blog post Voters’ Views on November’s Propositions By Mark Baldassare Oct 26, 2022 As we near the midterm election, voters’ attitudes toward key statewide ballot measures, as well as toward potential reforms to the initiative process, suggest that California’s system of direct democracy remains a work in progress.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Sep 14, 2022 Our latest statewide survey finds that Prop 1 (abortion rights) and Prop 30 (emissions reduction) have majority support, while about one-third approve of Prop 27 (online sports gambling).
blog post Abortion Rights Are Number One for Californians this November By Mark Baldassare Sep 14, 2022 A strong majority of likely voters favor Proposition 1, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Still, Californians’ attitudes toward abortion are more nuanced than might be expected, even in a solidly pro-choice state.
Report Storing Water for the Environment By Sarah Null, Jeffrey Mount, Brian Gray, Kristen Dybala ... Aug 22, 2022 Large reservoirs are essential for managing water in California’s highly variable climate—but over the years, the construction and operation of these reservoirs have had significant environmental costs. Our new research outlines how reservoir operations could be changed to improve the health of the state’s fragile freshwater ecosystems.
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 Californians Want Recall Reforms on the 2022 Ballot By Mark Baldassare Mar 24, 2022 Nearly six in ten likely voters, including about half or more across partisan groups and regions, want the electorate to weigh in on proposed recall reforms this year.
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.
Report Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), its urban utilities face unique challenges. Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
blog post Video: Californians and Their Government By Stephanie Barton Oct 28, 2020 PPIC’s Rachel Lawler and Mark Baldassare discuss a new statewide survey that examines Californians’ views on the top issues facing the state, key November ballot measures, and the presidential election.
blog post Video: Assessing Proposition 15 By Mary Severance Sep 30, 2020 David Goldberg of the California Teachers Association and Rachel Michelin of the California Retailers Association discuss arguments for and against a November ballot measure that would change tax assessment of commercial and industrial property, resulting in a “split roll” property tax.
