Report Understanding the Effects of School Funding By Julien Lafortune May 18, 2022 Funding for California’s K–12 public schools has reached record highs, but gaps in student outcomes remain. Understanding the benefits of additional funds, and how to distribute those funds, are key concerns for policymakers. This report offers insights from a robust body of research on the extent to which higher spending improves outcomes.
blog post Reengaging Citizens in the Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare May 11, 2022 California’s initiative process generally receives favorable reviews from voters, but overwhelming majorities across partisan groups say that at least some changes are needed.
Report Health Care Access among California’s Farmworkers By Paulette Cha Apr 25, 2022 Farmworkers are a key link in the food supply chain and important contributors to California’s economy. As farmworkers age, their health care needs are changing—and cost and lack of insurance are often barriers to care. While recent state and federal policies have made insurance more accessible, not all policies improved coverage among farmworkers.
blog post Video: COVID in California—What Have We Learned about the Economy? By Vicki Hsieh Apr 1, 2022 California State Controller Betty T. Yee talks with PPIC’s Lande Ajose about the key economic lessons learned from the pandemic and how the state can chart a path forward.
Report Equitable State Funding for School Facilities By Julien Lafortune, Niu Gao Mar 14, 2022 Most funding for California’s K–12 facilities comes from local tax revenues, which depend on property wealth. State funding could potentially address wealth disparities, but it has disproportionately benefited more-affluent districts. Policymakers should prioritize equity in facility funding so that all students have access to safe and effective learning environments.
blog post Video: Equity in Voter Turnout after Pandemic Election Changes By Stephanie Barton Mar 11, 2022 PPIC researcher Eric McGhee presents new research on changes California made to voting options in light of COVID-19, and an expert panel discusses the impact of these changes on the state’s electorate.
blog post Could Solar Development Advance Groundwater Sustainability in the San Joaquin Valley? By Andrew Ayres, Curtis Seymour Feb 4, 2022 The San Joaquin Valley is facing a monumental shift in land use over the next two decades. Promoting solar expansion on fallowed farmland could support the state’s clean energy goals—while easing the economic pain of transitioning land away from agriculture under SGMA.
blog post Testimony: Californians’ Views on Recall Reforms and the 2022 Election By Mark Baldassare Feb 1, 2022 PPIC president and CEO Mark Baldassare presents legislative testimony on how Californians view recall process changes that could appear on the 2022 ballot.
blog post Delivering on an Equitable Recovery for Californians By Sarah Bohn, Shannon McConville, Daniel Payares-Montoya Jan 27, 2022 California has created a $600-million program to distribute certain federal recovery resources to 13 regions statewide, an effort to address the varying economic challenges across the state.
blog post A Shrinking River Inspires Growing Collaboration By Sarah Bardeen Jan 24, 2022 The Colorado River’s water level is dwindling. Water users are rallying to make cutbacks in a nearly unprecedented show of collaboration. But with major negotiations on the future of the river looming, will it be enough?
