Report Fiscal Effects of Voter Approval Requirements on Local Governments By Pedro Cerdan, Kim Rueben Jan 27, 2003 This report investigates the ways local governments in California have used the ballot box to raise taxes, assess fees, and pass bond measures. It notes sharp increases in school bond proposals, especially after 2000, when Proposition 39 lowered the voter approval threshold from two-thirds to 55 percent. It also shows how voter reaction to fiscal measures varies according to region, election timing, the type of measure proposed, and the service to be funded. Finally, it suggests that dedicated taxes for popular programs are more likely to garner voter support than a general tax, despite the fact that special taxes require a supermajority for approval. It also notes, however, that this approach may leave some traditional government services, such as libraries and parks, with inadequate funding.
Report Setting the Stage for Universal Preschool By Laura Hill, Emmanuel Prunty May 9, 2022 As the state expands its Transitional Kindergarten program, one key issue is whether access will be equitable. While the current program serves many Dual Language Learners and Latino children, some other student groups appear underenrolled. Ensuring that all elementary schools and districts offer the program is critical to improve access going forward.
Report Business Without Borders? The Globalization of the California Economy By Howard J. Shatz Jun 17, 2003 State policymakers have long focused on boosting California exports and attracting foreign companies, but global economic integration is likely to provide new challenges and opportunities. This report describes California’s global exposure with special emphasis on goods and services trade, foreign direct investment, and port activity. It finds that the California economy does not differ markedly from the rest of the United States in some standard measures of economic globalization, but that California firms are at the leading edge of several emergent trends. Compared to the rest of the United States, California exports more services and manufactured goods, and its ports ship more exports by air than by land or sea. Also, California manufacturers are more likely to use production sharing than other U.S. firms.
press release Special Survey of the Central Valley: Air Pollution Angst Settles Over Central Valley Apr 30, 2003
blog post The Role of Community Colleges in Supporting Mental Health By Olga Rodriguez Jun 17, 2020 With two-thirds of California community college students reporting higher levels of mental distress during the pandemic, colleges can play a central role in providing counseling, financial assistance, and other support.
blog post Storms, Floods, and COVID-19 Have Worsened Long-standing Farmworker Housing Challenges By Paulette Cha Apr 12, 2023 High housing costs in California have long been a major challenge, especially for low-income residents. Recent crises have added to the housing woes facing California farmworkers.
Report English as a Second Language at California’s Community Colleges By Olga Rodriguez, Laura Hill, Daniel Payares-Montoya Nov 28, 2022 Colleges began implementing reforms aimed at improving English as a Second Language pathways in fall 2021—during a historic pandemic. We cannot yet disentangle the impact of reforms from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, but an analysis of early implementation finds that colleges have made significant progress.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Setting the Stage for Universal Preschool By Laura Hill, Emmanuel Prunty, Vicki Hsieh May 9, 2022 Ensuring equitable access to Transitional Kindergarten is key as California expands the program to include all four-year-olds.
blog post Severe COVID-19 Infections May Threaten California’s Prisons By Heather Harris Mar 27, 2020 California invests more than any other state in prisoners’ health. Still, living conditions that make social distancing difficult and other factors could make the state’s prison population especially susceptible to a coronavirus outbreak.
