Policy Brief Policy Brief: Employment Before, During, and After Prison in California By Heather Harris, Mary Severance Jun 15, 2026 An examination of key aspects of employment among Californians with prison histories indicates that people released from prison before the pandemic struggled to find work. It also points to policies that could promote employment among this population.
Report Employment Before, During, and After Prison in California By Heather Harris Jun 15, 2026 Broadening access to the labor market among released prisoners has long been a policy goal, but research in this area has been limited. This report looks at employment histories of Californians recently released from prison and finds that they have struggled to find work. Our findings also point to policies that could promote employment among this population.
blog post How Election Reform Played Out in California’s June Primary By Eric McGhee, Mark Baldassare Jun 11, 2026 The recent California primary tested the top-two approach and the state’s Prop 50 redistricting plan, passed by voters last fall.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas May 27, 2026 Key findings of the survey include: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton lead in the top-two gubernatorial primary. A majority of likely voters support a one-time tax on billionaires, while they are split on setting new voter ID requirements. Majorities say that higher gas prices have affected their financial situation and that military actions in Iran will hurt their finances.
blog post California Voters and the Top-Two Primary By Mark Baldassare, Eric McGhee May 20, 2026 Why does California have a top-two primary system, what do voters think of it, and why is this year’s election season so important to its future?
Fact Sheet California’s Nutrition Safety Net By Tess Thorman, Patricia Malagon May 13, 2026 More than 15 programs help millions of Californians access nutritious food. The three largest programs provide monthly grocery money to low-income families, healthy food and support to low-income caregivers and young children, and free meals to public school students.
Fact Sheet California’s Economy By Daniel Payares-Montoya, Sarah Bohn May 11, 2026 California is an economic powerhouse. Long-term growth has been driven by technology, but real estate, finance, and manufacturing play a large role in the state’s GDP. While strong job and business growth fuel the economy, conditions vary widely across regions—and are subject to global and national forces.
