerry Brown's State of the State: Whom does he need to impress most?

In his State of the State address Monday, Jerry Brown needs to persuade undecided Californians and at least five Republican legislators that his tax-and-cut budget plan is the right one.
For California Republicans, was Election 2010 debacle a wakeup call?

No Republicans were elected to statewide office in California despite strong gains for Republicans elsewhere. One reason: Republicans ran afoul of the Latino vote in Election 2010.
In all-blue California election results, lessons for Democratic Party

In the face of a GOP juggernaut across much of the US, Golden State voters opted for Democrats in major statewide races. California election results are not just an anomaly, analysts there say.
Measure to legalize marijuana trails in California, if polls are right

California's Proposition 19, which would legalize marijuana use for adults, is trailing 51 percent to 39 percent, a poll released Friday shows. But some say polling on this issue may be problematic.
In California midterm election's tight races, voter turnout is key

Voter turnout will be especially important for Democrats in the midterm elections. The higher the overall turnout, the more likely Democrats will benefit. Both parties are appealing energetically to independents and the undecided.
Marijuana legalization: Prop 19 in California starved for cash

Proposition 19, the California ballot measure to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation for adults has raised $2.1 million. Most of the money is from one donor: Richard Lee, a medical marijuana entrepreneur.
Meg Whitman spends big in California but still trails Brown

Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman has spent $104 million on her California gubernatorial bid but trails Jerry Brown by three points. Will she be the next wealthy politician to fail at the polls?
California Republicans set out to woo Latino voters

California Republicans have rejected the idea of a tough immigration law like Arizona's and are reaching out to Latino voters. But they'll be carrying a lot of baggage on that uphill climb.
Proposition 8: federal judge overturns California gay marriage ban

Proposition 8, the 2008 California ban on gay marriage, is unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. Supporters of Proposition 8 say they will appeal the decision.
Obama helps Sen. Barbara Boxer build war chest for reelection fight

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) of California is battling an anti-incumbent mood, tough economic times, and her image as the quintessential California liberal. President Obama is raising funds.
California panel proposes tax overhaul

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for a special legislative session to consider reforms that include a new business tax and ending the state sales tax.
California targets budget-busting tax code

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to call for a special legislative session to consider a new tax reform plan. But the overhaul faces skepticism.
Good stuff, cheap. Cash-strapped Calif. holds a garage sale.

Governor Schwarzenegger hopes to raise $1 million. But the state is $26 billion in the red, and the fire sale probably won't help his flagging popularity either.
California's budget drama intensifies

Gov. Schwarzenegger stakes his political legacy on fiscal reform without tax hikes.
California, once a dream state, strives to get back its groove

As it has slid, the state's citizens have begun to focus on its core dysfunctions.
It wasn't pretty, but California extracts a budget deal

A political logjam broke Thursday, with a GOP senator's vote to swallow some tax hikes in return for support for election reform.
California budget impasse: not over 'til it's over

Schwarzenegger vows to veto the deal lawmakers approved Tuesday, extending the longest fiscal standoff in state history.
A bold fix for California's budget impasse

Fed up with another late budget, a business group proposes a state constitutional convention.
Housing crisis hits exurbs hard

Home values have fallen 43 percent in Victorville, Calif., but the city has rebounded from previous slumps.
The spread of bans on driving while texting

Legislatures in at least 14 states are considering restrictions on drivers tapping out text messages. Four states already have bans.