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Gas tax recall effort for Josh Newman grows

Perceived as the most vulnerable of the legislative Democrats who passed Gov. Jerry Brown’s gas and vehicle tax package by a razor-thin margin, freshman state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, faced an intensifying campaign to turn him out of office, potentially

Push begins to overturn new California gas tax

James Poulos May 15, 2017

A fresh effort has been launched to reverse Gov. Jerry Brown’s fuel and vehicle tax deal, passed narrowly in Sacramento on the strength of a series of sharply criticized side deals. “Only one Republican – state Sen. Anthony Cannella – voted in favor

Credit industry circles California pot banking

James Poulos April 28, 2017

As Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration turns toward tidying up California’s complex and still-unsettled marijuana laws, the massive market for money made from the plant’s products has begun to attract attention from financial services companies that want to take advantage without

Brown gets new gas tax through

James Poulos April 10, 2017

At the end of a tumultuous road, a wheeling and dealing Gov. Jerry Brown secured passage of a high-stakes new gas tax raising over $50 billion in ten years. “The California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1 on Thursday night, raising

California seeks fourth federal disaster declaration

James Poulos March 29, 2017

Still reeling from a wild weather season, California chalked up a fourth request for federal disaster aid, as Gov. Jerry Brown lodged the request en route to Washington earlier this month. “Putting the price tag of California’s brutal winter storms at $569

California budget may hit tax rebate threshold

James Poulos March 25, 2017

The saga of Gov. Jerry Brown’s budgetary labors has taken an unexpected twist, potentially triggering an all-but-forgotten provision designed to funnel money back to taxpayers. In 1979, taxpayer advocate Paul Gann spearheaded a ballot measure designed to place a curb

Deferral of federal funds casts fresh doubt on California high-speed rail

James Poulos March 1, 2017

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

Bridge woes compound California infrastructure troubles

James Poulos February 26, 2017

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

Congress could nix California retirement program

James Poulos February 23, 2017

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

Wet winter upends California water politics

James Poulos February 8, 2017

Drought-busting levels of rain and snow have put pressure to lift emergency restrictions on usage, but California regulators declined to ease up on the longstanding curbs. “Amid the ongoing succession of storms, water managers up and down the state are urging regulators