Matt Fleming, Author at CalWatchdog.com

Posts From Matt Fleming

Matt Fleming

How to run a ballot initiative campaign

The ballot measure process is simple, right? One citizen has a great idea about how to change our state. He or she gets a bunch of signatures, oodles of volunteers help out and BAM, the measure passes, democracy is served, and

Brown unveils governors’ energy accord

Matt Fleming February 16, 2016

Gov. Jerry Brown announced on Tuesday that California joined a bipartisan, multi-state coalition promoting energy efficiency. Brown has long pursued environmental policies — like an executive order last year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or entering a global pact to curb the

Kamala Harris not likely to be Supreme Court nominee

Matt Fleming February 16, 2016

While Kamala Harris has a good shot at becoming the next U.S. senator from California, she has little shot of becoming the next Supreme Court nominee, despite multiple media outlets floating her name as a possibility. Harris, California’s Democratic attorney

Melendez: Cruz Overreacted Regarding Soft-Core Porn Actress

Matt Fleming February 16, 2016

Asm. Melissa Melendez said Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz overreacted last week when he pulled an advertisement that unknowingly featured an actress who had been featured in multiple soft-core porn movies. Although Amy Lindsay, the actress, has appeared in a long

Legislators Steer Clear of Super Bowl

Matt Fleming February 12, 2016

Though just over 100 miles from the Capitol, state legislators showed no love for Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, at least not in person, likely an indictment of exorbitant ticket prices and an acknowledgement of ethics rules barring tickets

Popular vote by 2020?

Matt Fleming February 11, 2016

Though it means nothing for 2016, the 2020 presidential election may be decided by popular vote — or at least that’s the timeline given by one of the main proponents. As it stands now, there really is no national election for

June ballot measure “orphaned,” but poised to pass

Matt Fleming February 10, 2016

While dozens of measures are vying to make it on the November general election ballot, one proposal is ready for the June primary — even though no one is campaigning for or against it. Proposition 50 is a constitutional amendment empowering legislators to

Chavez drops Senate campaign, recommits to Assembly

Matt Fleming February 9, 2016

In dramatic fashion, Assemblyman Rocky Chavez announced Monday he was suspending his campaign to replace the retiring Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer while at a debate for that seat. “I think the best role I can fill for the Republican Party and

LAO: Teacher pension fund too risky and complex

Matt Fleming February 5, 2016

Policy analysts are calling on state lawmakers to simplify the way the teachers’ pension fund gets funded — to improve oversight and to avoid the state being left in a lurch. According to the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, the “subjective” funding

Minimum wage divides experts

Matt Fleming February 3, 2016

Voters will likely decide on the November ballot whether or not to raise California’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, even though experts are still divided on the issue. There will be plenty of anecdotes in between now and November