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Sen. Feinstein moves toward compromise on drought legislation

Crises commonly produce compromise. That seems to be happening in the U.S. Congress with solutions to California’s drought. In particular, Sen. Dianne Feinstein appears to be moving away from her San Joaquin River Restoration Act of 2009, which was a

Art Laffer: It’s pretty cool that Democrats know we need lower tax rates

CalWatchdog Staff March 11, 2014

Art Laffer discusses bipartisan tax reform with lower rates and a flatter base.

CA Republicans seek return to Reagan Blue

John March 11, 2014

At this weekend’s state party convention at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, a group of influential California Republicans has an odd request for delegates: help turn California blue. “Around the globe, blue is identified with conservative, free market parties,

State Convention: Democrat Betty Yee calls out hypocrisy within her own party

John March 10, 2014

Betty Yee, who has developed a reputation as an honest and effective numbers-cruncher at the state tax board, delivered a stinging critique of her party Sunday at its annual convention. She said California Democrats have become disconnected from the party’s

CA Democrats mismanage campaign war-chests

John March 8, 2014

California Democrats converge on the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend for the party’s annual state convention. Although Democrats face two scandals involving members of the state Senate, the party is well positioned for the 2014 campaign cycle. The party

Green Bank Czar could oversee new state bureaucracy

Wayne Lusvardi March 7, 2014

In American political parlance, a “czar” is a government official put in charge of a project. For example, the head of the federal Drug Enforcement, currently Michele M. Leonhart, commonly is dubbed the “drug czar.” Now state Sen. Kevin

Amid Capitol’s gift extravagance, Gatto sets standard for ethics

John March 7, 2014

Mike Gatto’s life is an open book. Last January, his daughter, Evangelina, received a $50 gift certificate from a family friend. During the summer recess, he enjoyed dinner with a star of CSI: Miami. In October, one stock in his investment

CalWatchdog.com story spurs San Diego lawmakers to introduce bill

John March 6, 2014

Two San Diego legislators are calling on the federal government to end the practice of paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage. Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and State Sen. Ben Hueso have introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 36 to increase pressure on

Art Laffer: Stop taxing profits and neuter the IRS

CalWatchdog Staff March 5, 2014

Sen. Gaines is suing Covered California

Tori Richards March 4, 2014

Obamacare’s most vocal critic in the California Legislature has announced that he will be filing a lawsuit Wednesday against Covered California. Sen. Ted Gaines, R-El Dorado Hills, has recently sparred with Covered California’s director, Peter Lee, over accountability pertaining to the