July 2016 | CalWatchdog.com

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Four things to watch for in the Legislature in August

August is sure to be a busy month in Sacramento, as legislators fight to get their priorities passed before the legislative session ends on August 31. While a large number of bills will be debated, there are four things to watch

CalWatchdog Morning Read – July 29

CalWatchdog Staff July 29, 2016

CalSTRS v. Volkswagen Congressional candidate issuing terrorist-hunting permits What you need to know about the vaccine law Earned Income Tax Credit misses estimates Many voters skipping Senate race Good morning! The legislative summer recess is coming to an end, so

Bill threatens religious freedom, critics say

Hannah Niemeier July 28, 2016

Robert Lauten didn’t come waving a neon sign, but his grievances with Senate Bill 1146 were highlighted in bright yellow. His red pen and marked-up copy stood out as he and fellow protester Mike McGetrick reached the sixth floor of

Survey: Californians support state’s environmental laws, could do more

Hannah Niemeier July 27, 2016

Californians think the state could do more and spend more to clean up the environment, according to a new poll. According to a Public Policy Institute of California poll released Wednesday, a majority of Californians support government efforts to improve the

Gov. Brown vetoes bill easing special election burdens on counties, voters

Matt Fleming July 27, 2016

Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill on Monday that would have allowed him and his successors to cancel a special election if there is only one candidate. Brown was concerned that while there may be only one candidate officially running,

CalWatchdog Morning Read – July 26

CalWatchdog Staff July 26, 2016

Women stand to make only modest gains in Legislature in November Gavin Newsom has habit of plagiarism Housing solution: Building units in back yards? Local governments to further restrict new development “Where did California’s savings from reducing drug penalties go?”

Women poised for modest gains in legislative races

Matt Fleming July 26, 2016

Women make up more than half of California’s population, but only about one-fourth of the Legislature. And in November, that’s unlikely to change too much, according to a CalWatchdog analysis. While an October surprise, outside factor or just particularly good

Why CTA is spending millions to pass Prop. 55

Chris Reed July 25, 2016

California voters face a daunting challenge in November in that they’ll be asked to become familiar with a stunning 17 ballot measures. Some consultants fear that this will overwhelm many voters, who will choose either to vote no on everything

State Controller fined for disclosure violations from 2014

Matt Fleming July 22, 2016

State Controller Betty Yee was fined $2,082 on Thursday by the state’s campaign ethics watchdog for violations during her 2014 run for office. The Fair Political Practices Commission found that in seven instances Yee’s state controller campaign did not file

Lawmakers perpetuate “system-is-rigged” narrative by honoring family members with awards, critics say

Matt Fleming July 21, 2016

At a time when voters are increasingly convinced the system is rigged, some state legislators are making that perception worse by giving district-wide awards to their family members, critics say. While it’s not uncommon for legislators to participate in award ceremonies recognizing