Posts From James Poulos
Back to homepageSacramento Democrats propose single-payer health care in California
Sacramento Democrats have centered attention around a shot at universal health care for all Golden State residents. “In a surprise move made in response to President Donald Trump’s push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, two California lawmakers
Read MoreDeferral of federal funds casts fresh doubt on California high-speed rail
The new administration in Washington, D.C., has added another hurdle to California’s already difficult road to high-speed rail. Drawing fire from Democrats and cheers from Republicans, the Department of Transportation “has deferred a decision on a $647-million grant that
Read MoreBridge woes compound California infrastructure troubles
Dams aren’t the only part of California infrastructure on the hot seat. Following a big-ticket Sacramento request for federal building funds, a new report has concluded that the number of state bridges in dangerously inadequate condition reaches into the
Read MoreRepublican state Sen. Nguyen silenced by Democratic lawmakers
In an unusual scene playing against type for California’s legislative Democrats, a party leader in the state Senate ordered sergeants to remove his Republican colleague state Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Garden Grove. Interrupting Nguyen’s remarks on the late Tom Hayden, state Sen.
Read MoreCalifornia Democrats spend significant campaign cash fighting each other because of Prop. 14
New figures on the November 2016 election cycle showed that Golden State Democrats continued to shell out substantial sums to compete with one another for elective office. Numbers taken from the California Secretary of State, and verified with Cal-Access campaign records, illustrate how
Read MoreCongress could nix California retirement program
The House of Representatives voted to axe California’s planned retirement savings program, throwing the future of it and similar efforts around the country into serious doubt. “Despite a plea from California Gov. Jerry Brown, the state’s GOP representatives voted
Read MoreCalifornia sees new ICE raids and immigration arrests
New Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have rolled out across Southern California, roiling state officials and triggering rumors of broader actions. But though the Trump administration has focused on expanding the scope and strength of enforcement, the current raids trace back
Read MoreGoogle takes lead on California driverless cars
As Silicon Valley rushes to stake out a lead in what’s hoped to be a robust market for driverless cars, the company spun off of Google has established a clear lead — perhaps giving the competition a reason to consider focusing
Read MoreExtra electricity, but no price relief
Fueled by a dated system that does not always respond to market incentives or pressure, costs and surpluses of energy have both grown in California, raising pointed questions about what residents should expect from rates and regulations alike. “California has a
Read MoreCalifornia “donor state” status a political football
Some Californians have long complained of their state’s status as a so-called “donor state” — one that sends more money to Washington than it receives. But as political tensions with the White House have heated up, and some federal funding
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