Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Sep 18, 2024 Key findings of the survey include: Seven in ten likely voters favor Proposition 36, which would increase penalties for some theft and drug crimes. Six in ten likely voters would vote for Harris/Walz if the presidential election were held today, while 29% would vote for Trump/Vance. Democrats lead in likely voter preferences for US House candidates, and 52% of likely voters are more enthusiastic than usual about voting in this year’s congressional races.
blog post California Continues to Prioritize Water and Climate Programs Despite Budget Cuts By Gokce Sencan Sep 3, 2024 Historic budget surpluses in 2021 and 2022 allowed the Newsom administration to invest $16.3 billion in water and climate projects. Decreased tax revenues in the last two years have necessitated significant budget cuts, however—check out our detailed look at what’s changed.
Report Learning from CalFresh Pandemic Boosts By Tess Thorman, Patricia Malagon, Caroline Danielson Aug 26, 2024 Emergency allotments increased CalFresh benefits during the pandemic, although the lowest-income households did not see an initial boost. Examining how this pandemic aid affected household resources, work decisions, and participant retention can offer insights into crafting a CalFresh response for the next economic downturn—and improving the program in the near term.
Report Pathways to College Completion in the San Joaquin Valley By Hans Johnson, Olga Rodriguez, Cesar Alesi Perez, Marisol Cuellar Mejia Aug 14, 2024 California’s San Joaquin Valley has the lowest college enrollment and completion rates in the state. Yet with its youthful, diverse, growing population; expanding economy; and robust regional networks, dramatic improvements are possible. A new report details how institutions, educators, and policymakers can build on current college-going pathways.
Fact Sheet Public Health Insurance in California By Shalini Mustala, Paulette Cha Jul 29, 2024 Medi-Cal and Medicare are cornerstones of public health insurance in California. Medi-Cal is a state-federal partnership that provides comprehensive coverage to about four in ten Californians, while Medicare is a federal program that covers millions of older and disabled Californians.
blog post How Has the Medi-Cal Program Changed over the Past Three Decades? By Shannon McConville, Paulette Cha Jul 23, 2024 As part of an ongoing series commemorating PPIC's 30th anniversary, research fellows Paulette Cha and Shannon McConville discuss how Medi-Cal—California's Medicaid program—has changed and expanded since the early 1990s. One-third of current Medi-Cal enrollees are adults who gained program eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act.
blog post Rethinking Stormwater—From Waste to Treasure By Sarah Bardeen Jul 22, 2024 Unmanaged stormwater can be a flood hazard and a contaminant, but when it’s properly managed, it actually can benefit communities by creating green spaces and recharging aquifers. We spoke with CASQA’s Karen Cowan to learn more about this underappreciated resource.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Jul 17, 2024 Key findings from the survey include: Californians name climate change, wildfires, and water supply as the top environmental issues. Nearly half of Californians are very concerned about home insurance costs rising due to climate risks. About two in three Californians are unprepared for a disaster. A majority of likely voters favor a $10 billion bond for climate resiliency projects.
blog post Video: How Community Colleges Spent Pandemic Relief Funds and What’s Next By Stephanie Barton Jul 15, 2024 The federal government provided significant funding—including almost $25 billion for community colleges—to help higher education institutions and students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from the Community College Research Center and PPIC, along with an expert panel, discuss how community colleges used this support and how these institutions are adapting as these emergency funds expire.
Report California Prison Programs and Reentry Pathways By Heather Harris, Brandon Martin, Sean Cremin Jun 26, 2024 In recent years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has expanded programs that support community reintegration. But participation has been low. A new report details the rehabilitative needs of people in prison, CDCR efforts to expand programs to meet those needs, and factors that may affect participation.
